The Overdrive Pro works best when connected in a 3G or 4G coverage area with 1 or more signal bars.
To check the coverage bars, please turn on the Overdrive Pro, or tap the power button if it is already on. Look here on the screen:
The 3G or 4G icon needs to have a solid white background, if it is a white outline then it is not connecting to the Mobile towers. Also, the number of bars is important, if you have no bars or only 1 bar, this could result in a slow connection.
Speed & Performance
Many factors can affect the speed of an Overdrive Pro, even if the Overdrive Pro has a strong 3G or 4G signal to the cell tower. Here are some examples:
- an older computer/device with a slower processor
- a computer/device that is low on resources and memory, based on installed/running services.
- a computer/device that has adware/malware or a virus.
- a computer/device actively updating software (OS updates, AntiVirus, Stocks, News, Weather, Games, etc...)
- the computer/device is too far from the Overdrive Pro, even though it has a connection (needs to be within 30ft.)
Test the Speed
If the connection to the Internet from the Overdrive Pro is working, you can test the speed by using the TOAST.net Speed Test:
http://performance.toast.net/
For "Speed Test Type" select Text+Shuttle, and for "Speed Test Host" select MaxCDN. We also recommend trying other Host servers (other than MaxCDN), to get an average of results.
Typical speed test results range from 200Kb (good for 2G, OK for 3G) to 1100Kb (Great for 3G).
Tips
The Overdrive Pro relies on a signal from the outside cell tower. Placing it near or in a window may help improve or stabilize the connection. It is also recommended to try using the Overdrive Pro in different locations (windows) within your home or office. You may find that a certain location (north/south/east/west) provides the best signal quality.
To check the signal bars, refer to the above picture for the location of the bars on the Overdrive Pro screen.
Article ID: 407, Created: 10/23/2013 at 1:20 PM, Modified: 1/27/2015 at 10:17 AM