WiFi Suddenly Not Getting IP

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whizkid · #1 Post by **whizkid** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 5:05 pm

I got a T41p for wifey and started setting it up: I installed XP SP2, installed a bunch of updates from Lenovo, and was in the midst of using the Files and Settings wizard, all with WiFi, when I plugged in the network cable.

It was a lot faster, but now WiFi (Atheros ABG card) only sees the available networks. It associates, but never gets an IP correctly. I've tried with and without Access Connections, and on XP SP2 and XP SP1 and even a Fedora 8 Linux LiveCD, and they all behave exactly the same: See network, associate, but no IP.

My router is a LinkSys WRT54G, first using Tomato firmware, then using the latest from LinkSys.

Any similar experiences?

sjthinkpader · #2 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 5:43 pm

I assume you had rebooted the router already?

Does it get a connection when you set the computer up with a fixed IP address?

whizkid · #3 Post by **whizkid** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:19 pm

Yep. Rebooted router. Replaced router firmware. Tried fixed IP. Nothing works.

Might there be a compatibility issue between the ThinkPad ABG (with Atheros 5211 chipset) and my LinkSys WRT54G v2?

#4 Post by **gator** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:39 pm

Sounds like a DNS issue ... have you tried 'reparing' the connection on windows (it does a DNS refresh). I also suggest looking at the wireless connection properties and see if the DNS settings are right.

sjthinkpader · #5 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:21 pm

My Linksys router is so unreliable, I am using all fixed IP on my system. The DSL modem is holding the DNS addresses and holding the public IP address. I can't get rid of this router because it is a VoIP router.

I suggest you change to fixed IP addresses and move the DNS and public IP addresss to your modem if it is a newer model and can do that. You can tell if the modem has an IP address for setup on its label.

Initial D · #6 Post by **Initial D** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 5:56 pm

Right now I'm using HyperWRT tofu firmware with my WRT54G with B-only enabled. I don't see anything hurtful trying that out.

Try hard rebooting first (using a paperclip/pencil) on the back button before you decide trying out tofu firmware maybe? (I haven't been in touch with the newest firmware, but it works well for me)

whizkid · #7 Post by **whizkid** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:26 pm

A T42, T60, 600X and my PDA all work fine on the router. I think it's fine.

I swapped the WiFi card between the T41p and the T42, and the problem follows the card, so I think it somehow got a little damaged, or the card (or both the XP and Linux drivers) have a compatibility issue. I'm going to see if it will be replaced under warranty, and if not I'll replace the card myself.

Thanks for all the tips though.

whizkid · #8 Post by **whizkid** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:07 am

IBM replaced the card and it now works fine. Thanks for all the tips. I wonder how a card could fail like that. Hmmm.

WiFi Suddenly Not Getting IP

WiFi Suddenly Not Getting IP

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