Confirmed wi-fi set-ups

[new to ford]

I know we have several active threads regarding setting up the mobile wi-fi in the explorer, but how about if we try to keep in one thread a list of the confirmed, working wi-fi set-ups, being either through modemusb, cell-phone or other means.

I really want to activate this feature in our ex, but I don't want to start buying them without having confirmation that they work.

The list could look like this example:

1.- USB modem model x.., through XX cell phone carrier plan, $XX.XX extra/month

Seni, can you please help us with this and confirm exactly which usb modems are supposed to work with the ex? I am sure there are many owners out their (including myself) that liked this feature shown on the promotional brochure but never imagined that it's in an infancy stage of development.
Thanks,

 

[uniquename]

We should really have a sticky for this. In addition, it would need failed attempts, what version of MFT, and if possible a retest with upgrades.

 

[Sgt1411]

I think we need to clarify WiFi is simply one component of the SYNC System data funtionality.

SYNC can find WiFi hotSpots and connect. Try pulling up to Starbucks, it will find it and connect as long as you have the WEP/WPA Security Key.

Along with WiFi is the ability to use a USB style cellular data connection through a variety of carriers. Some confuse this with WiFi.

This functionality is in its infancy.

Here are the two modems that SYNC Customer Support said work with SYNC Gen2 v2.4


1. Sierra Wireless 598 CDMA Ev-DO

2. Sierra WIreless Mercury GSM 3G

The Sierra Wireless 308 HSPA+ 3.5G GSM will be recognized but not tested by FORD SYNC Dev Team as of yet. When I asked Customer Support about that particular modem they stated it is currently being tested.

The SW 308 wont connect as it needs to install software on the SYNC system and that's not permitted yet. They are hoping to have it on the approved list for future SYNC updates.

I just tried the SW 308 USB modem and it didn't work with my v2.7

My iPhone HotSpot functionality works great though.

It's going to be a while before we get this functionality clarified because the focus now is stability with MFT.

 

[new to ford]

SYNC can find WiFi hotSpots and connect. Try pulling up to Starbucks, it will find it and connect as long as you have the WEP/WPA Security Key.

Right, but what good is it that the vehicle can hook-up to the local starbucks wi-fi, when any wifi enabled device (ipod, for example) can also hook up directly to that local starbucks hot spot?
I guess I don't understand what is the value of having the ex work as a wifi "repeater" off a starbucks wifi.

What I am looking for is that the vehicle occupants can connect to wifi via either a usb modem or via a cell phone.

Regarding your iphone, I understand it turns itself as a wifi "hotspot" but at that point, why do you need the vehicle to act as an interface when other wifi devices can connect directly to your iphone hotspot? Did I get this right or am I missing something?
Thanks,

 

[Sgt1411]

Right, but what good is it that the vehicle can hook-up to the local starbucks wi-fi, when any wifi enabled device (ipod, for example) can also hook up directly to that local starbucks hot spot?
I guess I don't understand what is the value of having the ex work as a wifi "repeater" off a starbucks wifi.

What I am looking for is that the vehicle occupants can connect to wifi via either a usb modem or via a cell phone.

Regarding your iphone, I understand it turns itself as a wifi "hotspot" but at that point, why do you need the vehicle to act as an interface when other wifi devices can connect directly to your iphone hotspot? Did I get this right or am I missing something?
Thanks,

Your right about the Starbucks type Hotspot, kinda redundant. This is most likely for future SYNC functionality.

The iPhone idea is usually routed through SYNC in an effort to save battery but I guess you could mitigate that by simply charging your iPhone while it sits there as a Hotspot.

I think when they started the SYNC wireless functionality they were working from the idea that most data/voice smartphones could only tether a single device not 5 devices like SYNC.

So if your iPhone provided data connection to SYNC then SYNC would act as the router for 5 devices in the vehicle.

Again your right, the HotSpot feature has kinda taken the place of SYNC because they do the same thing.

 

[new to ford]

The iPhone idea is usually routed through SYNC in an effort to save battery but I guess you could mitigate that by simply charging your iPhone while it sits there as a Hotspot.

I think when they started the SYNC wireless functionality they were working from the idea that most data/voice smartphones could only tether a single device not 5 devices like SYNC.

So if your iPhone provided data connection to SYNC then SYNC would act as the router for 5 devices in the vehicle.

OK, that makes sense to me... I am sure my wife would not object to upgrade her phone to an iphone 4, hahaha!
So any iphone 4 can be turned into a wifi hotspot? or is it dependent on carrier company? and does it have an extra monthly cost?

 

[Quackinup]

The only advantage I can see to retransmitting your iPhone hotspot through Sync is that you could use a very simple password in Sync. Then when someone gets in your car and wants to connect you can give them a simple short password. No real worries about anyone hacking your easy password since you will be moving when it is available.

 

[Sgt1411]

OK, that makes sense to me... I am sure my wife would not object to upgrade her phone to an iphone 4, hahaha!
So any iphone 4 can be turned into a wifi hotspot? or is it dependent on carrier company? and does it have an extra monthly cost?

iPhone5 in July so dont waste your time with the iPhone4 now. The Hotspot feature was added to the last iOS upgrade 4.3 but your right your carrier controls whether or not your plan allows it to work.

Im hoping iPhone5 bluetooth will support MAP messaging so iPhone owners can use the SYNC Text to Speech functionality.

Kinda silly Apple doesnt support this BT protocol considering how it's such a huge safety issue.

 

[new to ford]

Im hoping iPhone5 bluetooth will support MAP messaging so iPhone owners can use the SYNC Text to Speech functionality.

Kinda silly Apple doesnt support this BT protocol considering how it's such a huge safety issue.

Interesting, my wife's motorola razor handles perfectly the text to speech functionality, I did not know that the iphone could not do this.

 

[uniquename]

iPhone5 in July

Not according to all the rumors.

 

[Quackinup]

Nope, most think probably September now...which sucks since my current contract is up in July.

 

[w1kedz]

Confirmed Setup:

iPhone4 4.x+ w/ Tethering plan (Using Bluetooth PAN for Sync Connection)
iPhone4 4.x+ Jailbroken with TetherMe (Using Bluetooth PAN for Sync Connection)

Either will work, the tethering plan I believe is 20$ extra a month, and can not be combined with the unlimited data plan (updates you to the 2gb max plan). I'm on unlimited data, and use the jailbroken method, has been working fine on our trips.

 

[FordService]

Hey guys,

I recommend continuing to look for updates on SyncMyRide.com and checking here to see what others have to say about USB modem support. I’ll do my best to keep you in the loop as I find out more!

Cory

 

[Sgt1411]

Cory

A simple list of what data devices work and don't work would be a great help.

The list is very short so it's not a big deal. Even a list of devices currently being tested would be of great assistance.

These lists would be nice to have on Syncmyride.

 

[Sgt1411]

Not according to all the rumors.

Your right, the rumours say iPhone5 production in September with sales in Oct/Nov. iPhone6 in development phase now. Source: ign.com