Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

This post is just to confirm that I was able to pair my N810/OS2008 with a new Verizon phone (VX8700) and voice plan (no VCAST or data options) via Bluetooth and connect to the Internet.

There are posts scattered throughout the Internet with the necessary info, but it's confusing as to what is actually required. (e.g. I didn't have to hex edit firmware or anything like that.) This is a summary of the key points (only one in particular was tricky):

• Only works if phone is in 1X network only mode. If EVDO network mode (or hybrid mode) is enabled on phone, it doesn't work.
• I used the Nokia cell phone wizard to setup the main parameters, but I could just have easily used the "connection details" screens. I don't think the wizard does anything special.
• Username: <10-digit-phone-num>@vzw3g.com (Using <MDM>@... didn't work for me.)
• Password: vzw
• Phone Num: #777
• The tricky part: I also had to edit /etc/ppp/options and uncomment the "-chap" option. Until I did that, it would say "authentication failed" and disconnect immediately.

With all that, I'm now able to connect via Bluetooth and get ~115k speeds. It doesn't stay connected for a long (<10 seconds) if I don't use it, but otherwise seems to work as expected.

Caveat: I don't know how this relates to Verizon's TOS or if I will be charged extra for kb usage. I personally won't use it much, but it's nice to know it's there if needed. If I did use it more, I'd probably pay for the VCAST (or some other data option?) plan to be safe. That might also allow EVDO network use.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

I, too, have a Verizon VX8700 phone, and a brand new N810. I'm still struggling to connect to the internet through the phone. I understand and have executed all your instructions (very helpful, thanks!)--except I don't understand the "edit /etc/ppp/options and uncomment the "-chap" option" part. Can you explain?
Thanks,
Jane

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

CAVEAT: I don't recommend this procedure at all. Reasons after the explanation :)

You need a memory card to do this one.

Gain root on your device --- there's a few ways to do this, installing the 'becomeroot' package is the easiest. Not sure which repository it's in, tho.

Start up XTerm, and:
sudo gainroot
cp /etc/ppp/options /media/mmc1

Now, close xterm and plug your N810 into your computer and open up the 'options' file using Notepad or any other text editor.

Remove all instances of '-chap': save, close, eject the N810.

Start up XTerm again, and:
sudo gainroot
cp /media/mmc1/options /etc/ppp/options

Confirm the overwrite if prompted.

You're done!

---

Using 1xRTT is a bad idea because it sends a red flag: you have to turn off EVDO, and there's no real reason to do so if you're in an EVDO area. (Turning it off in a border area --- the edge of EVDO coverage --- will dramatically raise battery life, though.)

Having VCAST enabled is a great way to mask what you're doing, and gets you unlimited (-ish) data without costing airtime minutes. However, VCAST only works with EVDO, so having it enabled but EVDO disabled also makes you look strange.

The best process is to make a small change on the phone, detailed here:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=938352

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

The /etc/ppp/options file on your Nokia device is a text file with configuration options used by DUN. There is a line in the file that looks like this "#-chap". The # character needs to be removed.

Aleksandyr gave good instructions for one approach to do this, but I'm not sure why he thinks an external memory card is needed. An alternative approach, that I think is easier, is to SSH into your local device as root. You can do everything on the N810 device itself if you want, and it doesn't require installing becomeroot/gainroot. e.g.

1. Install OpenSSH from main repositories. At end of install, it will prompt you to change the password for the root account on your device. Unless you know what you are doing, make sure it's a good password and don't forget it.
2. Start X Terminal on the device. (Apps->Utilities->X Terminal). At the prompt, type "ssh -l root localhost". Enter your new root password to login to your device as root via SSH.
3. Now, edit the /etc/ppp/options file. Easiest way for me, was to use "vi". If you are not familiar with vi, it goes something like this:
   • Type "vi /etc/ppp/options"
   • Type "i" (this puts you in to insert mode)
   • Use the D-pad to find the line "#-chap". Delete the "#".
   • Press <Escape>. Type ":wq". This saves the file and exits vi.

