[subhro]

Hello, I brought my UNLOCKED Dell Streak 5 tablet in February this year from ebay and since then I am unable to connect it to my office wireless network which has a hidden SID. In general any device can connect to it once we manually put in the SID and WAP security credentials. The problem is only happening with my Streak and no other devices. My Streak (with Froyo 2.2) actually cannot connect to any hidden wireless network even if I manually try to configure it. Gives error - "Network not in range" as if the network is out of it's range which is not. However my Streak connects fine with any broadcasted visible WiFi networks. Does anyone has any answer for me ? Thank you, Subhro, Canada

[marvin02]

Connecting to a WiFi network with a hidden SSID

The standard is that the SSID should not be hidden. Devices that won't connect to a network with a hidden SSID are actually working the way they should. I know that many devices ignore this.

[subhro]

@marvin02 - So what I am hearing from you is that Dell Streak DOES NOT have the ability to connect to any hidden SSIDs when most of today's smartphones and tablets have the ability. Right ? If so, is there any possibility for it to be changed by the next Android OS upgrade (next version) or by tweaking some root files ?

[capbobokc]

It says it is connected but times out every time . I tried turning off data to no avail. Is there no one that can help? Not in the last eight months it seams not!

Also how do I turn on 3G. I am on the Edge it seems.

[Strephon Alkhalikoi]

@capbobokc: The simple answer is...you don't turn on 3G.

The long answer is this: The Streak or any cellular device will automatically pick out the strongest signal from a particular tower and lock on to that signal. When you change towers, for example when driving, the Streak repeats the process. Thus you do not "turn on" 3G. While that answers your question, it's not the entire story. The carrier you have and the type of Streak you own play a part in this as well.

There are two different Dell Streaks available. One for use with AT&T's frequencies and one for T-Mobile frequencies. If the carrier and the Streak match, then you will get 3G or HSPA*. If the carrier and the Streak do not match, then you are stuck on EDGE.

So, to summarize:

1. AT&T (Carrier) and AT&T Streak = 3G, HSPA
2. T-Mobile (Carrier) and T-Mobile Streak = 3G (To the best of my knowledge T-Mobile does not have HSPA.)
3. AT&T (Carrier) and T-Mobile Streak = EDGE
4. T-Mobile (Carrier) and AT&T Streak = EDGE

If option 1 or option 2 are true, then you are either in an area with no 3G/HSPA service, or the tower is malfunctioning. In which case you want to call your carrier and have them service their tower.
If option 3 or 4 are true, you will never get 3G on the Streak.

*Disclaimer: This statement assumes the user is in a 3G coverage area and the nearest cellular tower functions correctly.