n810 - Problems connecting to open Wifi
 

Hey all, great forums - they helped me decide to snag an n810 finally.

I have updated the OS to the newest version last weekend but I'm still having some wifi issues.

The main issue is my work wifi. My workplace has an unsecured wifi for clients. I am able to connect to it with my PSP. However, my n810 trys to connect to it and has problems. It says "connected to (name)" but my quick contact list (gmail) repeatedly flashes "unable to connect to one or more accounts" - and although it states I'm connected I have no internet and cannot access the web (acts like there's no connection and goes to the server not found page for any address I try to go to).

I'm not a network wizard so I don't know why my PSP can connect and my n810 can't...

Also, I've only installed a few things on the system (weather, and battlegewled) so I can't imagine it's anything like that causing it.

If you have any suggestions, they are GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks!

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I have seen this, as well. Although I don't have a definitive answer, my guess would be some sort of authentication based on MAC address, or possibly using a RADIUS server, rather than Pre-Shared Key. Again just guessing.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Usually if you can't connect to an open wifi it's either MAC address filtering or simply the signal being too low.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Something else I thought of: Might be those funky False Access Points a Winders box creates when it can't connect to an Access Point...

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

That's what I would have assumed as well. But I find it odd that my PSP sitting right next to the n810 connects to work's wifi with no problems (and actually has internet access).

It's also odd that here at work my n810 "acts" like it connects - but really it doesn't. :-/

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

This is very frustrating.

Looking at my PSP and n810 side by side, they are both connected, with the same subnet mask, default router, primary/secondary DNS address - but my Nokia is only getting a tiny bit of data.

Just a kb or two when it tries to login to my gmail account. No internet access on the n810, but the PSP works just great. :(

Anyone have any idea why the PSP works but the n810 does not? Is there any networking software that can help? I have no idea why it won't receive data.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I've had similar issues connecting to most WIFI hotspots, as well as my home network. I would periodically disconnect from Gtalk, and web browsing was painfully slow.

I corrected this by disabling the Power Saving features for my WIFI connections. You have to do it individually (as far as I know) for each network you connect to. It's located in the advanced options of the network connection.

Hope that helps, and yes it does seem to eat up my battery quite a bit more.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Thanks for the suggestion ScottH241, unfortunately it didn't help. :(

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I can't imagine it's any mac address filtering (also considering it's open and unprotected) as the PSP connected to it instantly. I feel like I'm missing something, or perhaps the n810 is missing some setting.

Is there any special networking software I should install on the n810 I'm unaware of?

Keep the suggestions coming, any are appreciated.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

The plot thickens...

I just tested the open wifi on a laptop. Connected without any problems.

Something is funky with the n810 connection.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

hi all.

I have encountered the same problem here as well - unable to connect to one or more accounts. I dun understand how to fix it, neither do i know what it really means here.

please kindly advice.

many thanks

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

usually it is with a linksys routerthat i have issues with

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Hmmm I've had fairly similar issues that JUST cropped up. I can usually connect to most open networks and I've never had any problems until yesterday when sitting in a coffee shop. There were five open networks in the area generated by various restaurants and my N810 was unable to connect to any of them. Just the generic (and now hated) "Unable to Connect" message.

On an almost unrelated note I still can't get my N810 to connect to my home network :(

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

hi all,

Thx for ur replies. However, my issue here is that the message only pops up whenever i try to make an internet call. It also displays 'network error'. The weird part was that i was clearly connected n i could surf the net without any problem.... So i figure the 'network error' must be due to 'unable to connect to one or more accounts' problem, about which i dun have a clue...

If anyone out there has encountered a similar problem before, pls enlighten me on this.