Aleksandry could very well be right. However, it seemed less risk to me to use 1X only than it would be to hack the phone to allow access on the EVDO network, especially since I'm not paying for VCAST currently. Based on Aleksandry's comments though, I"ll probably leave my phone in hybrid mode most of the time, and only switch to 1X only when needed. (Which will be rare for me.)

It brings up a larger issue and question I have though that maybe someone can help with... The hack linked to above (which is referenced in various forms all over the Internet) seems to give access to the EVDO network via DUN without Verizon's approval. However, if I pay for VCAST (or some other data option plan from Verizon), can I then use my phone via Bluetooth for DUN legitally? Said another way, could I then access the Internet WITHOUT having to make the login hack above on my phone (even if meant going to the local Verizon store so they could reconfigure something)?

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Thank you very much for your advice. So....just to be clear, this is what I should do:

1. Set the Nokia 810 connection settings for Verizon as recommended above in the first post.

2. Do not mess with the 1X or EVDO settings on the phone, but follow the instructions on the howardforums.com to enable DUN for EVDO.

3. Add VCAST to my phone plan.

4. (This is where i'm still unclear). After inserting a memory card (even though the 810 has an internal one built in?), follow your (aleksandyr's) instructions to remove all instances of "-chap". This will solve the problem of the "authentication failed" error message I keep getting when I try to connect via the phone.

Is that right? You believe that removing "-chap" etc will solve the authentication problem? or is that the proceedure you were referring to in your post that you don't recommend, and I should just stick with the howardforum.com proceedure?

Thanks!
Jane

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Oh. Didn't see Kaliatech's post when I typed my last one. I think the last question on that post is the one I'm asking too: Do I need to enable DUN for EVDO AND get VCAST AND get rid of the "-chap" etc.? Which of these solutions are mutually exclusive, and which will get me over the "authentication failed" problem?

Thanks!

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Uncommenting the "-chap" option (which tells the Nokia device to not use chap) will probably solve your "Authentication Failed" message. That is probably mutually exclusive from the decision to use 1X or EVDO/VCAST.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

this is all great information - I'm gonna thank everyone on this thread!

I'm going to the Verizon store today because my 2 year contract is up and it's time for a new phone...which brings me to my question:

Will ANY Bluetooth-capable Verizon phone act the same way? Or similarly?

How do I know if a certain Bluetooth-capable Verizon phone will work for DUN?

The VX8700 is nice...and $180. I hope to get some kind of contract-renewal-discount (it is my 4th 2yr agreement afterall)...but if I can't, I need to look at less-expensive phones. Any ideas?

This post is also helpful cuz of the ssh-to-root instructions...thanks for that. I've struggled with Linux in the past...I'm now a n00b for the second time in 3 years...but now it's all starting to make sense...getting a hang of the syntax, finally. Thanks, kalia, for literally spelling it out.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

I answered part of my question...check it out:

http://support.vzw.com/pdf/BT_Chart_Handsets.pdf

Looks like even the inexpensive phones have EVDO and 1X...the $50 VX8350 is the cheapest to you get FTP capability, according to the chart - which brings up a new question:

Does this "File Movement (FTP)" note, according to the chart, refer to the phone's software control for FTP? or is there something about the Bluetooth DUN on certain phones that would make them unfit for FTP via the N810?

For $50, I might just go get the 8350 and go to town...thoughts?

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works: VX8300
 

Here is my experience: I have a VX8300 with a normal voice-only plan. Previously, every time I tried to do DUN over Bluetooth, it would hang up after a few seconds. I had Googled and Googled for a fix, but no luck.

Then added the supplementary AT command "AT$QCMDR=2", and QNC dial-up networking started functioning properly. (I also did a one-time entry of "##dialup" on the keypad, which is one of the folk remedies for enabling DUN over Bluetooth.)

In summary, my settings are:

Connection type "Data Call"
Dial-up number "#777"
User name "qnc"
Password "qnc"
Supplementary AT command "AT$QCMDR=2"

The QNC dialup is pathetically slow, but at least it's free (except for the airtime minutes).

