T42 and Intel 2200BG Wireless

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warreng24 · #1 Post by **warreng24** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:09 pm

Just wanted to report some problems on the WiFi front.

I have the 2200BG card.
I had the IBM version 8.1.0.28 drivers installed.
I had IBM Access Connections un-installed.

Symptom, connection to an access point drops out every minute or so. It re-connects, but I need to "repair" the connection in order to get things going ok again. This seems to happen regardless of if the Access Point uses 64 bit or 128 bit or no WEP security key.

So, to troubleshoot.

First, I re-install IBM Access Connections (v3.53). I downloaded the full 30MB package. Upon PC reboot, I found that I could not turn on or off the WiFi using Fn + F5. I gave an error saying that the driver did not support this functionality. Also, conneciton would drop out as per initial problem. So, we un-install IBM Access Connection, reboot, and now I have control of Fn + F5 to turn on/off WiFi again.

Next, I installed the Intel drivers (version 9.0.1.9).
Again, IBM Access Connections is un-installed.
Still the same problem

So, next I install IBM Access Connections (v3.53 the 11 MB download w/o drivers), with the Intel 9.0.1.9 drivers installed. Fn + F5 functionality works fine. I set up the various connection profiles, but every connection suffers the same problem. Randomly every 1 to 5 minutes the connection drops out and I have to tell Access Connections to disconnect and re-connect and then everything works properly again.

I'm thinking that at this point this is NOT a driver issue or a issue with IBM Access Connections. I am thinking that somehow the power settings on the 2200BG card are turning it off, and it is not powering back up properly.

I will try setting the power settings on the 2200BG card. What are you people's opinions on this problem?

As an FYI, a friend with a T41 with integrated Intel 2100B card says that she had the same problem, but she disabled her windows firewall and all is now happy on her Thinkpad.

Thanks in advance,
-Warren
T42 2378-FVU

warreng24 · #2 Post by **warreng24** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:13 pm

Another observation that leads me to pinpoint the power management settings.

I just finished downloading a 100 MB file. A few minutes after the file finished downloading, the WiFi connection dropped out.

warreng24 · #3 Post by **warreng24** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:36 pm

Ok,

So this is what I did. Under the device manager, I found the 2200BG card, and I unchecked the box that supposedly lets the power management software manage the 2200BG card. And, I selected the "highest performance " (aka, highest power use) mode.

Upon reboot, I found that IBM Access Connections does not like this, and it refused to connect to ANY WiFi networks. I uninstalled it, and rebooted again. Now it looks like everything works fine (so far, fingers crossed).

So, the current configuration:
Intel 9.0.1.9 drivers.
No IBM Access Connections (letting windows do it, because it's a big boy now).
No Power Management control over the 2200BG card.
Windows Firewall On.

-Warren

lfeagan · #4 Post by **lfeagan** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:50 pm

Truly fascinating. Nice detective work.

#5 Post by **jdhurst** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 11:00 pm

Access Connections works best with the IBM card. In one client machine, I had to enable SSID broadcasting in order for the Intel Card / Access Connections combination to work. I much prefer the IBM card - it just works better. YMMV and some people do have better luck with the Intel card. ... JD Hurst

JohnDrake · #6 Post by **JohnDrake** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 11:02 pm

Did you install the Intel Sebring API, which is part of the driver package?

I would recommend you...

Update the BIOS and the embedded controller firmware (embedded controller first, please)
Uninstall Access Connections (AC), if present,
CERTAINLY uninstall the untested, unsupported Intel 2200bg drivers
Run setup on the 30MB package...NOTE, if you just ran the 30MB package, it doesn't install anything...merely unpacks itself to a subdir, from there you have to run setup.

Several items should be selected for upgrade when the 30MB package runs...let the system update them all.

#7 Post by **jdhurst** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 11:20 pm

Strange - in my effort to get Intel cards to work (I did get them to work), the Sebring API *always* installs with the IBM driver. There was never any need to install it separately. ... JD Hurst

warreng24 · #8 Post by **warreng24** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:08 am

I checked the BIOS version (its the latest version). I hope that I would have the latest version. IBM just shipped this to me last week!

How do I check what version of the embedded controller I would have?

Which driver package is the Intel Sebring API? I installed the Intel drivers using the setup.exe file that Intel thoughtfully included. I installed the IBM drivers (after extracting them) using the device manager and clicking "update driver" and then pointing it to the directory where it was just unpacked.

I have been working for the last hour (?) since my last post, on WiFi with no disconnects whatsoever. I am really inclined to believe that it is a Power Management issue.

The problem has been with this laptop since I unpacked it from IBM, and only now have I resolved it. I assumed that the IBM preload was "perfect," but what JohnDrake suggests sounds like a good suggestion.