Many thanks.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I have the same problem when i'm in school using the wifi from there. It is unlocked or unsecured, and I get full bar while in classroom and I seem to be able to connect to it, however when I try to surf the internet I get a message saying it refuses to contact google.com/live.com or any websites. Also my googletalk icon blinks on and off...so i'm assuming my n810 isn't getting internet from it. However, I read about some possible mac filter on unsecured wifi but other student's ipod touch and iphone and sidekicks are able to connect to same server and surf the internet. Anybody know any settings that need to be off or on? Also, this happens with another wifi location near my school...so I'm not sure if it's my n810 or them. Suggestion please :D

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

it can't hurt to try this = check your connection setup:advanced settings do you need to use a proxy? i

if your proxy settings are aok (either input or not used)
try changing your DNS settings (try using OpenDNS)

i would also change the WLAN Power Saving to On (maximum) seems to work for me- if it is maximum then try intermediate or off

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I tried putting the power setting to off...still didnt' work. and can you specify the DNS feature? Step by step if you have the time :D thank you

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

sorry about the late reply - i've been bz @ work and i've had some hardware (pc/and mac ) issues at home


1. to change dns settings: connections>edit>advanced>IPAddresses(tab) uncheck auto-retrieve DNS settings

opendns (opendns.com) (which some people find controversial because they insert their own search page on a 404) has
Primary DNS address: 208.67.222.222
Secondary DNS address:208.67.220.220

If that's not it- then they may be MAC address filtering and then you should get the permission of the AP so they can add your MAC address.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Ok thank you. I'll try that tomorrow at school again, but doesn't mac filter blocks out iphone and ipod touch out too?

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

yes MAC filtering would block ipnones etc

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I'm also having problems connecting to open WIFI, including home router.
Actually, I connect fine - but then Microb will not access any webpages - even google - after a few seconds. I've also noticed this with the Application Manager when trying to update. However, if I open an SSH session, that will continue to function and access fine.

Would the power saving feature not affect SSH connections?

Console apps (like ping and traceroute) also work and make connections when browser and app manager do not.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Anyone have a fix or cause for this yet? I have flashed 3 times now because of this issue. Weird because Skype will work but nothing else can access network. Any ideas? Even a fix vs flashing would be nice.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I have the same issue....sort of.

If I make a connection to my work VPN, I can surf ok.....but if I disconnect my work VPN via VPNC, then I cant even get to WWW.GOOGLE.COM. Powering down and powering the N810 doesnt seem to fix the issue.

But if I type in the IP address, I can go to google.com....or any website. I have tried opendns DNS at 208.67.222.222 and 220.220, but it didnt do anything either.

Any help would be great....
Steve

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

In general: A packet capture could help to clarify what causes the problem. tcpdump can be used on the Nokia device (Wireshark/Ethereal could be used from another host. See http://maemo.org/development/documen...s/tcpdump.html for more info.

Also see https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1017 and https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=417 for current wifi restrictions.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

BugPV: When you wrote back in April that,

"and I can get connected and it works on a Wifi connection"

had you only tried Skype and haven't been able to use your tablet on the Internet since then, and just bothered to write a message about that now? Or is something else going on?

When you talk about "this" issue, it's not clear to me. Which issue mentioned in this thread are you referring to?

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Andre,

I will try and do the TCPdump....if I can figure that out.....but one clue I have found is that when VPNC-GUI runs, it says:

/etc/vpnc/vpnc-script;
line 565;
cannot open /var/run/vpnc/resolv.conf-backup: no such file

but it stays connected, and I can surf fine through my work VPN, but when I disconnect, I have to type manual IP addresses to hit websites. Turning off doesnt help.

Doesnt that resolv.conf have something to do with my DNS info...?

It works on a new flash, but after I install vpnc, vpnc-gui, pyrdesktop and FVWM....it gives me this situation.

I guess I could reflash again and test it repeatedly after each install, but was hoping there was a file or something I could do to restore my DNS.....

Any help, let me know.
Steve

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I bet that vpnc has overwritten /etc/resolv.conf and it has lost the backup file to restore it.

Check that /etc/resolv.conf has contains following single line:
nameserver 127.0.0.1

edit:
and reason for losing the file is that /var/run is actually /tmp/.run which is volatile memory ie. it gets lost when shutting down. Shut down vpnc connection before turning off the tablet or before battery runs out ;)

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

mikkov,

You know....that is exactly what happened....I had to shutdown when I was connected to VPN.....man I wish I had my N810 here at work....sheez....now I have to wait....LOL...!!

I should be able to edit the vpnc-script file to create the resolv.conf-backup to a place on the N810's internal memory, instead of ram....right...? Does that make sense....?