My wife's Verizon phone (an older Motorola model) will do Bluetooth QNC DUN without any special AT commands.

Doug

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Welcome for the help. At least I'm doing a little to return the favor for the extensive help I've received myself from reading these forums.

In theory, any Bluetooth capable phone that supports the Bluetooth "DUN Profile" should work. In practice, I would guess that there are few that don't. The real trick is that various phones have different ways of being programmed. (For my VX9700, I had to enter the hidden service programming menu to modify the 1X/EVDO settings. Accessing it was slightly different than what is posted for most Verizon phones.)

(Btw... I don't recommend the VX8700. It's pretty, but I really dislike that it doesn't show any notifications on the front display, speaker distorts at higher volumes, ... heh, different topic...)

The Bluetooth "FTP Profile" is used for transferring files and is not related to DUN.

Mine does that too if I don't use the connection. As long as I am downloading/uploading something every few seconds it seems to stay connected though. I'll have to look in to the AT commands you posted.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

OK - I connected my Verizon e815 phone via bluetooth. It took Verizon a while to figure out what I was doing, but after being charged $800 and $900 dollars for 2 months respectively (I got the charges dismissed) Verizon warned me not to use this device on the network again or the charges would not be dismissed again.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Yeah, I've read similar reports. Some people say they get hit, and others say never been hit. Do you know if you were using EVDO vs. 1X network for sure?

From what I've read, Verizon gets upset if you use the EVDO network without authorization, but doesn't care if using the 1X network. (How to get authorized to use either network for sure, I don't know yet.)

I've been keeping my kb usage really small until I go a few months to see how it appears on the invoice.

Thanks for the warning.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Using QNC is an extremely bad idea in general, as most plans will now charge it by the KB, and charge EXTREMELY high. There's no legitimate reason to use QNC on Verizon's current rate plans.

VCAST specifically allows for EVDO data access on the phone. Since it's not usually possible to tell the difference between phone access and laptop access on EVDO, unless you're being an idiot and torrenting :D, you should be OK. It's still a breach of contract with Verizon.

Not every phone that supports DUN will work. As I've said elsewhere, Motorola phones require reflashing to work with EVDO, most other phones require some work with EVDO, some require no work at all, but they're rare.

You get authorized by purchasing a BroadbandAccess plan for $60/month, if your local store will even sell it to you. Technically, nothing allows you to tether, but this depends on what plan you have: a BroadbandAccess plan does, but they generally won't sell it to phones, only data cards / usb modems.

Verizon has allegedly gotten pissed about 1X or EVDO. I've yet to hear of anyone actually getting charged that didn't blatantly deserve it: for example, someone downloaded upwards of 5GB of illegal movies via torrent and EVDO.

A pretty decent overview, in my biased opinion, can be found at:
http://toorcon.org/2007/talks/18/
From Alexander Lash's talk at ToorCon 9. A video of it (much better) was posted as a torrent, but I can't find it anywhere.

Oh, on AT commands: some phones will switch in to "DORMANT" mode when there's no active connections, and will then queue and hold connections while it redials. This lets you leave a data connection running as long as you like without entirely destroying your phone's battery. This shouldn't cause the tablet to register a disconnect, however.

EDIT:

Oh, and I said you'd need a memory card because I don't have an N810. The internal memory of the N800/N770 can't be accessed via USB.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

I'm heading to the VZW store shortly...

Does the VCast stuff run on EVDO or 1X? If it's 1X, and you pay for the VCast subscription, could you "disguise" your N810 data usage by sticking to 1X? I mean...as long as you don't over-use it...?

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

VCast runs on EVDO only, and will error out on 1X with most phones.

The theory is that having VCast disguises high data usage.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

well...I just got the VX8350 with the Premium Plan - unlimited data, vcast, etc...

First things first, I need to get it connected.

Second things second, I'll let you know if VZW drops a bomb on me :)

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

OK...here's where I'm at...and I need some help :)

I set up the N810 to communicate with my phone (VX8350)...did the VZW username and password and all that jazz.

