Database Users

Reverse Tether

My University does not allow Wi-Fi in the dorms because they say it "puts a strain on the network". This includes Mifi's and mobile hotspots.
I have OS X Lion and Windows 8 (Dev Preview) through BootCamp and I get internet through ethernet. I need some way to share internet access from my MacBook Pro to my A500. I also have a rooted Samsung Fascinate, but I cannot Tether at all with it because a. I dont have enough data a month to do that, nor do I have the money and b. the root apps give errors no matter what rom I run.

Buy a wireless router and passcode it.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App

Were are not even allowed to have that.

NH2G said:
Were are not even allowed to have that.
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If your major has anything to do with IT look into another school.
At least if they are not providing their own wireless network and that is the only reason they don't want you to have one.. otherwise the reason you provided is fud if you had a personal nated + wpa 2 protected + hidden network..
Otherwise:
The A500 cannot reverse tether without root. With root you can sorta do it via a root shell and linux commands.. You end up with a connection but many apps think there is none, fine for me surfing the web on the bus but you can't use market and apps wont auto sync.
Some custom firmwares based off the Asus and other android tablets with the same chip set do have true working Bluetooth tether. Thus may fill your needs better.
(Actually I see partial support for Bluetooth tether built into the 3.2 update, but forcing it enabled made the tablet crash, and still needed root to force the option to exist)

NH2G said:
Were are not even allowed to have that.
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Hide it under your bed lol

kjy2010 said:
Hide it under your bed lol
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Nah, may also need to disable your essid and clone your desktops Mac address.. otherwise it may disable the Ethernet Jack.
All wireless routers ive seen can do this out of box.. even if I like updating them with openwrt firmware.

can your Mac provide an adhock network?
When my friends router shat itself all he had was a adsl modem with eather net out. He set up his I Mac's wifi so that his iPhone could connect to it (over wifi) in the house. He had lously cell connection where he lived.
Can you do some thing like that and get your tab to connect to your comp? Or am I not understanding the problem?
Good luck.

OP,
Well you are kind of screwed - soft of.
It is the schools network. They can dictate what they want on "their" network. And even if you hid it, etc they still can see what it plugged in.
But they can't tell you that you can't have WIFI at all. WIFI runs on 2.4 Ghz for B/G/N and 5.0 Ghz for A/N bands that is unlicensed frequencies. So if you have a some other Internet connection, ie 3rd party like DSL, Road Runner, whatever, they can't tell you that you can't use WIFI. They can only control their network.
The reason I mention this is because I have seen WIFI Nazi's out there trying to be all macho even when it isn't their network. You might be fortunate enough to have WIFI in the area that you can use, say a friends close by that has commercial ISP and wireless. Also possible to use DD-WRT to put a router in client mode to pick up a signal farther out and and a 2nd router to broadcast that signal in your room.

Can I make tablet an AP?

I want to make my tablet a Wi-Fi hotspot so I can share files by connecting my phone to the tablet Wi-Fi ap, and start a ftp server.
Can it be done? I tried foxfi but it crashed when I tried to enable AP.
I can use my phones tether option, but when I do my ftp app says "please connect to a network"
Thanks
Swiped from my Nexus 10 using xda-developers app
To clarify, I want to share ftp from my phone, connected to host AP on my nexus 10, and access on my nexus 10. I have been able to connect my laptop and tablet to my phone AP, and successfully shared files (apache2 http server) from my laptop to tablet, but this requires my laptop to be constantly on, also my phone.

Bump.....
Swiped from my Nexus 10 using xda-developers app

thank you ))

ismayilovali said:
thank you ))
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For what? Lol
Swiped from my Nexus 10 using xda-developers app

Bump...
Sigh, I really wish I could get it working.
I downloaded an iwconfig binary but it says:
Code:
# iwconfig
lo no wireless extensions.
sit0 no wireless extensions.
wlan0 no wireless extensions.
ip6tnl0 no wireless extensions.
p2p0 no wireless extensions.

