Epic blocking data access to specific ports - Epic 4G General

Hello all, just trying to make others aware of the same issues I am having (and also to verify that I'm not simply doing something wrong, wrongfully blaming Samsung/Sprint)
I've been having issues with Skyfire playing Video over 4G/3G so I figured, ok, its a new phone, older app, I'm sure they'll update/fix it soon.
But Now I tried using Cherry Rplayer app via both 3g and 4g again and again, it won't work over either 3g or 4g, but works fine over wifi.
What gives? Are their restricted ports written into the network config of the phone over those 2 network adapters? Sprint gouges me into a more expensive plan AND charges me $10 a month extra for "Premium" data, but still continue to block major applications that people want to use?
Can anyone else shed some light on the source and/or solution to this issue?

Sprint does not block ports or any apps from working, might be issues with your phone or the programs you are trying to use. I have Skyfire on my Epic and it works flawless, there was a new updated version that just came out on the 1st of September, but even though it was working fine for me before the update. All my "internet/data" apps all work for me. Oh, what "network adapters" are you reffering to? Not to forget, the $10 premium data charge is for the amount of data your new 3g/4g phone uses, if you are in a 4g coverage area (new areas being added constantly), you really benefit from this as there is no data cap on 4g for the premium you are paying. I'm very sure the sales rep told you all this when you were getting the phone.

I have found that some radio apps don't behave right when 4g is enabled like streamfurious and i hedartradio, some other apps don't always behave right either
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

OniKyanAE86 said:
Sprint does not block ports or any apps from working, might be issues with your phone or the programs you are trying to use. I have Skyfire on my Epic and it works flawless, there was a new updated version that just came out on the 1st of September, but even though it was working fine for me before the update. All my "internet/data" apps all work for me. Oh, what "network adapters" are you reffering to? Not to forget, the $10 premium data charge is for the amount of data your new 3g/4g phone uses, if you are in a 4g coverage area (new areas being added constantly), you really benefit from this as there is no data cap on 4g for the premium you are paying. I'm very sure the sales rep told you all this when you were getting the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't trying to be argumentative on the issue, I am in fact in a 4G area and I'm well aware of the benefits and costs (especially coming from an old grandfathered plan) associated (although given the choice, I would have chose against it simply because I don't need to exceed the typical 1-2MBPs I get on 3G), and a cap is not an issue with 3G either. It comes down to speed alone, but I digress, I've made peace with it.
The "network adapters" I'm referring to is in reference to how they're referred to in Linux/Android. My hypothesis is that if sprint is not in fact blocking it on their network (and I don't believe they are, simply because I have the same issue on both 3G and 4G, where 4G is operated by clear and would be a different company that would have to block both services). I DO believe they have modified the phone's networking config in the phone itself in such a way to prevent those ports from being used on those 2 "interfaces" (the 4G radio and the 3G radio, each acting as an interface). The phone itself must have 4 such "interfaces" represented, one for each radio (3g, 4g, wifi, + bt) (plus any additional vpns). They will generally have either one config file per interface, or one config file with 4 sections to it dictating how it will be used (including ip address configs, interface parameters like wpa passwords, etc), as well as more network config files concerning network traffic permissions (where they would restrict port access) which can be specific to any/all interfaces. This is exactly the same as setting up a firewall in linux (blocking ports on your internet interface, but not your home lan interface), except it is blocking applications we WANT to work.
Also, can you please confirm for me that your skyfire works using the "video button" on the bottom left corner on both 3G and 4G? I ask because mine will work fine via wifi but not 3G or 4G. Again, I apologize if my post sounded like a rant, my only intent is to make others aware of a potential problem that needs fixing, or to discover that it is some other problem entirely which may or may not be my fault for doing something stupid or overlooking something.

