Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

Several months ago, I switched from an Apple AirPort 802.11g access point to a Apple TimeCapsule 802.11n access point. Due to the security requirements of 802.11n, I was forced to switch from WEP to WPA. Specifically, the TimeCapsule is in "WPA/WPA2 Personal" mode.

At around the same time, my N800 running (then) OS2007 and now OS2008 has become very unreliable w.r.t. staying connected to the network. I'll boot the device, listen to (say) 10 minutes of internet radio and then it will stop. Canola will say "Network is down" and indeed, no network access will work. However, the home screen will say that it is still connected to the access point, and show fine signal strength. Sometimes, I can disconnect from the network and reconnect, and then things will work again (for awhile). Other times, I'll have to reboot. Other wifi clients (macbooks, powerbooks, roku soundbridge radio, tivo, hp laserjet) work just fine so I don't think it is the access point.

There is never any problem connecting to the access point, only a problem actually making network connections.

It feels to me as if it is a problem with the security mode. I am somewhat unwilling to disable all security for a few days in order to test this theory. If it isn't a software problem with the encryption mode, then perhaps I have a hardware problem with my N800.

I'm posting in order to see if anyone else has problems operating in WPA mode, and especially if you are using an Apple Airport Extreme or TimeCapsule.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

--Jim--

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

WPA personal mode? does this mean username and password?

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

I believe it means PSK (pre-shared key) mode and not Enterprise mode.

There isn't a username/password combo, but just an alpha-numeric "password" (the pre-shared key) for access.

--Jim--

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

Definitely need more info on what kind of connection this is - I guess WPA-PSK?
Maybe also see https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1017 and https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=417 .

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

Yes - I believe what Apple calls WPA/WPA2 Personal means PSK. I think both of those bugs are about Enterprise modes.

Can you tell me what additional information you could use? I've checked the access point logs and don't see anything suspicious.

--Jim--

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

I will presume you do not have a wlan timeout set.

There is a known issue about Diablo's "Internet connection daemon" locking up and requiring a reboot to clear. This happens to me, but only in marginal signal conditions. If you are comfortable with root you can also clear it with a "/etc/init.d/icd2 restart"

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

I've been using UNIX since 1979, so I'm pretty comfortable. :D I'll give the icd2 restart a try, though it would obviously be nicer to not keep happening in the first place!

It seemed to start happening to me when I switched from WEP to WPA, and not when I switched from OS2007 to OS2008. Perhaps I'll flash back to OS2007 to test that theory.

Thanks,

--Jim--

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

It might be worth checking to see if the wifi power saving on the tablet is the source of the problem. Turn wifi power saving to "off" and test for a bit. Some routers don't behave correctly with the aggressive power saving the tablets use. Switching channels might also be worth a try. The tablet probably has the smallest most shielded antenna out of any of your other devices. It might be most sensitive to interference from other sources.

-John

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

I have been running for the past couple days with power saving turned off for my wifi connection.

So far, it has been perfect with no disconnections that I have detected during that period. It appears that Johnx has hit it on the head.

It perhaps is something different about WPA that it is more sensitive to this, though I did change access points and security settings at the same time.

Thanks, Johnx.

--Jim--

Re: Intermittent WiFi with OS2008 and WPA
 

Looks a lot like a problem happened here, and a confirmed solution at the last post:
http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...ead.php?t=6696