Im confused what you are trying to accomplish. If you host the FTP on your phone, and want to connect the Nexus 10 to the FTP to share files, then all you do is on your phone turn on wifi tether, and connect to the wireless network the phone creates from your N10. I dont think it is possible to make a tablet an access point that doesnt have a cell service internet connection. In order for the Nexus 10 to be an "access point" it would actually be just a repeater from your routers (or phones, or whatever) internet connection. But you already have that on your phone and by making your phone the hotspot you just connect your tablet to the phone like it was connecting to any normal wireless network.

EniGmA1987 said:
Im confused what you are trying to accomplish. If you host the FTP on your phone, and want to connect the Nexus 10 to the FTP to share files, then all you do is on your phone turn on wifi tether, and connect to the wireless network the phone creates from your N10. I dont think it is possible to make a tablet an access point that doesnt have a cell service internet connection. In order for the Nexus 10 to be an "access point" it would actually be just a repeater from your routers (or phones, or whatever) internet connection. But you already have that on your phone and by making your phone the hotspot you just connect your tablet to the phone like it was connecting to any normal wireless network.
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No, I just want my Nexus 10 to be able to HOST [read: have IP 192.168.43.1], to be able to connect my phone to it [192.168.43.105], so that my FTP app will see I really am connected to wifi.
In tether mode, phone has 192.168.43.1, however the app doesn't recognize it as being connected since it's in tether, and not regularly connected to wifi, and will not start because it says Please connect to a network.
This is why I would like my Nexus 10 to host an infrastructure network.

Well sorry but I dont know how to help you with that sort of setup. or if it will even work. I highly doubt it will work since normally you MUST be on data to start a tether. This is because it configured your wifi radio for a different mode that allows others to connect. I dont think it is possible to have the same radio be configured in two separate ways at the same time.
WHy not just do what the majority of people do and get a dropbox for free and host the files there. Your tablet and phone will both be able to access it.

EniGmA1987 said:
Well sorry but I dont know how to help you with that sort of setup. or if it will even work. I highly doubt it will work since normally you MUST be on data to start a tether. This is because it configured your wifi radio for a different mode that allows others to connect. I dont think it is possible to have the same radio be configured in two separate ways at the same time.
WHy not just do what the majority of people do and get a dropbox for free and host the files there. Your tablet and phone will both be able to access it.
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Click to collapse
Look, you have no clue what you're talking about.
I know what I intend to do will work IF I could get my tablet to make a network in infrastructure mode. I do not want to hear about "better ways" to do it, you have no clue what my situation is.
You are really wrong on a lot of points [you do not need an actual data connection/plan to start a tether network, on pretty much any phone that supports it], you really don't know, I understand, but please stop saying "it can't be done," or just stop replying. Also I cannot just use dropbox because it would take a zillion years to upload 4GB movies. And when I'm traveling [like now] I do not always have wifi.

lol. Wow dude what a **** post. Here I am trying to help you and you be a complete ass about it my suggestion? I thought of soemthing that might work and was going to post it but since you feel like telling me to go **** myself then same to you buddy.

I think I am picking up what you are laying down.
You want to start a wireless network between your N10 and your phone without using a wireless router or access point device.
If you were trying this back in the old days you would simply use a ethernet cross over cable between two ethernet cards and set them to have the same subnet.
Can't say that I know how to do this though with wireless networking.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

This is the type of thing Wifi Direct is supposed to be for. The Nexus 10 supports that, it's under the menu in wireless settings. Not sure if your phone does, of course.
Also, depending on AP settings, two devices (clients) on the same wireless network can communicate with each other. It's relayed through the AP, so it will be somewhat slower.

mvmacd said:
Look, you have no clue what you're talking about.
I know what I intend to do will work IF I could get my tablet to make a network in infrastructure mode. I do not want to hear about "better ways" to do it, you have no clue what my situation is.
You are really wrong on a lot of points [you do not need an actual data connection/plan to start a tether network, on pretty much any phone that supports it], you really don't know, I understand, but please stop saying "it can't be done," or just stop replying. Also I cannot just use dropbox because it would take a zillion years to upload 4GB movies. And when I'm traveling [like now] I do not always have wifi.
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Click to collapse
You are being a **** man.. and I uploaded borderlands 2 in less than 3 hours to my drop box.. you don't need data tho, but you may need a cellular radio. Why not use a PC or a USB otg cable and connect the 2? Do it all the time with my N7 and HTC vivid
Sent from my Vivid 4G using Tapatalk 2