Thanks so much for the response,
Steve

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Just make sure that /etc/resolv.conf has line "nameserver 127.0.0.1" in it, nothing else. You need to be root to edit it.

Easiest way to write to that line to file is to type as root in xterm "echo nameserver 127.0.0.1 > /etc/resolv.conf"

For getting root access, see https://wiki.maemo.org/Root_access

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

That could be a bit confusing.. w.r.t. the quotes. Safest description is probably:

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Thanks Guys.....that was the EXACT problem....

That file was left by VPNC to redirect the DNS to the connection at my work. I deleted the entries using VI and put in the 127.0.0.1, and it fired right off....great support in these forums..!!

I still am going to try to edit the vpnc-script file to create the resolv.conf-backup to a place on the N810's internal memory, instead of ram....right...? That way I dont have to do that again, but if I do, I used your command under my CPU menu to delete and recreate that file on the fly....

Thanks All....
Steve

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I recently purchase the N810 and I have exactly the same problem with the wifi connection in open hotspots. Exactly the same messages in the screen and exactly the same frustration.
The only place where I can connect with wifi is in my home where I have a linksys router attached to an adsl modem.
I'm not a technician in computing, and I'm new in the Maemo world. I'm not able to modified internal instructions.
I follow this forum , but at the end the things goes to the super-technician instruction and I lost in this.
Please tell me if anybody find a practical solution for the problem?????
Thanks!!!:(

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to open Wifi
 

Hi Nogard810,
Please tell me if you correct the problem, and how. Like I write in this post, I have exactly the same problem.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

The problem here is only applicable when using vpn software (to connect securely to a home/office network).
If you never did this ( aka you simply connect to a open wifi and then start the browser to go to google or so) then the "solution" in previous page is not going to help.

edit: unless "/etc/resolv.conf " will also be changed when NOT using vpn software?? need to check this when home...

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I haven't used a VPN at all (my work uses CheckPoint which needs it's own proprietory client to connect, a real pain), but I have had the same problem with some AP's. I thought that all I needed to do was add my own dns servers to /etc/resolv.conf, but after reading through this thread I now know that's not the case. Seeing the contents of that file, I thought that the IT used it's own internal proxy of some sort, but I don't think that's right either. Where does the dns server data get saved?

I was fighting with the AP that our local blood donour clinic provides on the weekend. After all, all I was doing was just sitting there anyway (bleeding doesn't require must extra effort :)). I'd get an IP but no way could I browse, ping or nslookup. frustrating.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Most APs provide DNS server IPs with DCHP. Not all apparently open APs are open and may require a login or have implemented a technique like MAC blocking which without hacking on your part keep you out.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I understand that & I suppose that this particular AP might have enabled MAC blocking/inclusion since the last time I blead there :), but it's not something I inquired about. But if there was MAC blocking, why would I have been assigned an IP? Or is that just the way it works?

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Assigning an IP without the DNS is a bit unusual but when dealing with an IT department of a local non-profit you're likely to see anything. You'll need to ask them but don't be surprised if all you get are blank stares. The default mode for access points is open with DCHP support for IP and DNS assignment. If that's not what you're seeing they have changed it and I can't predict what changes they made.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

I was on a cruiser of Royal Caribbean (Jewels of the Seas) last August and was not able to use the ships´s wi-fi net. I was able to open the login page, write id and pw but N810 did not connect to Internet. I will be again on a cruiser of RC in March and I would like to know if someone had this problem on RC ships.

Re: n810 - Problems connecting to most open Wifi
 

Hello,

I have been experiencing problems with my n810's connection the past few days.

When I got it, the connection was perfect, and connected straight away and could browse all websites. Now, it seems to give me 'Server not found' errors when i look at google. Chat does not connect either.

However, it works fine for a https:// website that i use to view my university email.

The only change I done recently was update my firmware so that it now uses Diablo.

It was connecting fine at uni through vpnc, where the connection is not as good as it is in my home. I believe this is still working for connecting to google, although i don't think chat was connecting, so i could be wrong.

I tried turning power saving off, on the chance that it was a connection problem. Now I think it might just be Diablo.

Any suggestions?