WIFI connection problem

[stevethegreek]

A new Scroll Pocket owner here. Actually it's my second as the first went back due to failure to connect to wireless. Unfortunately, no change with the second.

It fails dismally to connect to my Draytek AP800 (using any of none/WEP/WPA/WPA2 security) access point, nor an Edimax EW-7811Un running in adhoc mode. It sees all the networks, but just won't connect.

It does however connect to my Android phone (Motorola Defy+ running Android 2.3.6) when that acts as a mobile hotspot and my Huawei e585 Mi-Fi device. Trouble is, neither of those connect it to my broadband connection.

I'm an experienced IT techie by trade, and to me it's clear that there is a fault with these devices. I'm not a wireless expert, but it seems that it's fussy about which wireless devices it talks to which is likely to be a chipset or driver issue. This is the only device that I've ever had wireless connectivity problems with.

For reference, my Pocket is running Android 4.0.4, Baseband 1.5, Kernel Scroll pocket@scroll pocket, Build number 66V1-R1-H1-H01-2479.20121117.

I've raised a ticket with Storage Options, so we'll see what happens, but if anyone has any ideas on what else I could test or try, I'm all ears.

[Trashcooky]

A new Scroll Pocket owner here. Actually it's my second as the first went back due to failure to connect to wireless. Unfortunately, no change with the second.

It fails dismally to connect to my Draytek AP800 (using any of none/WEP/WPA/WPA2 security) access point, nor an Edimax EW-7811Un running in adhoc mode. It sees all the networks, but just won't connect.

It does however connect to my Android phone (Motorola Defy+ running Android 2.3.6) when that acts as a mobile hotspot and my Huawei e585 Mi-Fi device. Trouble is, neither of those connect it to my broadband connection.

I'm an experienced IT techie by trade, and to me it's clear that there is a fault with these devices. I'm not a wireless expert, but it seems that it's fussy about which wireless devices it talks to which is likely to be a chipset or driver issue. This is the only device that I've ever had wireless connectivity problems with.

For reference, my Pocket is running Android 4.0.4, Baseband 1.5, Kernel Scroll pocket@scroll pocket, Build number 66V1-R1-H1-H01-2479.20121117.

I've raised a ticket with Storage Options, so we'll see what happens, but if anyone has any ideas on what else I could test or try, I'm all ears.

Sounds very odd - would like to hear how things turn out for you.

[BobC]

I doubt if you will ever get it to talk to the Edimax as AFAIK ad-hoc mode isn't supported by Android. I had a tablet that gave options for this type of network but would never let me connect.

The Draytek unit looks an interesting bit of kit - are you using it as a wireless repeater or is it LAN connected to your broadband router ?

BobC

[stevethegreek]

Shame about adhoc if that's true - it does show up in the SSID list and does allow you to attempt to connect.

The Draytek AP800 is a nice (if not cheap) access point. Main reason I got that one was for the multi-VLAN option to segregate traffic (guest, music streaming, phones, and 'real' computers - yes, I know, it's overkill!). It's hooked up to a 802.1q switch and then via a linux firewall to my broadband router.
The AP800 records all connected 'stations' and only my usual suspects are in its list, so it's as though the Pocket hasn't even bothered trying to connect.
No sign of any attempt to get an IP address when packet tracing on the firewall either.

[stevethegreek]

Update...

Just on the off chance, I switched the AP800 to 802.11g only rather than default 802.11b/g/n, and hey presto, it connects 802.11n only fails, so, my bet is that the scroll doesn't like talking 11n to my Draytek. Not sure if I can go back to 11g speeds permanently, so may just have to switch it temporarily whenever I need to patch/download stuff. It's only for our young daughter to play games/films so no real need for a permanent internet connection. A bit naff though

[tonylee5566]

reset to Factory setting .. going setting >> wireless >> wifi on >> setting wifi wireless >> have get a Wireless AP SSID ??

[stevethegreek]

Your post doesn't make much sense, but if you mean have I tried resetting to factory settings, then yes.

Do I see the SSIDs for the networks I want to connect to? Yes. I then enter the credentials, and rather than informing me that it's connected and it's trying to obtain an IP address, it simply says "Saved" together with the authentication type underneath the SSID. I don't have the device with me now, but can screenshot.

As mentioned in my last post, I can now get it to connect if I switch the AP to 11g only.

[BobC]

Update...

Just on the off chance, I switched the AP800 to 802.11g only rather than default 802.11b/g/n, and hey presto, it connects 802.11n only fails, so, my bet is that the scroll doesn't like talking 11n to my Draytek. Not sure if I can go back to 11g speeds permanently, so may just have to switch it temporarily whenever I need to patch/download stuff.(

Glad you have found a solution. Now they have "spoken" perhaps, as you mentioned, you might be able to open up the AP800 to b/g/n. Although I have b/g/n set up on my AP I note the options are n only (40Mb), b/g, and b/g/n. I've never seen it connect using the bonded channels that it needs for 40Mb so assume that the tablet (Android JB) can't deal with the 40Mb option.

How cluttered is the wireless spectrum where you are - are both channels needed for 40Mb clear ? Have you used either InSSIDer or Wi-Fi analyser on the Pocket to survey the local spectrum ?

BobC

[stevethegreek]

I did try switching back to b+g+n (and g+n) after success with g only, but no joy.

I've used InSSIDer on my laptop which led me to pick channel 11 - I can see the neighbours WiFi either side are on 1 and 6. The AP800 has picked 7 as its second channel, but TBH, I doubt that anything makes the most of the second channel.

Finally, I received the following response from Storage Options - they've been very quick to respond:

In Regards to Ticket 207904
Thank you for coming back to technical support, unfortunately when this happens to the Scroll pocket, it cannot be fixed it's a hardware issue, not software or firmware related. You may use the ID number 207904, when you return your unit to your supplier.

Sorry I could not be more helpful
Bill

Regards, Storage Options Customer Services

Which is a shame

I will clarify with Bill whether this affects all models of Pocket.

At the cost it is though, I'll hang onto it, and use my workaround - there doesn't seem to be a remotely comparable device this side of £150.