compuw22c said:
I wasn't trying to be argumentative on the issue, I am in fact in a 4G area and I'm well aware of the benefits and costs (especially coming from an old grandfathered plan) associated (although given the choice, I would have chose against it simply because I don't need to exceed the typical 1-2MBPs I get on 3G), and a cap is not an issue with 3G either. It comes down to speed alone, but I digress, I've made peace with it.
The "network adapters" I'm referring to is in reference to how they're referred to in Linux/Android. My hypothesis is that if sprint is not in fact blocking it on their network (and I don't believe they are, simply because I have the same issue on both 3G and 4G, where 4G is operated by clear and would be a different company that would have to block both services). I DO believe they have modified the phone's networking config in the phone itself in such a way to prevent those ports from being used on those 2 "interfaces" (the 4G radio and the 3G radio, each acting as an interface). The phone itself must have 4 such "interfaces" represented, one for each radio (3g, 4g, wifi, + bt) (plus any additional vpns). They will generally have either one config file per interface, or one config file with 4 sections to it dictating how it will be used (including ip address configs, interface parameters like wpa passwords, etc), as well as more network config files concerning network traffic permissions (where they would restrict port access) which can be specific to any/all interfaces. This is exactly the same as setting up a firewall in linux (blocking ports on your internet interface, but not your home lan interface), except it is blocking applications we WANT to work.
Also, can you please confirm for me that your skyfire works using the "video button" on the bottom left corner on both 3G and 4G? I ask because mine will work fine via wifi but not 3G or 4G. Again, I apologize if my post sounded like a rant, my only intent is to make others aware of a potential problem that needs fixing, or to discover that it is some other problem entirely which may or may not be my fault for doing something stupid or overlooking something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Following...
(I like Skyfire too).

BBAHunter said:
Following...
(I like Skyfire too).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to see if it is in fact disabled for you as well? I'm trying to confirm that this is a universal issue and isn't say a conflict between 2 applications I've installed together. All info on this well help nailing down the cause. Thanks!

I downloaded and tried this using the video link at the bottom left over my 3G connection, and it works just fine for me. No issue getting anything to load whatsoever.
Sent from my Samsung Epic 4G

Malefickus said:
I downloaded and tried this using the video link at the bottom left over my 3G connection, and it works just fine for me. No issue getting anything to load whatsoever.
Sent from my Samsung Epic 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Bangs head against wall*
Oh well, I have to exchange mine for a different reason anyways (to get my 2 year discount instead of 1 year) so we'll see if the new one does it too...

Related

Tethering: Is there a way to avoid being detected by Big Red?