Still not clear as to what the problem is. Since both on 192.168 non-routable networks presumably they are sitting next to one another. Then who cares which device is the AP? One should be able to run ftp server and the other ftp client. Since he doesn't need data then it seems ftp is just to access one device from the over - no true tether for external data.
Still Charged Up

Here's what I did and it works to share files between phone and tablet without PC using ftp. Both devices running ES File Explorer. Droid Charge phone hotspot started - has IP address 192.168.43.1. Turn on ftp server within es file explorer on phone. Connect to phone from tablet over WiFi. Phone assigns tablet IP address - in this case 192.168.43.131. On the tablet open es file explorer and define the ftp server that is running on the phone. Once done perform the ftp connection from the tablet to the phone. You can then ftp between the two for as much as you want.
I am paying for phone tethering app on phone. The apps I see in the market seem to identify issues with JB or seem just too old to depend on. Regardless, if you just want to ftp between the two you do not need tethering. You need an app that will act as a hotspot managing devices, security and IP addresses. Another option is a cheap portable access point. Again, you keep focusing on ftp - not the internet. The ap creates a WiFi network that your phone and tablet can connect to - no different than a crossover cable between two wired Ethernet devices. As long as the both are on the same network you are good to go.
BTW - you may think you've perfectly explained what you are looking for answers to. You have not so you should not be too surprised at some of the answers.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

Reilly1812 said:
Here's what I did and it works to share files between phone and tablet without PC using ftp. Both devices running ES File Explorer. Droid Charge phone hotspot started - has IP address 192.168.43.1. Turn on ftp server within es file explorer on phone. Connect to phone from tablet over WiFi. Phone assigns tablet IP address - in this case 192.168.43.131. On the tablet open es file explorer and define the ftp server that is running on the phone. Once done perform the ftp connection from the tablet to the phone. You can then ftp between the two for as much as you want.
I am paying for phone tethering app on phone. The apps I see in the market seem to identify issues with JB or seem just too old to depend on. Regardless, if you just want to ftp between the two you do not need tethering. You need an app that will act as a hotspot managing devices, security and IP addresses. Another option is a cheap portable access point. Again, you keep focusing on ftp - not the internet. The ap creates a WiFi network that your phone and tablet can connect to - no different than a crossover cable between two wired Ethernet devices. As long as the both are on the same network you are good to go.
BTW - you may think you've perfectly explained what you are looking for answers to. You have not so you should not be too surprised at some of the answers.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
actually I explained it pretty well: can nexus 10 be an AP? How?
Look up AP on Google.
Reilly1812 said:
Still not clear as to what the problem is. Since both on 192.168 non-routable networks presumably they are sitting next to one another. Then who cares which device is the AP? One should be able to run ftp server and the other ftp client. Since he doesn't need data then it seems ftp is just to access one device from the over - no true tether for external data.
Still Charged Up
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I think I explained my FTP doesn't honor tether mode, it technically can access wlan0 to get ip to bind, just the dev didn't allow it.
XxSHaDoWxSLaYeRxX said:
You are being a **** man.. and I uploaded borderlands 2 in less than 3 hours to my drop box.. you don't need data tho, but you may need a cellular radio. Why not use a PC or a USB otg cable and connect the 2? Do it all the time with my N7 and HTC vivid
Sent from my Vivid 4G using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
You're missing the point. I want to INSTANTLY stream from phone to tablet.
also I only have 0.6Mbps up.
derobert said:
This is the type of thing Wifi Direct is supposed to be for. The Nexus 10 supports that, it's under the menu in wireless settings. Not sure if your phone does, of course.
Also, depending on AP settings, two devices (clients) on the same wireless network can communicate with each other. It's relayed through the AP, so it will be somewhat slower.
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Click to collapse
yeah, Rezound don't got Wi-Fi direct.
EniGmA1987 said:
lol. Wow dude what a **** post. Here I am trying to help you and you be a complete ass about it my suggestion? I thought of soemthing that might work and was going to post it but since you feel like telling me to go **** myself then same to you buddy.
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Click to collapse
Sorry for coming off like that, you just kept telling me things that were irreverent to the op, I got a little ticked. Sorry
Swiped from my Rezound using xda-developers app

