R228t SSID Problem

[GIZEMAG]

Hi,

I have a 4G Mobile Hotspot with R228t device. For the last 3 days, SSID of the network (Wifi name) is not coming/seen at none of my mobile devices, laptop, iphone or smart tv.

Once i remove the simcard from R228t, put into my iphone, i can have data services, meaning that there is someting wrong with R228t device.

Anyone experienced, appreciated if you can guide with the solution?

Thanks

[AllanCur]

Can’t be exact about date or time as the device was shut away and off over the weekend. Brought out to use on 22nd August and at that point found to be not working.  Was previously set up and tested as working on 16th August so happened between those 2 dates.  

[GIZEMAG]

I think, it is a kind of parameter, configuration change in their mobile network, not a hw problem.

I did not raise officially a request to Vodafone, did you? - i will.

Thanks

[AllanCur]

I don’t believe my IT team have yet so I’d suggest that you put one in as a consumer.  The impact to you as an end user will be greater than that of myself.  

If my IT team come up with anything from their logs I’ll be back on to provide an update.  The fact I have 2 purchased at the same time with one working and the other failed is the only baffling thing in my eyes.  Will just wait and see the outcome.  
Allan C

[GIZEMAG]

Hi,

I am working in the telecommunications, and brainstorming:

If i go to Vodafone shop, they will see the problem and will send the hardware to be repaired. The response will be HW is OK.

if i call the toby or agent, i am not sure they will understand what SSID is....

Tough way forward...

I am not sure what the way forward should be.

Thanks

[AllanCur]

With you on the support route quandary - especially when using certain terminology.

Sadly my expectations of my issue will be to write off the £40 device and order a new one, sending the broken one to recycle.  Sad truth is we are in a throw-away world nowadays and there is a level of acceptance that less expensive kit going wrong happens and replacing is easier than investigating and resolving.  

Best of luck whichever way you go 

[Mark]

Hi @AllanCur , @GIZEMAG, and @Jadekuddy1997, I'm sorry to see you're having an issue connecting to your mobile broadband devices. We'll be able to take a look into this for you and see if we can get you back up and running. We can run some basic troubleshooting steps with you here, but if we need to access your accounts, we may need to ask you to reach out to us via our social media channels. 

Before we do that, can you provide the below information:

- A brief explanation of what happens when you try to connect to the devices and do you see any error message when trying to connect?

- When did you first notice this issue, or have you never been able to connect?

- Is the issue permanent, or intermittent?

- If you pop your SIM into a phone, are you able to connect to our network. If not what error do you see?

[GIZEMAG]

Hi Mark,

Thank you very much for your interest. You can find my answers in bold below:

- A brief explanation of what happens when you try to connect to the devices and do you see any error message when trying to connect?

I have a 4G Mobile Hotspot with R228t device. For the last 3 days, SSID of the network (Wifi name) is not coming/seen at none of my mobile devices, laptop, iphone or smart tv.

Thanks to @AllanCur , that is what we see once we power up the device:

1. Power up the device - all 4 blue led's appear
2. Check for SSID to show as available network - no joy.
3. Light sequence seems to be
   1. 4 lights steady for 22 seconds
   2. all lights extinguish for 1 second
   3. Cycle repeats on a 23 second cycle.

Still no SSID is seen.

- When did you first notice this issue, or have you never been able to connect?

Since 17th of August evening, as far as i remember.

- Is the issue permanent, or intermittent?

Permanent

- If you pop your SIM into a phone, are you able to connect to our network. If not what error do you see?

I do not see error, i can connect to Vodafone mobile network, and have data services.

Thanks

[Jadekuddy1997]

Hi I’ve returned it to store today for a refund 

[AllanCur]

Hi @Mark 

As confirmed by @GIZEMAG (thanks for the nod) the symptoms are as noted in his response.

My own responses for the remaining questions as follows:

- When did you first notice this issue, or have you never been able to connect?

connected okay on 16/8/23. Device was stored turned off until 22/8/23 when I found the issue 

- Is the issue permanent, or intermittent?

Permanent

- If you pop your SIM into a phone, are you able to connect to our network. If not what error do you see?

Works as a normal sim with ability to access data on 4G network. (Tested and confirm can access Hotspot to use 4G from another device onto that alternative phone).  

Let me know if you need any further information. 

Many thanks.  

Allan C

[AllanCur]

Morning @Mark 

I should probably add into the equation the other troubleshooting steps that I took in respect of this issue:

* manually reset (pressing button for 10 seconds) - Resets, but not changing behaviour

* Power down manually (Pressing button for 3 seconds) - Does not power down

* Factory Reset - button inside unit - No change in behaviour

* Remove battery (overnight) then replace - no change in behaviour (both with and without SIM inserted)

* leave to 'power save' shutdown - does not happen after 30 minutes as per guide - remains active until runs out of charge if not removing battery.

Not sure if @GIZEMAG has tried any of this, or anything else, however, I suspect the same result when troubleshooting.

Hopefully this will bypass a few of the steps needed to obtain a viable solution.

Many thanks.