Network Extender - does the phone show added bars when not in a call?

[AJ_EVO]

I just bought a Verizon Network Extender. When I dial #48 it says I'm within Network Extender range. When I make a call my signal bars jump from 0-1 to 4-5. When I end the call it's back down to 0-1. Is this right? I was hoping the extender would help with my battery life as it wouldn't be constantly struggling to keep a good cellular connection. However, this doesn't seem to be the case if I'm only seeing the signal benefit when on an active phone call. Am I missing something? Thanks!

 

[Demache]

I will give you some background info on the situation. On an Android phone, there is only 1 signal indicator at any given time. I believe this is because Android was originally on a GSM phone where there is only one signal indicator. However, on CDMA phones (like Verizon) there are actually two different signals. Your 1X data/voice signal, and your EVDO (3G) signal. Due to limitations in Verizon's network, you cannot be connected EVDO and 1X/voice at the same time. And 3G is not used for traditional voice services. So when you make a phone call, you are disconnected from your 3G data service, and you revert back to 2G for voice. Generally, your 1X/voice signal will be stronger than your 3G data signal.

So what does this mean for you? You are using a Verizon Network Extender. It is meant to give you better voice coverage in areas that it is lacking. However, the Verizon Network Extender ONLY does 1X/voice service, not 3G. So your phone is still connected to a local tower when its on 3G and not in a call, but when you make a phone call, it uses the extender, since it offers the best signal.

This explains why you get a strong signal in a phone call, but once you hang up, it drops to a low signal. The low signal you are seeing is your 3G data signal. However, the 3G data signal is still strong enough to give a far better data speed than 2G.

So pretty much, what you are seeing is normal, and there is not much you can do about it. But its a pretty common mistake people on make on CDMA Android phones, due to the way Android shows you signal information.

The "I have no clue what your talking about" version:

Your phone is using 3G when its not on call. When its in a call, it uses 2G. The Verizon network Extender only extends 2G coverage. Your phone is using 3G when its not on call.


Something to try out:

Turn off wifi. Then you will see a 3G indicator (granted you live in an area with enough coverage). Then make a phone call. Your 3G indicator will disappear. This is because you lose your data connection while your in a call.

 

[AJ_EVO]

That makes a lot of sense, thanks for the thorough post.

Throughout the day I notice that 0 bars will often turn to No Signal (red X). When this happens I can't make phone calls. So it seems to be a lack of 3G and 1X. I was thinking about returning the extender but I think in the long run the $100 (after rebate) will be worth it.

 

[Demache]

That makes a lot of sense, thanks for the thorough post.

Throughout the day I notice that 0 bars will often turn to No Signal (red X). When this happens I can't make phone calls. So it seems to be a lack of 3G and 1X. I was thinking about returning the extender but I think in the long run the $100 (after rebate) will be worth it.

That would make sense. If your not getting a very good 1X signal, you should probably still keep the extender. After all, voice connectivity is the priority.

 

[DroidINC10]

I also have the same issue when using my network extender at home. Sometimes I will notice it does have full bars, but it always seems to have a triangle by the bars. (I am assuming this is for roaming?)

I also got the network extender for $100. Great deal and has been awesome. I finally got rid of AT&T home phone!!!