Not sure if it's what your looking for, but how about http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/ ?
When I tether my tablet to my phone (haven't tried other way around), it see's its WiFi as a normal WiFi, not as a mobile hotspot or anything. There's different device profiles to choose from, and I think a choice for either ad-hoc or infrastructure; and it's free

Instantly stream from phone to tablet? If that is all you need then the tablet does not need to function as AP - the phone can do it. All you need is the two units on the same network.
I'm done with this thread. Good luck.
Still Charged Up

Reilly1812 said:
Instantly stream from phone to tablet? If that is all you need then the tablet does not need to function as AP - the phone can do it. All you need is the two units on the same network.
I'm done with this thread. Good luck.
Still Charged Up
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That's the problem, my main router only gets about 150KB/s when I stream it both connected to that. I need a router in my room, and my phone has a tether mode that acts as a router [192.168.43.1, gives DHCP IPs, etc]. The only thing, the program I used ["FTP server"] doesn't recognize I have a 192.168 IP, because it sees the regular wifi is off [and tethering is on, which I solely use as a router, not internet].
I will look into the other file manager mentioned, it sounds like it might be able to do what I'm looking for. thanks
espionage724 said:
Not sure if it's what your looking for, but how about http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/ ?
When I tether my tablet to my phone (haven't tried other way around), it see's its WiFi as a normal WiFi, not as a mobile hotspot or anything. There's different device profiles to choose from, and I think a choice for either ad-hoc or infrastructure; and it's free
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Click to collapse
Yeah I did try this. It fails, the log says it failed to set SSID, and a couple other things that are mandatory in order for it to work. :S thanks

mvmacd said:
That's the problem, my main router only gets about 150KB/s when I stream it both connected to that. I need a router in my room, and my phone has a tether mode that acts as a router [192.168.43.1, gives DHCP IPs, etc]. The only thing, the program I used ["FTP server"] doesn't recognize I have a 192.168 IP, because it sees the regular wifi is off [and tethering is on, which I solely use as a router, not internet].
I will look into the other file manager mentioned, it sounds like it might be able to do what I'm looking for. thanks
Yeah I did try this. It fails, the log says it failed to set SSID, and a couple other things that are mandatory in order for it to work. :S thanks
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If all you want to do is stream movies and music, try searching Play store for a DLNA Media Server. A quick search on Google turned up many. You should be able to forget about what wireless router, IP, etc, - your phone/tablet should show up to the network as a DLNA Media Server.
The other solution with ES File Explorer will indeed work as a file access component. I use it at home to access movies on my home network.

[Q] Anyway to share my N7 wifi with PC?

So, at my college there are two networks that a student can use, one designed for computers (that has a proxy) and one that is designed for mobile devices (no proxy, requires MAC to get on.) I was wondering if it was possible to share my Nexus 7 *WIFI* connection to my PC...

techobsessive said:
So, at my college there are two networks that a student can use, one designed for computers (that has a proxy) and one that is designed for mobile devices (no proxy, requires MAC to get on.) I was wondering if it was possible to share my Nexus 7 *WIFI* connection to my PC...
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Click to collapse
Your pc got a wireless dongle?
If so just turn your Nexus into a Hotspot, connected to the Network you want
Then connect your PC to your Nexus ??

Well, I didn't make it clear. I have a wifi version N7. All I want to do is share the wireless connection that the n7 is already on with my PC. So a wireless tether would not work.

You can try to spoof your N7's mac on your pc using Mac Makeup. Your pc needs a wireless adapter and spoofs your n7's mac, so it should connect to the mobile wireless network. You probably won't be able to have both devices on the wap concurrently.
I'm guessing the reason you're looking to doing this to bypass the proxy restriction your school placed on the resource. Keep that in mind in case you decide to download a ton of torrents and they trace the usage back to your N7's mac.

