Tether

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to make a long test of tether why on an 8 hours cross states trip. Since my wife can not without a internet browser for 5 mins (Sh! Don't tell her that :) I figured this will be a perfect idea to put Tether for a real life test. It will not only test on both platform of computers (XP based PC and MacBook Pro), but also to test how it will perform as it hand over between cell towers with various signal strength. With that in mind, I geared up everything that I need, and headed our way.

1. Background information

The equipment and application involved were: BB Storm2 with OS 5.0.0.517 on Verizon service; Tether on device version 1.2; PC with XP and SP3, Tether version 1.1.0.2; MacBook Pro with OS 10.6 (up to date patches) and Tether version 1.1.0.2; Browser tested: IE8, Firefox 3.6; Safari 4 for Mac; Flash based stream contents player for PC; Various on-line site (secure and non-secure connectivity); youtube contents; Corporate VPN access (Juniper based); etc.

2. Testing process involved

Since we are making a round-trip on same route (8+ hours one way), it gave me the opportunity to test PC and Mac in identical areas. I planed two segments of tests for each platform.

First up, PC with Bluetooth, total length of time for 3 hours. Visited websites that was selected from most commonly used ones at home, included some special content stream apps, spent an hour on youtube, connected remote desktop via VPN for business, and other misc tasks. Results are vary impressive. Got one interrupt towards the end of tests with the error on the Storm2 indicated unexpected lost connection, there were two stream pause due to weak signals, rest of time were nearly broadband experience. Second segment, with idential tasks via USB connection were just about same. No issues at all.

On return trip, we started with USB connection to Mac to keep the same signal environment as close as possible as we did to PC, no issues. Second, we used Bluetooth connection, again, a happy ending!

During all the tests, for Bluetooth, I have the BB Storm2 on the car charge. What I did find out is the following: When connected via USB, the battery were not been charged. Although it won't drain the battery, the power was supplied with USB connection. Another thing to be noted, the phone does running rather hot for continuing usage with Tether. That may not be an issue itself as any process intense application would do, but if the phone is not in a good ventilation condition, it could cause the unexpected errors. I believe the one interruption towards the first segment test may due to the heating issue.

In total, I spend about 12 hours of tethering time in two days, and very happy with the results. Special thanks to Tether team for the creativity of this product, and continue enhancement. Although this review is somewhat subjective to above condition and circumstance of equipment and environment, but may offer some reference for others.

Go Tether!