In my sig, you'll see my phone history. With Alltel, I paid a low flat rate for internet service that allowed tethering. Now that I have the Ozone, Verizon requires that I pay $30.00 a month for unlimited access through my phone. The moment I tether, Verizon recognizes it and requires I sign up for their Mobile Connect plan of 5GB access a month for an additional $30.00 a month.
That's $60.00 a month folks for a service I paid half for with Alltel.
Is their a way to circumvent detection? I'm a truck driver and the phone and computer are my only sources of entertainment while I am gone for weeks on the road. I really love hulu.com. But the limits that I am now restricted to makes it difficult to enjoy CHiPs (go Erik Estrada! lol...)
Seriously, I'm a Battlestar Galactica addict and I need my fix of sexy cylon ass. Any help would be awesome.
Try out
junefabrics.com PdaNet. Worked well with my Palm Treo 700wx as well as my Ozone.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how Verizon detects tethered traffic from handset traffic?
Its not so much that VZW can detect that you tether... its that they've locked down that option from your handset.(*)
I believe that on all VZW smart phones Internet Connection Sharing is either locked down or not even included in the phone's firmware. This means, from VZW's perspective, if a Cust wants to tether they need to get the Vzw Access software... so thats how they know and how they can charge you.
As mentioned in a previous post... pdanet does allow you to get around this. Its worked really well for me, although I've never gotten to Bluetooth tether to work :-(
(*) I have heard rumors that VZW has monitored traffic and has contacted customers who they suspected were tethering under the rationale that they were using too much bandwith w/ their smartphones. This is just second hand rumors though...
Use this and avoid the verizon tethering software.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4170499#post4170499
drewcam888 said:
Use this and avoid the verizon tethering software.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4170499#post4170499
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I am wrong... but, I looked through that thread and isnt that software package for Windows Pro?
The Willow(Snap/Ozone/3G) are all WinMo Standard. Also, I believe that before you can have a VZW phone like the snap broadcast as a WiFi spot it has to have ICS installed.
Sadly, I've tried to get ICS installed and have tried to get several different HotSpot programs to work an so far nothing has worked on my Ozone. If anyone has successfully done it and wants to share I would greatly appreciate it.
I thought there was also some number like *___ that you could dial when connected to the Maple as a usb/bluetooth modem as the dial in number that would let you access the data. I don't know if this would be detected.
Hate to say it but T-Mobile rocks. I tether all the time on 3G and no extra charges, 20.00 a month and I have unlimited data. Why anyone sticks with Verizon is beyond me... And dont give me the old coverage line, T-Mobile has grown a lot coverage wise and 3G will be nation wide by the end of the year. GSM is the only way to go
Bupahs said:
Hate to say it but T-Mobile rocks. I tether all the time on 3G and no extra charges, 20.00 a month and I have unlimited data. Why anyone sticks with Verizon is beyond me... And dont give me the old coverage line, T-Mobile has grown a lot coverage wise and 3G will be nation wide by the end of the year. GSM is the only way to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While T-Mobile has a great data plan, their calling plans are not great. I require national coverage due to where I travel. Alltelwas awesome, Verizon, not so much.
T-Mobile, Sprint, Alltel, and AT&T don't work locally at my house in appalachia, only Verizon. So, it just seemed the logical choice.
I wish Alltel stayed around.
jtraveler said:
While T-Mobile has a great data plan, their calling plans are not great. I require national coverage due to where I travel. Alltelwas awesome, Verizon, not so much.
T-Mobile, Sprint, Alltel, and AT&T don't work locally at my house in appalachia, only Verizon. So, it just seemed the logical choice.
I wish Alltel stayed around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When was the last time you checked T-Mobile coverage? I have friends that live on Brown Street in Appalachia, they use T-Mo.
This issue was my first to take care of. Use WMWifirouter. I use it all day, can teather via USB or Wireless. No additional charge.
mbardsley said:
This issue was my first to take care of. Use WMWifirouter. I use it all day, can teather via USB or Wireless. No additional charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple questions for you then...
Are you using the OZONE for VZW? And if so, where did you get Internet Connection Sharing since VZW removed it from the phone.
Thanks!
ICS is found here.
Download Here!
You may need to change some settings in ##778 before you connect. Here are some instructions I found on ppcgeeks.
Before you start using Internet Sharing, you need to go into EPST (##778 send) from the Phone Screen,
Choose Edit
Password= 000000,
Press View Info
Select M.IP Default Profile,
Edit DUN NAI and change it to [email protected] (this should match the above 'NAI' setting.)
Phone will reset. Now try using ICS. Should work fine.
I used the above method and was able to connect. wmwifirouter will connect to, so I may purchase that now.
Or just try that WMWifiRouter for free for a month, then buy it, no ICS, cool app.
jtraveler said:
WHOLE BUNCH OF GOOD INFO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet... thanks alot! I'll give it a shot and report back.
WhatsGoing on here
I cannot download the link to ICS that was posted above (I dont know if it is dead or what) I do havea copy of ICS that i was using on My 6800 but when i Install it on my Ozone it says that it was for a previous version of WinMo. and when i try to install WMWIFIRouter It simply says "Jorrit Jongma WMWifiRouter cannot be installed. Try installing again to a different location choose a location: " Device or Storage Card. and Neither one of them work please help
I know a lot of you out there are using windows pc's but there are a few of us using a mac, with my mac I was able to set up a bluetooth modem connection without changing any settings or buying any programs. When you pair your device (I use a verizon Ozone) it will allow you to use your internet connection. The settings are available in drop down menus and are as follows:
Phone Vendor: Generic
Phone Model: GPRS (GSM/3G)
Username: <blank>
Password: <blank>
APN: <blank>
CID: 1
then I chose to show modem status in the menu bar and it makes it very easy to connect from there.
After that you may need to go to network pref. then to bluetooth and under the default configuration put in a telephone number of #777 include the # sign.
I don't know if this will incur additional charges I just figured out how to do it, I'll update when my next bill comes.
I hope this helps mac users and maybe sheds some light on how a pc user could get their's to work
They work with Window Mobile... I was told that they have a contract with Window Mobile and Window Mobile would report all internet usages on all phone lines to Verizon.
Hi all,
Don't you thing tethering is simply detected from the user agent ?
When I had this type of problems in France, I used :
https://addons.mozilla.org/fr/firefox/addon/59/
This way, you can have you laptop to send the same uder agent as you Snap with, say, Opera mini.
Jalom said:
Hi all,
Don't you thing tethering is simply detected from the user agent ?
When I had this type of problems in France, I used :
https://addons.mozilla.org/fr/firefox/addon/59/
This way, you can have you laptop to send the same uder agent as you Snap with, say, Opera mini.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, as you could do it the other way around
Use IE User Agent on your smarthphone - pay as if you were tethering?
Correct me if I'm wrong, and sorry if I shouldn't be reviving this thread.

