Mobile AP Tethering questions - 5 devices?

[HeathicusF]

We have three lines with Verizon that have tethering plans. This is our home internet connection. Satellite is our only other alternative - no cable or DSL where we live. (We previously had satellite but got fed up with it and cancelled.) All phones use custom roms and are rooted, etc.

We have quite a few network devices in the house. Desktop PCs (with virtual machines), laptops, Android tablets, wireless printer, and other devices that use Wi-Fi.

My understanding (and experience) is that mobile AP tethering is limited to 5 devices. This causes problems a lot. Invariably, something we need to access on the home network is unreachable or some device doesn't have internet connectivity because of the limit.

What causes the 5-device limit? Is it a DHCP limitation on the device acting as the AP? Is it an ARP table limitation? Routing table limitation?

Is there a way to get around this 5 device limitation? Would static IP assignments make any difference? A particular custom ROM (the phones are two Captivates and an Infuse all currently running Serendipity)?

What about an app to better manage the mobile AP? Something that would allow us to see the devices connected to the AP and kick them off so another device can connect? Or something to change the AP's network settings? Is something like that available?

 

[Babydollll]

I've heard of some dedicated mobile hotspot devices having the capability to tether up to eight devices. (Verizon has a Samsung made one, I think) ....as for the ability to get around the limitation, I am unable to assist you. Sorry.

Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

 

[Longcat14]

Just a question, you had 2 Captivates and an Infuse running on Verizon? Huh? Lol.

Anyways, I think it's a limitation of the actual chip that allows you to broadcast a signal for other devices.

 

[HeathicusF]

I've heard of some dedicated mobile hotspot devices having the capability to tether up to eight devices. (Verizon has a Samsung made one, I think) ....as for the ability to get around the limitation, I am unable to assist you. Sorry.

We gave Verizon's MiFi device a test run. Maybe it was a fluke, a bad device, or something, but the speed on it was absolutely horrible. I was getting 1/4 the speed with the MiFi device as I got with satellite. With my phone sitting right next to the MiFi device and Mobile AP enabled, I was getting 3 to 4 times the best speed I ever got with satellite. We tested over a few days, putting it in different places, etc. So we cancelled and returned the MiFi and got the 3rd line for our son (and in the process upgraded my wife from her Captivate to the Infuse and our son got her Captivate).

Just a question, you had 2 Captivates and an Infuse running on Verizon? Huh? Lol.

What's the question and what's so funny? The Infuse is my wife's. One of the Captivates is mine. The other Captivate is our son's.

Anyways, I think it's a limitation of the actual chip that allows you to broadcast a signal for other devices.

I had a feeling it was something like that. I was hoping for a more specific and certain answer. Mainly to satisfy my curiosity. I'd love to get around the limitation, but figured it would have been done if it were possible.

 

[HeathicusF]

Just a question, you had 2 Captivates and an Infuse running on Verizon? Huh? Lol.

D'oh! I'm an idiot! LOL

Uhm, yeah, we have AT&T...

(I can't stop laughing at my own stupidity now!)