SOLVED -- Pilot Error: CFIG -- ref' post at bottom
An Amazon/Woot! G-tablet arrived yesterday, and I'm struggling to learn it as I have NO smart-phone (nor, obv., Android) experience. (I've 44 years of mostly UNIX computers, and I've been networking since dARPAnet days.)
From the start, I was able to CONNECT to my house Wireless router (and get an assigned IP#) BUT nothing that "should"[?] connect to the Internet did: the browser couldn't pull up Google, BBC.com, etc. and the email s/w didn't connect to my gmail acct.
I didn't let that bother me as the Big Goal was to load GingerBread, which I did: Android 2.3.3 (Kernel Version 2.6.32.36-aosp a.k.a. "G_Harmony_Gingerbreadv2.3.3"). Also loaded CWM and GAPPS. 'Took a long time to get that installation process right, but everything seems stable EXCEPT I still CONNECT to my wireless router but cannot get any program to interact with the Internet.
Any suggestions as to HOW to debug or fix this?
Android remains a puzzle to me; I don't grasp its organization and management:
I haven't figured out how to delete a Music file yet! (Once 'did -something- that momentarily displayed a garbage can, but haven't been able to reproduce that.)
I have a 32GB SD card which the Tablet acknowledges, but I haven't ever "seen" it over the USB connection (to Windows 7), not have I seen any Android tools to display/access it. Is it mounted on a UNIX-like directory? Or is it Invisible as an entity?
The #$%^'ing beast disconnected during my download of several books-on-CD (rip'd to MP3's) and now says the SC card is messed up... so I guess I have to erase it and download the data again... hoping it won't disconnect once more.
'Guess it's time to order a book on Android... sigh. If there are any online Primers you'd recommend, I'd appreciate a link!
Thanks, John
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Edit: PS -- Erasing the SD card didn't fix the problem: I still get "an error was encountered on your SD card" when I go to the Music player. 'Guess that means using CWM to format something. More sighs....
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Edit2: PPS -- Yet re-booting restored the Music files... however Windows 7 continues to think the tablet's "drive" needs an error scan/repair. O grief....
Do you have a file explorer installed? That wold easily let you delete and move files.
Your micro SD will not be detected by your computer. You will need to mount your device to the PC and load files onto internal SD then move them to the micro SD with a file explorer. Or you can get a usb SD reader and load them directly.
Do you have wpa or any other encryption running on your wifi? Different roms have trouble with certain protections. I suggest setting your router to accept only preset mac addresses you approve.
I might have disconnected with screen timeout. Set screen to never time out under settings.
Does your rom indicate internal mem as emmc or SD? Some are SD for internal and SD 2 for micro SD.
Mantara said:
Do you have a file explorer installed? That wold easily let you delete and move files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew FE apps existed, but presumed there was SOME way to delete w/o them. And... since the beast won't communicate to the internet I have to find another way to load apps (via my W7 computer). [I've used Win7 to delete tablet files over the USB port -- gack... that's a nasty method.]
Your micro SD will not be detected by your computer. You will need to mount your device to the PC and load files onto internal SD then move them to the micro SD with a file explorer. Or you can get a suspect SD reader and load them directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a PC-attached SDHC reader and earlier looked at the SD card that way. However, I'm not sure what I can DO with data I load onto the SD card since I haven't been able to understand in what ways Android makes use of that SD card. [For example: if I placed a root-dir directory of Music on the card, would Android merge that with the internal Music files?]
Do you have wpa or any other encryption running on your wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have some encryption, perhaps WPA, but the Android wouldn't declare that it has a Connection if it hadn't properly matched the security methods on the router. [I vaguely recall seeing the tablet flash a box with the protocol details it found the router using.]
Very frustrating. I expected a more intuitive structure to Android, and fewer problems. I bought this for a trip I'm taking on Friday, but it looks like I won't have email and browsing on that trip.
Most roms have FE apps installed but I'm guessing the barebones GB doesn't.
Have you tried opening your wifi so no password is needed just to see if its a tab flaw in the wifi antenna?
Music players vary. Stock, no. Power AMP yes. With power amp and some free apps you can set the directorys they search for music in.
GB is nice but it is still very fresh and the kinks are still getting workred out in the version for Gtab. There still isn't drivers to enable hardware acceleration. I would seriously recommend vegan b5.1.1 or the clemsyn/calculin rom. Both are super stable and very streamlined. And both are fully tested by thousands of other moders. Worth a shot.
Router?
I have some encryption, perhaps WPA, but the Android wouldn't declare that it has a Connection if it hadn't properly matched the security methods on the router. [I vaguely recall seeing the tablet flash a box with the protocol details it found the router using.]
The fact it is connecting to the router leads me to believe you may have a configuration issue on the router. Do you have the router locked to Mac address filtering or restrictions on access? If that is the case, your tab could connect to the router but not the net.
Mantara said:
I might have disconnected with screen timeout. Set screen to never time out under settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found where while-on-outlet timeouts could be turned off on the Initial Android (that came on the tablet); I have been unable to find anything which allows more than a 30 minute timeout period on GingerBread.
Does your rom indicate internal mem as emmc or SD? Some are SD for internal and SD 2 for micro SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unsure where you're asking me to find this information: Within a PLUS/POwerOn boot (CWM)? or in the [lame] Storage information under Settings?
greymane98 said:
The fact it is connecting to the router leads me to believe you may have a configuration issue on the router. Do you have the router locked to Mac address filtering or restrictions on access? If that is the case, your tab could connect to the router but not the net.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've set nothing fancy on the router beyond basic encryption. I often have friends' computers in here for repairs, and those aren't blocked. Still, opening the router up is an interesting test for manana. Friday a.m. I have to be up and off to the airport around 4am, so I shouldn't be floundering around with this just now!