Replacement for Slide

I've had it with this piece of ****. I'm on my 3rd Slide and STILL have "Generic Network Failure"s when trying to send or receive MMS, get "Unable to send message, retrying" with 3 god damn bars of service when trying to send an SMS sometimes, lose my E and 3G data connection all the time even though T-Mo says I should get a good 3G connection. So, what is something comparable to this? Has to be Android. T-Mo wants to send me a Blackberry something or other, and I have no interest at all in that.
There gonna try to send you something comparable. What they think is comparable is whether or not you have a keyboard or not, not what OS your current phone has. If you complain enough you may be able to get a Vibrant but odds are against you. Threaten to leave and that may help.
Firsr and most importantly have you tried setting the phone to 3G only? Also Making sure you have the correct data plan (its slide specific not android..stupid tmo) and making sure no app or anything is messing with apns?
turboyo said:
Firsr and most importantly have you tried setting the phone to 3G only? Also Making sure you have the correct data plan (its slide specific not android..stupid tmo) and making sure no app or anything is messing with apns?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Que? There are different data plans? Yea, I've tried setting it to 3g only. The problem with that is I barely get a signal in my house. All the APNs are what they should be, none of those settings has changed. The odd part is on each of the phones, I have had my apps installed on day one, and the thing works fine for a couple of weeks, then I start having these problems out of the blue.
i started having issues a few weeks ago in my area, i had awesome data speeds when i connected, but 9/10 times i would get half of the page loaded and then it would hang which meant resetting my data connection or rebooting the phone or any number of other fixes. i have the advantage of working at a t-mo store and was able to pull up the map of my area and see that they were working on my tower at home and as of a few days ago my connection is 6-7mbps down and solid as hell, i used to go to bread co to use wifi but tethering is faster now(and more convenient, and i don't have to worry about a firewall)
did you try a new simcard?
BigFellor said:
Que? There are different data plans? Yea, I've tried setting it to 3g only. The problem with that is I barely get a signal in my house. All the APNs are what they should be, none of those settings has changed. The odd part is on each of the phones, I have had my apps installed on day one, and the thing works fine for a couple of weeks, then I start having these problems out of the blue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes theres a slide specific data package. Im sure you have it if it works for the most part but yea the android data package will not work supposedly. and of course theres the sidekick package blackberry etc
The slide package is 5 dollars more. I was originally signed up for it but I called in and got it switched. The dataplan works fine, I wish I could say as much for the phone. My third replacement will be here this week...
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
My 4th replacement is in the mail right now. Tmobile offered me a blackberry 9700 to replace it, obviously I jumped all over that(insert sarcastic undertones).
I'm gonna wait for the HSPA+ phones to come out and maybe I can talk them into giving me one at full upgrade price, I would take the Vibrant, but I can't stand that phone. It only takes a few warranty exchanges and finding the right rep, and you can get whatever you want from tmobile.

Canadian Focus Buyers beware!!!