fatfingered said:
I'm guessing the reason you're looking to doing this to bypass the proxy restriction your school placed on the resource. Keep that in mind in case you decide to download a ton of torrents and they trace the usage back to your N7's mac.
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Yes, they would, but so what? Are they going to check all Asus devices? I'm sure there's plenty (unless you're in US, then Asus is very outstanding among all macbooks and iDevices). And you can't just assume he's going to download millions of illegal stuff. Maybe he wants to download Ubuntu via torrent
OP: I have not seen such a thing, there's normal tethering (3G to wifi hotspot), 3G-BT, 3G-USB, but I have never seen wifi-usb.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792245 check out this thread. With this adapter, BusyBox and some (more or less) basic knowlege of linux networking, I'm sure you could successfully share your wifi connection trough LAN cable, but I doubt it will ever work trough USB.
If you're running linux on your PC, then faking MAC address is so simple, that it's a better shot, if you're running windows, it's a bit trickier (but still doable).

Faking the MAC on a PC is simple too.
I'm not sure I'm even following this thread. Spoof your PC's MAC and jump on the mobile network. Done.
ALL devices have a MAC... so if they REQUIRE a specific MAC for access then they can trace everything you do online back to you. In that case I would be very cautious on what you do. They can also monitor bandwidth to your MAC (PC) and see you are pulling WAY to much bandwidth for a mobile device. If they don't care, then whatever but you may be getting a knock on your door.
You are basically circumventing their security policies and could put you in some trouble. So Clone your MAC address and keep it simple.

I've seen WiFi hotspot. Not sure if it was baked into sense though
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

[Q] WiFi hotspot traffic not going through VPN.

So I'm trying to hide some network traffic from my provider Three UK. As my new contract only has 2gb hotspot and I really miss the old unlimited system they had.
Now I'm only trying to tether an android tablet to the phone nothing else, so I'm not sure how they're detecting that it's tethered bandwidth.
Figured I'd try using a VPN to hide the data but now I'm confused. My phone isn't actually sending the hotspot traffic over the VPN.
I tested local traffic and the values show that is going through the VPN, but anything via the hotspot is not. Any idea why? See speed at the top of this bad image, then VPN speed below.
i.imgur kbxyPJR.png

Looking into this further, my tablet get's a seperate IP than my phone, both provided by Three UK.

The vpn might not help much depending on you setup. Usuall there is a packet counter for tethering, among other things. Try providing output from these commands via adb shell or terminal emulator, probably need to be ran as root.
iptables -L -n -x -v
ip route show
ip rule show
Usually iptables rules get reset on a reboot, I usually run iptables -F, which flushes all rules a -Z should reset counters. But starting with the output of those three should help to figure out whats going on exactly.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app

The major issue being I don't want to root the device that's being the hotspot.
I can tether invisibly via bluetooth and some simple apps but these are far from perfect and cause errors in things such as plex etc.
The wifi hotspot is interesting though. It seems to actually work as a little server, gives out a new connection to the devices not just sharing it's own. To get 2 different external IP addresses, very interesting.

Pantho86 said:
The major issue being I don't want to root the device that's being the hotspot.
I can tether invisibly via bluetooth and some simple apps but these are far from perfect and cause errors in things such as plex etc.
The wifi hotspot is interesting though. It seems to actually work as a little server, gives out a new connection to the devices not just sharing it's own. To get 2 different external IP addresses, very interesting.
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I have never heard of it giving out external IP addresses, maybe its something specific to you carrier. If thats the case why not connect it via bluetooth to a linux pc, make the pc the access point, then you can route and rewrite packets easily.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app

miked63017 said:
I have never heard of it giving out external IP addresses, maybe its something specific to you carrier. If thats the case why not connect it via bluetooth to a linux pc, make the pc the access point, then you can route and rewrite packets easily.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
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Well, if we're adding a PC to the mix I could just USB tether then output wifi from there.
However, it's mainly while im at work watching TV at lunch on the tablet.

