intel 3945 wireless does not stay connected

[dongery]

I just got an x61 and i'm really happy with it so far. I installed fedora 8 and i've got pretty much everything working the way i want it to except the wireless card (intel 3945abg) is unstable at best. It's using the default iwl3945 driver.

It seems that as long as i stay connected, the driver is stable and the connection stays up. But i can only connect to my access point 1 or 2 times, maybe 3 if i'm lucky, before it just stops working completely.

Currently I am using WPA security and after a couple connects/disconnects it will start repeatedly asking for the WPA key, even though i'm putting the same key in I do every time. Either that or it will just stop finding my wifi access point altogether, which would often happen when i wasn't using any encryption at all. In this case it will find other networks, but not my own, like it forgets the last network it was connected to or something.

It seems to happen from connecting and disconnecting to my network. Any method of disconnection seems to produce the same result: going on suspend, logging out of gnome, or just manually disconnecting (right-clicking the network connection icon in gnome panel and unchecking enable wireless). The only fix I have found is a reboot. This, of course, is unacceptable.

here is my dmesg:

Code: Select all

[drm] Initialized drm 1.1.0 20060810
[drm] Initialized i915 1.6.0 20060119 on minor 0
SELinux: initialized (dev sdb1, type vfat), uses genfs_contexts
usb 1-3.5: USB disconnect, address 4
wlan0: Initial auth_alg=0
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX authentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (alg=0 transaction=2 status=0)
wlan0: authenticated
wlan0: associate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX AssocResp from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (capab=0x31 status=0 aid=2)
wlan0: associated
ADDRCONF(NETDEV_CHANGE): wlan0: link becomes ready
wlan0: no IPv6 routers present
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=2)
wlan0: deauthenticated
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX authentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (alg=0 transaction=2 status=0)
wlan0: authenticated
wlan0: associate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: authentication frame received from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5, but not in authenticate state - ignored
wlan0: RX ReassocResp from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (capab=0x31 status=0 aid=2)
wlan0: associated
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=2)
wlan0: deauthenticated
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX authentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (alg=0 transaction=2 status=0)
wlan0: authenticated
wlan0: associate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX ReassocResp from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (capab=0x31 status=0 aid=2)
wlan0: associated
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=2)
wlan0: deauthenticated
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX authentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (alg=0 transaction=2 status=0)
wlan0: authenticated
wlan0: associate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: authentication frame received from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5, but not in authenticate state - ignored
wlan0: RX ReassocResp from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (capab=0x31 status=0 aid=2)
wlan0: associated
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=2)
wlan0: deauthenticated
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX authentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (alg=0 transaction=2 status=0)
wlan0: authenticated
wlan0: associate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: authentication frame received from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5, but not in authenticate state - ignored
wlan0: RX ReassocResp from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (capab=0x31 status=0 aid=2)
wlan0: associated
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=2)
wlan0: deauthenticated
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX authentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (alg=0 transaction=2 status=0)
wlan0: authenticated
wlan0: associate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: authentication frame received from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5, but not in authenticate state - ignored
wlan0: RX ReassocResp from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (capab=0x31 status=0 aid=2)
wlan0: associated
wlan0: disassociate(reason=3)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: deauthenticated
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: Initial auth_alg=0
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: Initial auth_alg=0
wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX authentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (alg=0 transaction=2 status=0)
wlan0: authenticated
wlan0: associate with AP 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5
wlan0: RX ReassocResp from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (capab=0x31 status=0 aid=2)
wlan0: associated
wlan0: disassociate(reason=3)
wlan0: disassociate(reason=3)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=2)
wlan0: deauthenticated
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)
wlan0: RX deauthentication from 00:14:6c:2f:eb:a5 (reason=6)

I've tried going back to the ipw3945 drivers following this http://fedoramobile.org/fc-wireless/ipw3945 to no avail. I couldnt connect at all with the ipw3945 driver.

I'm really at a loss here and need a stable wifi connection. If anyone could help I would appreciate it. thanks

[lightweight]

Just to isolate if this is wpa_supplicant, hup it when your connection drops.

Code: Select all

sudo /etc/init.d/wpa_supplicant restart

try to ping the gateway and if successful the internet. try reassociating with your gui if you have to. if no dice, please do whatever you have to to connect then grab your output from:

Code: Select all

sudo ifconfig wlan0
sudo iwconfig wlan0
cat /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf

after it drops again, do the same. post both. hide your key or change it to something replaceable first, for the purposes of this thread.

[dongery]

I decided to try using my verizon modem/router/AP and see if that worked any better. It did. I'm able to connect/disconnect to it with no problem. So I brought my laptop into the server room, where my normal AP is and the verizon AP. I just connected to mine, and then connected to the verizon one and went back and forth like 5 times with a success each time. I didnt know that a weak signal could cause no connection at all or a WPA authentication failure. Weird.

lightweight: i appreciate your help

[lightweight]

np. That is interesting. Maybe lost packets when the signal is low? I wonder if this problem would exist with an Atheros card, assuming it sees a stronger signal when at the same distance from the AP (as is trypical when compared to even Intel 4965).

[dongery]

yea i just pulled my pfsense firewall/router computer (with the Netgear WG311T AP) out from under the desk cabinet and placed it on top of the desk, right next to my verizon modem/AP. Getting acceptable signal now, can connect from anywhere in the house. So I guess what i need now is an antenna extender so i can put the antenna up on top of the desk when the computer is down below..