I have a really good plan (grandfathered unlimited data, enough said?), thus i'm sticking with bell. I originally got the LG quantum when it came out, however since October i had my eyes set on the Focus.
Other then being heavy and small screen, i had no issue with the quantum. I ordered the Samsung Focus from rogers site.Once i got it, i stuck in my bell SIM and got a screen asking for a code. Took the phone to a local independent cell phone store in Downtown london, ont. the guy took my IMEI and gave me back the phone, a few hours later he e-mailed me the a code. Once entered, the phone went to start screen, everything seemed good.
Could text, and make calls. NO data, NO MMS!!
I found that adding the bells APN (pda.bell.ca), sort of gets data working.
However, It feels as if i would I have to make multiple attempts to force the phone to connect via HSPA+ network (i.e. get 3G+ icon to appear). If on 3G not data works!
and even there it doesn't stay connected. (disconnect between surfing sites, making transactions is a pain) On top of this phone sometimes, looses it's ability to make call or send texts, even with full bars, until soft reset (i.e. power down and up).( only happened once, after i swapped SIM card, hasn't re-occured since hard reset)
Ultimately , the issue is the network profile has been manual programed in the phone to use ROGERS addresses for DATA and MMS. Thus far i can't find a way and the community hasn't helped figuring out how to change the profile, by either manually changing it or changing to a Bell preset.
I can't believe that the phone does not get data in 3G mode. I have a theory, either because the bell network is new it doesn't support 3g data mode, which i doubt as my Quantum seemed fine, or bell doesn't have my IMEI which is how they provided data access on old network. I'm going to a bell store today and giving them my phones IMEI i'm hoping this might provide a break through. (will update afterword)
Samsung offers a network profile app via marketplace, however, once launched it provide the following msg "The application can't be launched with your mobile operator".
I will be contacting Samsung tech support this afternoon, hopefully they'll help with a solution. Although i suspect they say some BS about exclusive to roger, we can't help.
Ultimately, i've played with all WP7 device available in canada. The Samsung focus is the one i enjoy they most. My only let downs are the 16 bit screen which doesn't show gradients, and the OS lacking of essential features (hidden Wi-Fi access, multiple calendars, etc.). When data works i am absolutely in love. hopefully this issue can be fix soon.
UPDATE:
Having provided bell with the IMEI (rep at stored scanned it in from behind battery), nothing has changed still having issues.
I still think it's Network Profile, however in post #3 someone mentions an alternative APN, going to investigate and see what the LG quantum uses then might try.
I wonder if this is due to the Bell network, or if it's due to the Focus coming from Rogers?
I have an AT&T ordered, and it should be here within the week. Let's hope I don't have the same problems as you :S
reaver_shadow said:
I found that adding the bells APN (pda.bell.ca), sort of gets data working.
I can't believe that the phone does not get data in 3G mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There have been some cases reported with new phones on HSPA not being able to connect on pda.bell.ca and that APN setting having to be changed to inet.bell.ca.
Note, however, that under the inet.bell.ca setting, you will incur charges, unless you have a true data plan (150MB/500MB/1-6GB) and not the Unlimited Mobile Browser, which many have historically (and wrongly) referred to as "unlimited data". It's just that pda.bell.ca has never charged people correctly, even now. Expect that free puppy to go the way of the dinosaur, though.
zing said:
There have been some cases reported with new phones on HSPA not being able to connect on pda.bell.ca and that APN setting having to be changed to inet.bell.ca.
Note, however, that under the inet.bell.ca setting, you will incur charges, unless you have a true data plan (150MB/500MB/1-6GB) and not the Unlimited Mobile Browser, which many have historically (and wrongly) referred to as "unlimited data". It's just that pda.bell.ca has never charged people correctly, even now. Expect that free puppy to go the way of the dinosaur, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my plsn it lists "unl Email-Internet Windows 30". Is this consider a "true data plan", and not the historically wrong one?
reaver_shadow said:
On my plsn it lists "unl Email-Internet Windows 30". Is this consider a "true data plan", and not the historically wrong one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither the UMB, nor the email-internet 30 (often referred to as UNPDA 30, or simply UNPDA), nor the email-IM 15 are true data plans. People everywhere have been calling their UNPDA and UMB plans as unlimited data, only because Bell has not been properly metering and charging through pda.bell.ca portal. The metering of the sessions through pda.bell is actually capped at some ridiculously small amount, whereby you can essentially use "data" well beyond that point and presumably with no limit and the meter still shows stuck at that silly low figure (that figure being in kilobytes and not even reaching megabytes).
It's all good and well to take advantage of this wonky metering. I had the UMB for three years and loved it. "Unlimited data" for 7 bucks! Who would say NO to that? The problem arises when metering actually does function properly. If and when they do correct it, they *can* charge you retroactively for at least that one month of usage not in accordance to your initially agreed to contract. When you first signed up, you agreed to use the UNPDA for emails and internet browsing (and sometimes IM); not for downloading movies, listening to radio and podcasts or tethering to your laptop.
Rather than play hookie with the likes of Bell and go to bed every night praying that today was not the day they fixed the metering, because you just watched "How to Train a Dragon" on your phone, I would suggest to renegotiate a true data plan. This way, you can browse, stream, listen and tether all you want - within reasonable limits.
I switched from the $7 UMB to the 6GB data with tethering plan and I don't lose any sleep. Even with tethering and watching a couple of movies a month, I don't come close to the limit. Oh, and I actually pay about $5 more than I did before for this peace of mind. Some people have even negotiated plans lower than mine.
For some related reading, google "Pda.bell.ca and Tcare Data Usage Meter". A thread from HowarForums should come up at the top. See especially post #14.
I unlocked my Rogers Focus and using it on Telus no problem.
Do you have a friend with a Telus sim?
Maybe the phone is faulty.
geological1 said:
I unlocked my Rogers Focus and using it on Telus no problem.
Do you have a friend with a Telus sim?
Maybe the phone is faulty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW
This sucks, I have questions:
1) How did you unlock you device
2) does network profile app give you error msg when try to launch it?
3) can you MMS?
4) when the phone is in 3G can you use data
5) can you access the root menu using #634# -> *#197328640# ?
Thanks for your reply
reaver_shadow said:
WOW
This sucks, I have questions:
1) How did you unlock you device
2) does network profile app give you error msg when try to launch it?
3) can you MMS?
4) when the phone is in 3G can you use data
5) can you access the root menu using #634# -> *#197328640# ?
Thanks for your reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may want to change the title of the trhead as it is a bit alarmist.
1. I unlocked it from a code supplied from a seller on Ebay.
Great service but the listing is gone now for some reason.
MobileXpress Canada (just one "e")
2. I did install it and yes it gave me an error message so I just uninstalled it.
3. I haven't tried yet
4. Oh ya...big time 3G+ icon at times.
5. I don't want to muck with the root menus until other guinea pigs want to.
I am enjoying the phone too much to mess it up.
I'll let you know if the MMS works after I try it.
You did set up the APN correctly right?
Try another sim??