You wouldn't be able to tell without a file explorer. Just realized that. There has been debate about standard android (emmc/sd) and tablet android (sd/sd2) drive labeling. Didn't know what the newest GB used for labeling drives. It has caused lots of confusion and lead many to accidently format their SD (internal mem ) with cwm.
BasiliskPie said:
I've set nothing fancy on the router beyond basic encryption. I often have friends' computers in here for repairs, and those aren't blocked. Still, opening the router up is an interesting test for manana. Friday a.m. I have to be up and off to the airport around 4am, so I shouldn't be floundering around with this just now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to get it running for your trip you could at least try a froyo rom.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=884103
Mantara said:
Most roms have FE apps installed but I'm guessing the barebones GB doesn't.
Have you tried opening your wifi so no password is needed just to see if its a tab flaw in the wifi antenna?
Music players vary. Stock, no. Power AMP yes. With power amp and some free apps you can set the directorys they search for music in.
GB is nice but it is still very fresh and the kinks are still getting workred out in the version for Gtab. There still isn't drivers to enable hardware acceleration. I would seriously recommend vegan b5.1.1 or the clemsyn/calculin rom. Both are super stable and very streamlined. And both are fully tested by thousands of other moders. Worth a shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm worn out, and have to crash now. Those are good points, and I'll pursue them ASAP.
But I'll pursue snoring just now!
Thanks to all!
Ahhh, a new day... and yesterday's advice to follow up on... and a solution found!
Pilot Error: Controlled Flight Into Terrain [CFIT]
I went to turn off the WPA [or whaddeva] security on the wireless router... and couldn't! Couldn't open the router at the usual 192.168.1.1.
'Did an IPCONFIG and WHOA! Definitely non-standard IP addresses for a home Router/Gateway/etc. Very much like... oh Dang... like Modem-delivered addresses.
Now I recall: just before a recent trip I helped a friend in BudaPest set up a Vulkano link to his mother's ComCast TV service... and to test that it worked from my house I had to directly wire my computer onto the Modem -- Vulkano wouldn't work through my router w/o unknown configuration changes. And I never reconnected the router, nor turned it off, so my tablet was connecting to a disconnected router.
With the router re-cabled, everything works... almost: now the tablet works, but I can't get a stable connection through the WIRED connection to my main computer... the one which was working 15 minutes ago before I re-inserted the router!!! I'm NOT asking for help on that: a few more reboots or a cable change and it will resume working, but for now I've switched to wireless on the computer. [Do't even suggest the most-obvious! I rebooted the modem & switch several times, and the computer as well. But I've now removed Vulkano s/w so maybe that will get the WIRED connection back up after the next reboot.]
Sigh... mea cukpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
Now, back to packing for Colorado! Thanks again!
Able to connect to Wifi, But no Internet access
Hey guys. I am new to the forum, and I am sorry if this has been solved, but I have benn having a hell of a time trying to figure this out. I just gor my G-tab, and with some help from my friend, we rooted it, installed CW, and installed Vegan Ginger Edition. I have another friend who is running the Vegan 5.1, and he has the same issue. We are in a building that has a preinstalled wireless system. We can see the repeaters, and connect to them, but we are unable to connect to the internet. The system requires a login. Another friend has a Sprint HTC phone and he is unable to get the internet either. Any suggestions of ideas?
I've searched around for some solid technique or, preferably, app that allows you to trick apps into thinking you are using Wifi when in reality you are still on 3g/4g.
- I am NOT looking for alternatives or workarounds for a specific app
I found it crazy that the iPhone has over a dozen apps, tweaks, etc that can easily do this type of thing, but the only stuff I've found on the subject for android were either ridiculous techniques that don't work, or people questioning WHY you'd want to do this...
If anyone has ANY information on this subject, please tell.
Is there a reason why this is so much harder on Android than on iPhone? I'd be happy to learn exactly what the problem is here.
bump
Im also interested on this. I have unlimited data and i find it ridiculous that devs make apps to only work on wifi. I use to use 3g unrestrictor all the time back when i had my iPhone.
bump
bump again...
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
-------------
I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
xMrArnoldx said:
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
-------------
I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't work.. My wifi is turned off as soon as the tethering starts. What app exactly am I supposed to use?
Thanks!
Try wifi tether for root users.
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Give me a thanks if i helped
Lg Lucid running Cm10
w/ Cm10 Kernel
Asus Tf700 running Cromi-X 4.6.5
w/ Max's v4 kernel
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Diablo67 said:
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this whole text file thing didn't work for me. Do you have to be rooted for this to work?
It didn't work for me either and I'm rooted
Work for anyone
Did the above fix work for anyone?
.txt thing didn't work for me either and I'm rooted]
I am having a rooted phone with busybox and this text file trick doesn't work.
Sent from my GT-S5360 Gadget of Mass Destruction using xda-app
Using CWM........Busybox Commands........No I use my hands
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
omf05 said:
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty pathetic really
I'll be abroad next week and wanted to catch a bit of the French Open Tennis but one of the TV apps I'm using requires a wifi connection. The fact there is no workaround yet is almost as idiotic as the morons who implement this "feature" in their apps.
Why should I care if someone is dumb enough to rinse their 1GB Data limit when I have unlimited 4G internet?
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Planterz said:
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
taino211 said:
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
Planterz said:
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
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Thanks for the great explanation! This helps quite a bit. I'll give this a shot to see how it goes.