[Lanshire]

Hey Guys..

I just want to say upfront that i know i am probably doing something wrong, So i am gonna give you all the information that i know.

I own the blackberry 8530 model ( bought it from Virgin mobile) and i really like it. However, my Charter cable modem at home has wireless on it..and for some reason i am only getting 1 bar ( sometimes none)..even when i am standing next to the modem itself i am only getting 1 bar.

I have tried everything that i know.. ( using the right ssid< and the right pre-shared key as well).. i have even tried the push button setup ( have one on my modem as well) and when i can connect..i am still only getting 1 bar.. i should be getting at least 4 bars in my house< since i am only 5 feet from my modem.. ( 20 max).

I have gotten into my modem properties ( not a linksys< its a surfboard modem) and have tried it as well.
Logged in went to "wireless" tab and then to "Primary network"

and i am not sure if it is something in there i am supposed to be doing or not.

Ay help would be appreciated.

[Lanshire]

Just wanted to add one more thing.. i have a unlimited data plan if that helps.

[stevetaz]

Is it an unlimited BlackBerry Data plan, noy a regular internet plan. Some carriers require that in order to receive the required Service Books to make WiFi function.

[Lanshire]

Stevetaz.. it is a unlimited plan.. The only restriction is 300 Min talk time a month.. everything else is unlimited.

[Mastec]

Could be too close to the router. Check your signal from another room. I have a 2 router setup in my home. One, the main, is in the living room and one in the back bedroom to extend the wireless signal and to supply two desktops with Internet. When I am close to the main router I get a weak signal, 25% to 35%, from my Blackberry as well as my iPod Touch. If I switch routers and pick up the signal from the back router I get a very strong signal anywhere between 65% to 85%. If I go to the back the same thing happens. I switch to the front router from the back and I get a strong signal.

\I know it makes no sense but that's what happens in my case.

[tsac]

It is possible the wireless modem is defective or it is using a frequency the BB does not work with.
Another possibility is the configuration your attempting does not match the BB.

read the links in this info also.

KB13494-How to connect to a home Wi-Fi network using a BlackBerry smartphone Id

edit:

Another thought, do you have a firewall restriction set up or have to add the MAC address to allow connection.

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by Lanshire

Stevetaz.. it is a unlimited plan.. The only restriction is 300 Min talk time a month.. everything else is unlimited.

Please confirm that your data plan is a Blackberry dataplan, not a generic one. It makes a huge difference.

[stevetaz]

Originally Posted by Lanshire

Stevetaz.. it is a unlimited plan.. The only restriction is 300 Min talk time a month.. everything else is unlimited.

I understand it is unlimited, but is it a specific BlackBerry Data Plan? There is a difference. Some carriers require you subscribe to a BB Data Plan before they will send the WiFi Service Books. I don't know if your carrier requires it, but it is a fairly common reason people can't use WiFi with BBs.

It has been said before by many others smarter than me, but BlackBerrys are different than other smartphones.

If you have the correct BB plan and the Service Books then there is a different issue.

[Lanshire]

@ Mastec.. I have tried all the differnt rooms in my house and the farther i get ( like my backyard..( 20-30 feet from the router) i get no service)
@ tsac I will follow your link and see if it helps at all.

@ dubdub.. I have no idea how to "confirm" that.. All i know is i have the "beyond talk" plan. its the $35 a month plan listed below.

Well it wont let me post the link.. but it you go to virgin mobile's site.. and go to plans.. i have the $35 one ( unlimited data, web, messaging email..and 300 anytime minutes ( which i hardly ever use)

[tsac]

The OP may not be able to find out until he calls his carrier to confirm.

[Lanshire]

I have a full list of service books.. All of them have a check by them.. i don't know which one i would be looking for though.

[Lanshire]

I am thinking that since my modem takes a password that that might have something to do with it.. But i am not sure that i am going about it the right way or not when i am in my modem properties ( 192.168.0.1)

[tsac]

Based on reading the VM site you have all you need on the phone so it may be a configuration setup or even something defective. Try a battery pull to reload the OS after you configure the BB and see if that helps.

[Lanshire]

@ tsac.. I will pull the Battery.. but what do you mean "after you configure the bb"? I have pulled the battery like 2 times today ( when i cant get facebook pokes to delete, is the only time i have to remove the battery and restart the os)

[tsac]

Just make sure your have the wIFI configured then do a battery pull. It will reload the OS clean with the options.

[Lanshire]

I gues the wifi was configured.. i mean even when i start it it will connect to it after the os reloads.. its just a a really crappy connection.. Usually just 1 bar... Its restarting now.. takes like 5 min to restart it.

[Lanshire]

Ok it's done now>> same thing

[Lanshire]

I can delete the profile and redo it again.. i can use "Push button" or "Manually add" or "scan for networks".. if you think that would help.. there is only one thing.. that it asks me to put the "pin" into my modem.. and i am not sure if i am at the right setting in my modem properties page when i try it.. i can post a pic of the page that i am on if that helps.

[tsac]

Do you have any other devices that work ok ( another cell with WIFI)? PC? etc

If they do then it may be the BB has a problem. IF it is the OS on the BB then a replacement or an update may help. Go to the FAQ section at the top of the forum page for help with reloading or to the device specific section. Only use an OS designed for your phone and follow the instruction very carefully.

[Lanshire]

@ tsac.. My Computer uses it and its wireless.. ( has a usb thing in the back and connects wirelessly to the modem itself) however>> when i fire up my laptop and try to connect to it just says that it not connected and just says "Aqquiring network address" and "Waiting for network to be ready" after i out the network key in" but it nev ef connects to it.