Mobile AP

Don't know if this is new or not, but I cant recall seeing it before, but when you open the Mobile AP tethering app, it says something about contacting At&t to sign up for a special plan in order to use it?
What is THAT all about? It's been working for me since I first installed a 2.2 rom over a month ago and this evening for some reason, my PS3 and my computer both lost connection. I go to the Mobile AP app which has been powering both devices and I see this At&t crap and now my connection to both no longer works?!?!
Anyone with insight on this?
Are you on AT&T...?
-bZj
The same thing was happening to people who were using tethering apps from the market.
I'm just gonna take a stab in the dark on this one. My understanding is that the only way a carrier can tell if your tethering is based on watching your http:// activity. In other words, are you browsing mobile sites or full sites. I think the only people they'd even look for are heavy users.
Probably what happened is that they realized (through traffic) that you were hitting up http:// and assume your tethering. The only thing you could probably do is to call them and tell them you aren't tethering. Do you get the message if you use something like the SkyFire Browser to go to say the full blown facebook website?
KWKSLVR said:
The same thing was happening to people who were using tethering apps from the market.
I'm just gonna take a stab in the dark on this one. My understanding is that the only way a carrier can tell if your tethering is based on watching your http:// activity. In other words, are you browsing mobile sites or full sites. I think the only people they'd even look for are heavy users.
Probably what happened is that they realized (through traffic) that you were hitting up http:// and assume your tethering. The only thing you could probably do is to call them and tell them you aren't tethering. Do you get the message if you use something like the SkyFire Browser to go to say the full blown facebook website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can actually tell packet by packet if it originated as a phone packet or a tethered data packet. When tethered the phone acts as a modem and it identifies the traffic as modem traffic. They are designed to hit different APNs and the header of the packets themselves are by design dead giveaways. It is rudimentary networking for them to route or track this traffic differently. This said they usually don't bother to worry about it much unless they see abuse from a particular account.
I would bet this is a glitch and is not intentional. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
down8 said:
Are you on AT&T...?
-bZj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose it would make sense to me if I was on AT&T, but I'm on T-mobile lol.
That's the confusing part!
T mobile has been blocking people lately as well...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Had it during the onyx/obsidian era of roms... never had an issue actually using the mobile ap. I think it was just the rip of the settings app from samsung. It's gone on nero, and I wouldn't worry about it.
Had those issues on the 2.1 custom ROMs. Since Nero, no disconnects whatsoever. Be it wired or wireless tether.
T313C0mun1s7 said:
They can actually tell packet by packet if it originated as a phone packet or a tethered data packet. When tethered the phone acts as a modem and it identifies the traffic as modem traffic. They are designed to hit different APNs and the header of the packets themselves are by design dead giveaways. It is rudimentary networking for them to route or track this traffic differently. This said they usually don't bother to worry about it much unless they see abuse from a particular account.
I would bet this is a glitch and is not intentional. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
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That's what my non-technical brain was trying to say. A buddy of mine explained it to me the exact same way but added that running a script to look at http traffic might be easier than sniffing packets? And most likely a carrier probably wouldn't go looking for it in accounts that aren't being bandwidth hogs. (Although he's an IT Network Guru and not a cell expert and admittedly made some assumptions). Thanks for the info.
I tether seldomly (I have a MiFi for work) but a couple of months back I tethered through the Vibrant one Saturday and streamed over 6 gigs of video from ESPN360. I never heard a peep out of them (I'm usually right around a gig/month).
KWKSLVR said:
That's what my non-technical brain was trying to say. A buddy of mine explained it to me the exact same way but added that running a script to look at http traffic might be easier than sniffing packets? And most likely a carrier probably wouldn't go looking for it in accounts that aren't being bandwidth hogs. (Although he's an IT Network Guru and not a cell expert and admittedly made some assumptions). Thanks for the info.