Pantho86 said:
Well, if we're adding a PC to the mix I could just USB tether then output wifi from there.
However, it's mainly while im at work watching TV at lunch on the tablet.
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Click to collapse
In that case I am pretty sure you will need root. They are probably seeing that you are tethering by either iptables packet counters, creative routing, or user agent strings. If you are tethering another android device for watching media then it is unlikely they are catching you by user agent strings, since both devices should have android user agents. If you are opposed to rooting the device maybe you could buy a cheap one, root it, and swap the sim card into it when you want to tether?
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app

Pantho86 said:
So I'm trying to hide some network traffic from my provider Three UK. As my new contract only has 2gb hotspot and I really miss the old unlimited system they had.
Now I'm only trying to tether an android tablet to the phone nothing else, so I'm not sure how they're detecting that it's tethered bandwidth.
Figured I'd try using a VPN to hide the data but now I'm confused. My phone isn't actually sending the hotspot traffic over the VPN.
I tested local traffic and the values show that is going through the VPN, but anything via the hotspot is not. Any idea why? See speed at the top of this bad image, then VPN speed below.
i.imgur kbxyPJR.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted a guide on how to do this, its the only method that's worked for me, but you need to be rooted

SmokeyTech1 said:
I posted a guide on how to do this, its the only method that's worked for me, but you need to be rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well bugger, I really don't want to root my Z3 due to all the DRM software on it.
I can tether USB and Bluetooth without being detected, but WiFi hits this snag still sadly. I can USB tether to a laptop then wifi share from there but that's getting a bit long toothed to just tether my tablet.
The Bluetooth tethering works but flash apps and a few others don't really like it, plex etc.

Switch back to cellular when wifi has no internet, but keep wifi connected

tl;dr: When my phone (Sony Xperia Z5 compact, Android 6) connects to a wifi with no internet, I want to use the local network on the wifi but use the internet from my mobile data. Instead what happens mobile data doesn't switch back on while connected to wifi with no internet.
I have been trying to find a solution for this since forever. My camera creates a local wifi connection which I can connect to to view the camera as well as controlling it. The downside is that while connected to this network my cellular data gets switched off, despite this wifi network not having any internet. So while using my camera I have no way to access the internet. It wasn't a huge problem up until recently when the app I use is introducing livestreaming. I really want to use it but I am unable to find any way how to keep my phone connected to this wifi network (and being able to use it), while any internet data goes over 4G. I am using android 6.0.1. I am quite sure I was able to do this on my previous phone with an older Android version but I cannot find said option (smart network switch or something?) anymore in the wifi settings. Nor any recent similar topics with people with the same question? Anyone that knows more about this?
My phone is rooted. If I need to do any system changes I can do that.

I didnt get what you were trying saying.Do you know that you cant use mobile data and wifi simultaneously unless your device is rooted.If your phone is rooted then try using "download booster"

hh950430 said:
I didnt get what you were trying saying.Do you know that you cant use mobile data and wifi simultaneously unless your device is rooted.
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Err, sorry, lol. I have wifi network that has no internet, just a local network. I'd like to be connected to that wifi network AND be able to use internet over my mobile data both at the same time. As it is right now, my mobile data gets disabled even when the wifi network has no internet access.
I have talked to two friends of mine about it and both say this is already possible in Android. One friend sent me a screenshot of an option he has in his wifi settings called 'Switch to mobile data' which gets enabled when the wifi network has no internet. My other friend said he doesn't have this option but claims it has been a default feature of Android since lollipop. He tested it on his phone and indeed it works as expected. Both have an unrooted phone with stock Android. So now there is me with my brand new phone and Android 6 and I can't find this option nor does it seem to do what I want by default. I'm confused.
As I mentioned, my phone is rooted so if there is a way to turn this feature on using root, I can totally do that if someone knows how.

As i said try using "Download Booster" It allows you to use wifi and mobile data at the same time just google it.

hh950430 said:
As i said try using "Download Booster" It allows you to use wifi and mobile data at the same time just google it.
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Click to collapse
That appears to be just a download manager if I am correct? I don't need to download anything. I just want to be able to use my existing apps to use my mobile internet when I am connected to wifi (that has no internet).
This is the exactly the thing I'm after. Screenshot from my friend's phone (LG G4 with Android 6.0): (*link removed). My other friend who also has this functionality working has a Nexus 5 with Android 6.0.1.
* Forum doesn't let me post screenshots.. But basically in his wifi settings he has an option called "Switch to mobile data". The box says "Internet unavailable via connected Wi-Fi. Stay connected to Wi-Fi, but use mobile data. Data charges may apply."
Again, I have Sony Xperia Z5 compact with Android 6.0.1 and I can't find this. Have I bought the wrong phone or is it fixable? At this point I am more than happy to even take a custom rom route.