I removed the # from the #-chap line in the /etc/ppp/options file.

I'm not sure how to change my EVDO and 1X settings...any ideas?

So...with where I'm at right now, my N810 starts to connect to my phone...it shows me some send/receive info...it actually sends and receives data, according to my phone display, but then, after just a few seconds, the N810 says "connection failed" and the fireworks are over.

What do you guys think? Shall I change my EVDO/1X settings? If so, how? Is there something else I'm missing?

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

OK...I didn't change anything since my post above, but the bluetooth DUN now seems to be working. It doesn't always connect on the first try, but it does connect and I'm able to browse/upload/download.

ROCK AND ROLL!

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

You are allowed to tether. You need the $60 broadband plan then it's another $10 or $15 on top of that. I have a treo 700p and this is what I do.

Adam

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

I have connected to my ISP using a Prepaid Wireless phone as data call . It is it works good just that it is very slow . 14.4 it's like being in 1981 on a bbs :) .

But it aleast works .

I have callplus wireless prepaid it works off verizon network and works with any verizon phone . better prices than verizon prepaid as verizon will hit you with a day fee for each day you use the phone . Not the case with this service and you are still on verizon even if you call 611 it is verzion and a verizon nimber . http://ecallplus.com/cellular/locus-cdma.html


I have also tried to use 1x network but it I just can't seem to get it to connect . I will have to do more testing on that with this prepaid service .

I am useing my roadrunner backup dialup account for my isp.

The phone is an ebay deal i got for $4.99 A V710 this phone works great at DUN is already turned out of the box.

Hope this helps others that may have prepaid servies and just needs to check the email real fast or lookup something.


Computerfreek

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Thanks, everyone, for all your help. My LG VX8700 is successfully connected via bluetooth to the my n810 and will upload and download at a reasonable speed. I understand that I'm taking some risk for how I will be charged, but we'll see how it goes. Currently, I have the Mobile Web 2.0 for an extra $5 per month, no VCAST and no data options.

Here's how I did it.

1. Purchased an LG USB data cable.

2. Downloaded BitPim from www.BitPim.org onto my computer.

3. Plugged in my phone to my computer via USB, downloaded driver for USB cord, and had BitPim autodetect the phone. Made a note of the COM port assigned to the phone.

4. Followed instructions on http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=938352 to enable EVDO DUN (dial-up networking).
A. Steps 1 & 2 require that you download QPST 2.7 build 215. This is illegal according to most forums and the link there no longer works. After some time googling, I finally tracked down a download and successfully downloaded.
B. Step 4 has you specify the port--this is where the BitPim info came in handy.
C. Instructions do not mention that at completion of the last step the phone turns off and restarts. I was not sure if this was a mistake on my part or intentional. Regardless, it seemed to work.

5. On Nokia n810, followed instructions to pair phone and tablet via Bluetooth. (Make sure you put phone in discovery mode: go to Settings->Bluetooth menu->Options->Discovery mode). If password is requested on your phone it is:0000 (four zeros).

6. On Nokia n810, use the following for your phone's connection settings (as mentioned in the first post on this thread):

Username: <your-10-digit-phone-num>@vzw3g.com (this should look familiar from the QPST configuration steps you took earlier)
Password: vzw
Phone Number: #777

Done :D

NOTES:
1. This seems to work whether I am using EVDO or 1X. It was NOT necessary to disable EVDO via the "supersecret menu"

[To see the secret menu, on your phone press: "##PROGRAMxxxx <Send>" where xxxx is the model number of your phone. So for me it is: ##77647268700 <Send> . Service code is: 000000 (six zeros)]

This ultimately may affect the way I am charged. Hopefully no nightmare $900 bill if I stay under the radar. I see from other posts that some people have added VCAST to their plan, not because it's neccessary for tethering, but to disguise any data usage and aviod Verizon's wrath. Again, we'll see.

