MiFi Gets Firmware Upgrade
The MiFi is still firmly on my list of all-time most useful gadgets, and this week Novatel released a firmware upgrade to keep it on the list. It is not a major upgrade but does address some points that aggravate some folks:
- Now fully compatible with Nintendo DS and BlackBerry Curve
- No longer goes into hibernate mode while plugged into AC.
- Now works properly while roaming internationally
- New Administration page enhancements:
- Fixed Roaming indicator added
- Sprint Only mode support added
- Allows international access
- WiFi Channel Default changed to ‘Auto‘
- DHCP IP ranges now support class A, B and C
This upgrade is for both the Sprint (international) model and the Verizon MiFi model. I applied the upgrade to my Verizon MiFi and note the following for others wanting to upgrade:
If you always use the Verizon MiFi over Wi-Fi, you will not see any indication that the firmware upgrade is available. It must be downloaded and applied while connected via USB. You will find the upgrade firmware selection under the Options menu in the Verizon Access Manager (VAM) program. The upgrade only takes 5 minutes and the PRL will be updated after the firmware upgrade is completed. Note that it is not possible to upgrade the firmware using the Mac version of the VAM. I also attempted to apply the upgrade on Windows 7 running under Parallels Desktop on the Mac and that would not work. It applied fine on Windows 7 on a non-Mac PC.
(uneasysilence via zatznotfunny)
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Sweet. Thanks for the heads up.
James, what is the version number in the info page and where is the Sprint Roaming setings? Thanks.
I don’t have a Sprint model, and I haven’t been in the Verizon model settings. I use all the defaults which have worked well for me.
Mines a VZW also. Unfortunately my work location has full Sprint coverage and poor Verizon coverage. The ability to roam on to Sprint would be great. I updated the ROM last Wed but still no roaming.
Look at the sheet that came with the MiFi. It tells you how to access the settings through the browser, which should get you access to all the settings including roaming. It works just like a WiFi router in that regard.
Nope, looked all over the settings page in 192.168.1.1. Nothing about roaming.
I am only seeing an option to update VAM, (Options/Preferences) not the firmware.
My firmware is dated 1/13/09.
Is yours newer than that?
Thanks.
Problem Solved.
Verizon is one screwy company.
When I chose “Update” (for the VAM itself), I was informed that I had the latest version. But I found that there was actually a newer version posted at vzam.net.
While installing that, a notice appeared that there was a new version of FW available for the MiFi.
Be sure you VAM is version 7.0.10.1(build 2364a).
New FW is dated 6/04/09.
Any idea why it takes 4 months for Verizon to start distributing a new firmware version after it comes out?
While I see the usefulness, given the number of 3g smartphones, I would have thought an app based solution like ‘mobile wifi router’ would have been cheaper, reduced number of data accounts required, and reduced amount of hardware carried.