Vodafone GPRS connection delay problem

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saltydog

6 posts

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#4302 29-Jun-2005 12:30

I have a problem using any GPRS conneted device from some areas in NZ. I have spoken to other people that have the same problem, and it is driving them nuts too.

The symptoms are simple - if a connection is not made to a server in about 6 seconds (POP3 or IMAP easy to see, becuase you se "loggin on"), then it takes exactly 3 minutes to connect.

Most users have given up by then, but I alwsy wait - and finally get a connection. It appears very common where there are multiple cell sites in range, and also at peak usage times.

Vodafone have addressed some areas, and it gets better, and may be fine for a week, and then back it comes. I've tried a wide range of devics - iMATE, HP iPAQ 6365, Connect Card, Bluetooth via mobile phone, Smartphone and they all suffer the same problem.

And it's not just mail servers.

Any ideas?

johnr

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#16134 29-Jun-2005 12:51

Sounds like I have heard this before. Do you work in the bottom of town (Auckland)

saltydog

6 posts

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#16163 30-Jun-2005 09:15

Yep - bottom of town was a problem, but Vodafone made some changes associated with the way the SIM had been set up, whichhas helped. I tested again last night, and I used a different SIM from a location that I had not used that SIM from recently - and I had the delay again. I can browse as soon ad the GPRS connection is up, but anything requiring authentication seems to experience the initial 3 minute delay. After the first connection, it seems to connect first time. Leave it a few days, and the problem comes back.

I'm doing some more tests with Vodafone today, so I'll update later. Any other clues, please post an update.

We need to see whether it is a device, software, network/location, server. time-of-day or user problem.

muppet

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#16220 1-Jul-2005 12:23

What APN are you connecting to? internet or www.vodafone.net.nz?
Have you tried connecting to the other?

Also, what happens if you dialup from a PC (using *99#), do the same sort of authenticating applications on your PC suffer the same problem? [Edit: I'm so stupid, you've just said as much in your post above. Sorry! See my post below]

Audiophiles are such twits! They buy such pointless stuff: Gold plated cables, $2000 power cords. Idiots.

OOOHHHH HYPERFIBRE!

muppet

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#16222 1-Jul-2005 12:27

Another thing to try if you have some networking experience is to use Ethereal (www.ethereal.com), dialup with your PC (if it is also suffering the same problem) and capture all communication packets.

If you want to do this and then email me the captured log file I can examine it for you, but if you're not sure what ethereal is or how it works this isn't such a good suggestion :)

Audiophiles are such twits! They buy such pointless stuff: Gold plated cables, $2000 power cords. Idiots.

OOOHHHH HYPERFIBRE!

saltydog

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#16223 1-Jul-2005 12:35

Hi muppet - that's really helpful - I'll check out Ethereal. All the other settings are correct, and Voda checked them too. A friend had the same problem last night with a TelstraClear IMAP connection - but it is hard to get it to perform when you are watching - so I don't know how long it will take me to get a log file. I'll check the mail sever log too (if I can make it misbehave). Voda are working on this too.

Cheers
sd

saltydog

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#16309 5-Jul-2005 14:21

Isn't that always the way - as soon as you complain about it, it starts to come right? At least Vodafone saw the problem with their own eyes. Other than the other user, I have not had a problem since. I suspect that using the service often has some bearing on the problem, as it is always after I have not used the mobile connection for about a week or I change the device that ir occurs.