I tether seldomly (I have a MiFi for work) but a couple of months back I tethered through the Vibrant one Saturday and streamed over 6 gigs of video from ESPN360. I never heard a peep out of them (I'm usually right around a gig/month).
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In networking we have what we call the 7 Layer OSI model. Layer 1 is the physical media, Layer 2 is hardware such as the MAC address, At layer three you get into IP and routing, all the way up to Layer 7 which is application and you can actually filter based on the program being run, for example you can deny any traffic to or from uTorrent.
In enterprise networking Layer 7 gear is now quite common. I am not sure what level T-mobile is using in their switching equipment, but I do know that telling if the traffic is phone or modem is all the way down at the hardware layer. So no packet sniffing would be required. All they need to do is set a policy in the equipment and it will get enforced automatically. Doing it on a customer by customer basis is slightly more complicated as it has to involve the billing system. The billing system is where they are going to control all the non-global settings. This is why they let non-abusers go. Technically stopping you is trivial, but it is not the network admins making the decision, so it becomes part of the can of worms that is politics, policy, and customer service.
Well now that's one hell of an explanation!
KWKSLVR said:
Well now that's one hell of an explanation!
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Thank you. As a Tech I am very well versed in networking and computers with a lot of specific experience in Stand Alone Wireless & Wireless as a service provider, Fiber-to-the-home, Voice over IP, multi-scope/multi-tenant office building as phone and Internet provider, and I even did the worlds first (un-offical) VoIP over Wireless in a production environment. The reason I have had the fun and fortune of getting to do these types of projects though is because I really shine in being able to make the really technical stuff that causes most peoples eyes to gloss over actually make sense to non-technical laypersons. Also, I do it without giving wrong or too overly simplified information.
I think everyone at some level likes to know how stuff really works, they just don't want to have to learn and entirely new paradigm to do it.
Well all is well again. Mobile AP is working fine. Don't know what happened yesterday, but it's all good now.
Thanks for the replies.
what is nero
what is Nero are you talking about the burning software or somthing different?
pjbbigbear44 said:
what is Nero are you talking about the burning software or somthing different?
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Head over to the Vibrant Android Development section. Nero is just one of many Vibrant ROMs. Check them out.
They're looking at the HTTP "USER AGENT" string folks.
It APPEARS that they're only doing it on "newer" accounts and/or data options. Thus far. Incidentally, if they start doing it on those of us with legacy data plans (e.g. "Total Internet") they're going to lose those customers, as we were explicitly sold those plans with the understanding and explicit support of tethering that they built into the devices they sold through "Internet Sharing" (e.g. on the MDA, etc.) Same with "Loyalty Android" that many of us converted to before Tethering became "an option".
It's cool to change the rules for later signups and users, but a serious problem if they try to impose it on people who have been customers for a long time under the previous understanding. And most of us, myself included, are off-contract.
I don't abuse it but if they do it to me I'll be gone in literal minutes.
Genesis3 said:
They're looking at the HTTP "USER AGENT" string folks.
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I'd be interested to find this out definitively. They could check USER_AGENT and they can definitely see if multiple devices are nat'd behind the phone. But I don't know of anything they can use to see if just ONE device is behind a nat'd gateway aside from checking USER_AGENT and making an educated guess.
Wonder if we can get iptables to mangle the HTTP_USER agent or something to that effect.
There are ways around the user agent check (with the proper browser), but they may cause your computer to display web sites in a "mobile" format.
My cable modem went down for a couple of days and while I waited for the cable company to come out I used my Mobile AP. I've been using it on and off during some of my many travels either by using the Mobile AP or by using one of the other apps that someone made.
I have never been charged more for using it and have only been warned of the throttling, which actually never happened. If there was any slow down I would just jump down to 2.75G and go from there.