You cannot use wifi and internet at the same time as they are completely different hardware components, using different air waves, so there's no conflicts between them. Better use internet through your wifi or use bluetooth tethering.As for the "switch to mobile data option" it disconnectes you from your wifi if it has no internet and connects you to your mobile data so it doesnt lets you use your wifi and mobile data at the same time

hh950430 said:
You cannot use wifi and internet at the same time as they are completely different hardware components, using different air waves, so there's no conflicts between them. Better use internet through your wifi or use bluetooth tethering.As for the "switch to mobile data option" it disconnectes you from your wifi if it has no internet and connects you to your mobile data so it doesnt lets you use your wifi and mobile data at the same time
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It actually clearly mentions that it keeps connected to the wifi. He tested it and indeed he could use the local network on the wifi side and use the internet through his mobile data simultaneously. Both friends haven't rooted their phones or anything. This is just a default functionality for them. I have now tested it also on my older phones (Oneplus One and HTC One M8) and all phones can't have both connections open at the same time.
This wifi network is created by my camera by the way and I can't change much about it. The DJI drone I control does the same thing. When I am connected to the camera or drone I lose my mobile internet connection.
I don't have any other device that has access to internet here. We don't have cabled internet, only mobile internet.
Interestingly, in the developers options there is an option called "Mobile data always active" ("Always keep mobile data active, even when Wi-Fi is active"). I've tried it many times, rebooted my phone but this doesn't actually do anything. Even with this option on when wifi is connected the mobile data gets turned off.

This is beyond annoying!
I too have struggled to find a solution to this problem. I do not have a WAN connection to my home network. It is LAN only. I have four PC's, three Sonos speakers, two hdhomerun TV tuners, and various hand held devices that all use the LAN. All I want to do is be able to use my Moto X Pure to control Sonos and file sync to my LAN via wifi and simultaneously use mobile data for WAN stuff. I know the mobile connection is active with wifi enabled because I can see it when running if config, up route show etc... I am trying to learn about the routing tables to see if I can fix this myself. I love my android devices and am loyal, but this is beyond dumb! Any suggestions????

How to fix for android
okay so for anyone who doesnt know still go into the about phone option in your phone settings, then click on kernel version, build model, etc til one pops up with a flash notification saying click so many more times and youll become a dev. once you done that go into the developer menu and scroll too wifi assist or force mobile data upon wifi connection. exit out , open your app , bobs your uncle

Thank you for the answer.
I tried with my Huawei but it doesn't work. Could you tell with which phone you made it work ? Thank you !!

Ok here we go, after 12 years this my first post.
Above suggestions related with developer options nothing to do with OPs requirement. Those option only allows the device rapidly switch to mobile data when the WiFi signal gets weak. Since you always close to your DSLR camera it solves nothing because WiFi signal is always strong.
Root cause of the problem is you can not have 2 default gateways (i.e. router address) for your networks in any operating system (Actually you can but you have to set static routes, which is a pain in the ass for regular users)
iOS handles this in a very simple way. Set your wifi connection to static IP address instead of DHCP and leave your default gateway or router address blank. Viola you can have 3G/LTE data while you connected your camera and now you can sent your downloaded pictures via Whatapp while you still connected to your camera via WiFi. (In my case Panasonic Lumix)
I stumbled upon this thread via Google since I needed the same thing now with Android. But iOS way failed. Actually I am shocked that you cannot leave WiFi Gateway address blank in Androdid 8.0! Save button grays out if you leave it blank. This is really weird. At least with Galaxy S8 Duos with Android 8.0
So anybody know how to setup a WiFi network without a default gateway, please share.

Is this phone specific or something? Never had that happen, I have no problem with wifi being on without internet and using cell data.
I don't think the UI really exposes anything like it directly but you can technically have multiple gateways; it's not something your average user will understand (policy routing)..
Having said that, if you're attached to an AP you should at least see a /24 route out your wireless interface (standard dhcp lease). It's quite common for the AP to have client isolation but are you sure you're not using something like Wifi Direct or even adhoc?

Similar Experience
I have been through this experience long ago. All I did was to sell the phone and bought a new one.