2. It was also not necessary to uncomment the "-chap" option. I am not familiar with Linux and viewed those instructions with trepidation--so just as well!

3. I stay connected when not uploading or downloading. The phone says "DORMANT".

Thanks again for everyone who contributed and got me up and running!
Jane

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Just bought the Verizon Razr 2 v9m. I was able to tether it to my n810 using the information on this string. Thanks to all who contributed!

Although it works it is not very reliable. It only connects maybe one out of six tries and will disconnect often. Sometime it won't connect at all. If I can't get it to be more consistent, I will probably look into a different phone. The VX8700 sounds like it might be a good option? Its a shame, because I like the form factor of the RAZR2.

Notes

I did need to uncomment out "-chap"
The phone's bluetooth "Incoming Security" setting for the n810 needs to be on automatic for it to work.
I got regular voice service with unlimited Web 2.0 data.
Username: <10-digit-phone-num>@vzw3g.com
Password: vzw
Phone Num: #777
Did not work with the suggested "AT" command.

It worked with GPRS and Data Call, In my limited testing I could not tell which setting was better, thoughts?

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

The VX8700 is pretty slim--like the RAZR, and I've just switched to it from a RAZR. In fact, I like it better because I can feel the buttons a little better, and it seems to have superior battery life and signal strength. Otherwise, it's about the same.

Verizon gives you 30 days to return/exchange even if you've used the phone.
Good luck.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

I got it to work with my new Samsung Glyde on EVDO, but had to remove the AT commands using the advanced selection.

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

jmremsen,

Were you ever charged by VZW for your N810 use thru your phone?

THANKS!

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

Hello Everyone,

Where I live there's a verizon network support call center. I have friends that work there. Also I have been tethering to VZW for several years now without a data plan. There is some very bad information on this thread. Without quoting or pointing fingers I'd like to correct some of it.

1. EVDO vs. 1x- If you don't have a data plan $59.99 a month or $2 a day (yes they will prorate it. A good idea when traveling) DO NOT use EVDO! Verizon originally allowed tethering via 1x as part of their service plan. It was called 'National Access' and was (and still is) billed as simple minutes. Though the terms of service has changed their billing practices have not. This means that using 1x can put you over your plan at the cost of 15 cents per minute. But it also means that tethering via 1x on nights and weekends is effectively free!
Tethering via EVDO however, is monitored fairly closely. They will generally give you a warning and reverse the GIGANTIC charge on your bill once, but they don't have to. And they will shut off your phone and charge you for the entire contract (2 years) if you repeat. It is a bad idea.

2. Tethering may always use the login info you provide (depending on handset.) They use different info so that Veriazon can tell who is tethering and who is not. That is why some of you are getting disconnected after 10 seconds ;). Some handsets can be hacked to give the same login whether tethering or accessing via phone directly. Some cannot. http://howardforums.com is a good source of info on this. (I do not advocate hacking your handset. If you want to do this- caveat emptor.) Just having a vcast plan is not enough to mask your activities. The longer you tether illegally via EVDO the more likely you are to get bent over.

3. Even with the $59.99 data plan there is a bandwidth limit of 5gb per month. The overages charges are quite large. So watch your usage.

If you must have EVDO, paying for it is the safest way. They will prorate by the day. Simply call them up and ask to have 'Broadband Access Connect' added to your phone. $60 per month sounds like a lot until you get a $1000 phone bill ;)

I really hope this helps someone,

a noony mouse

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

I used to do this with my Nokia 770, but it got reset.

How do I do it again, please?

Re: Bluetooth to Verizon Phone for DUN Works
 

For "a noony mouse": So basically what you are saying is if I switch my phone to 1.x and use DUN (whether tethered or Bluetooth), that is "legal" within Verizon's realm? I have the Vpak plan (I have a Glyde), so that I can check my email periodically throughout the day, but there are times I'd like to use my laptop remotely to check email visit a few web pages, but nothing data intensive (gaming, etc.), and I could do this via my Glyde, as long as I switch to 1.x (via the secret menu), and it goes against my minutes?