[Q] Will my carrier know if i am tethering?

I am unsure if this is the correct area to post this question as i am new to xda...
I am a Sprint user with a Nexus 5. I rooted it in order to enable my wifi hotspot on my phone.
Now i know that Sprint could theoretically check logs and see what type of traffic is going to my line, and see that it is not just mobile data, but instead data going to my desktop. But my question is, do they have any automatic checks in place, to automatically bill me or send warning letters... anything like that? Have any of you done this and encountered any issues? I guess what i'm asking is if Sprint cares?
I did a few Google searches and found similar questions but none that were recent. I know that in 2014 the FCC and other parties starting cracking down on carriers because they were cutting users short on their "unlimited plans".
ryan4888 said:
I am unsure if this is the correct area to post this question as i am new to xda...
I am a Sprint user with a Nexus 5. I rooted it in order to enable my wifi hotspot on my phone.
Now i know that Sprint could theoretically check logs and see what type of traffic is going to my line, and see that it is not just mobile data, but instead data going to my desktop. But my question is, do they have any automatic checks in place, to automatically bill me or send warning letters... anything like that? Have any of you done this and encountered any issues? I guess what i'm asking is if Sprint cares?
I did a few Google searches and found similar questions but none that were recent. I know that in 2014 the FCC and other parties starting cracking down on carriers because they were cutting users short on their "unlimited plans".
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I have been using my Sprint Galaxy S4 as a wifi hotspot for 18 months. Haven't had any issues however I've never gone over maybe 8GB or so per month.
Not exactly an answer to your question but just my experience.
reb1995 said:
I have been using my Sprint Galaxy S4 as a wifi hotspot for 18 months. Haven't had any issues however I've never gone over maybe 8GB or so per month.
Not exactly an answer to your question but just my experience.
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From what I've read i think you'll be fine as long as you aren't roaming. If you're roaming it throws a lot of red flags for the carrier to start looking into logs and whatnot. And obviously don't exceed your data limit if you're not an unlimited customer.
I never heard of anyone getting "caught" for tethering so you should be safe. Even if they do detect you, they'll probably send a warning letter theyll never bill you.
No, Traffic is traffic, if you send a lot of data they might complain for example p2p, excessive downloading on an unlimited data plan, If your phone is running stock the tethering capability is spoiled and bloated with useless software that checks with your carrier and let the servers now you activated tethering, that's why you should tether with a different app besides the stock one, also it's better that you use a custom rom or root the stock one and unbloat the phone's software.
They could know as you phone most likly has 2 APN one is Provide LTE and LTE Tethering
I have deleted LTE tethering ( I have 6 GB tethering anyways included )
It depended on how you report traffic, but in general they can only analyze your data usage and profile you accordingly. If you turn your phone in to a wifi hotspot or use P2P through your LTE connection it is going to be very obvious that your making NAT based request or running applications that people do not normally run directly on the phone, but if you stick to web traffic and IMs your not likely to be noticed let alone trigger any alarms. People run Netflix and Pandora almost 24/7 over there phones now so its not even a matter of total consumption as the type of it.

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