Later this week, I will restore the system from the "hidden" partition, and then uninstall Access Connections and then re-install the 30 MB package, just to make sure that I really have the latest versions of the various drivers. I will report back at that time.

#9 Post by **jdhurst** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:49 am

There's no problem with the approach you outline - it should work.

With respect to the Sebring package, however, for an IBM ThinkPad and the IBM Intel driver, there is no separate package. The Sebring driver always installs with the wireless package. It always has on multiple installs (with attendant complete uninstalls) for me. I think that was the way it was designed to work as well.

You can check the version of BIOS and Embedded Controller by running the ThinkPad Configuration Utility (in the Access IBM Program Folder) and checking System Information. That will tell you.

... JD Hurst

Plinkerton · #10 Post by **Plinkerton** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:59 am

Yeah, but without the Intel wifi, you don't have CENTRINO!!!

#11 Post by **jdhurst** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:50 am

Hi Plinkerton - I always enjoy reading your posts, so let me note on this one that:

Centrino = Hype and Nothing more!

The IBM 11 a/b/g card just works better (having used most all of them)

... JD Hurst

skanky · #12 Post by **skanky** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 10:50 am

jdhurst wrote:Hi Plinkerton - I always enjoy reading your posts, so let me note on this one that:

Centrino = Hype and Nothing more!

The IBM 11 a/b/g card just works better (having used most all of them)

... JD Hurst

i think plinkerton was being sarcastic

*captain obvious leaves the building*

lvlolvlo · #13 Post by **lvlolvlo** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:01 pm

so is this problem solved? b/c i had the same issue but i fixed it if it isn't solved let me know and i'll post my solution...

darrenf · #14 Post by **darrenf** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:29 pm

jdhurst wrote:
The IBM 11 a/b/g card just works better (having used most all of them)

... JD Hurst

I would agree that the IBM drivers are MUCH better (I have yet to get a set of Intel drivers that work, reliably with WPA). That said, the range on my 2200BG is so much better than the 4 or 5 laptops that I've tried with the IBM card that I will never go back.

The range is so good that I'm willing to put up with the defective drivers.

-darren

warreng24 · #15 Post by **warreng24** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 6:28 pm

FYI,

Problem is still not resolved.

Current configuration is the most "stable," meaning that I can usually go for an hour or two until the WiFi resets and needs to be "repaired."

Here is what is it:
Intel 2200BG drivers version 9.0.1.9
IBM Access Connections Uninstalled
Useing Windows XP to manage WiFi connections
Power Management settings on 2200BG card is disabled.
The card it set to "Maximum Performance" mode.

The next steps:
I will attempt to "roll" back the driver to the IBM one (version 8.1.0.28).
The installation of IBM Accesss Connections (the 30 MB package).

See what happens, and then disable windows firewall to see if that does the trick.

I will keep you posted.

I will let you know that a friend of mine with a T41 with the 2100B card, simply disables the Windows Firewall, and everything works perfectly.

-Warren
T42 2378-FVU

warreng24 · #16 Post by **warreng24** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 6:41 pm

Ok, question about the Intel Sebring API driver. The version that I have installed is 8.01.0000.

Is there a newer version for this? Or is this the current version? If there is a newer version, where can I find it?

Thanks,
Warren

darrenf · #17 Post by **darrenf** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 7:17 pm

Windows firewall has been a problem for several of my customers.

Most users are behind a firewall/NAT box when using wireless or UTP, but many also connect by modem while on the road and need to leave the firewall in place just for use then.

If this is the case for you, know that you can selectively enable the firewall for only some interfaces. So if you can safely disable it on your wireless interface (and perhaps solve your problem) you can still leave it enabled on other interfaces.

Question: are you running any encryption over your wireless connection?

-darren

lvlolvlo · #18 Post by **lvlolvlo** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:13 am

@Warren

Ok buddy here's the solution I had to my issues initially then slowly everything became super-d-duper and am back to WPA

Every freakin driver I could find I updated except for IBM Access Connections and the Intel Card..saved that for last. Took all encryption of my router and left to MAC filtering only.

Okay now I restarted my computer after all that and then uninstalled both access connections and intel wifi card drivers. hooked up my regular ethernet connection and downloaded the latest drivers for the 2200 form tpdrivers.com and used ibm software installer to install it. after which i rebooted my computer, and made sure after reboot my wzcfg(wireless zero configuration service) was automatic and enabled after reboot and magically it hasn't gone bad since, then a month later i added wep then wpa and today i'm at wpa with mac filter and no problems =)

So to recap:

1. I started from a fresh install using recovery cds and wiping out the all of the ibm predesktop area/recovery partition
2. Took all encryption off turned SSID on and jsut left MAC filter
3. Uninstalled Access connections
4. Since my T40 doesnt come with a 2200 driver it doesnt install the driver automatically.
5. Using hard wired ethernet update everything and its mother except access connections
6. Reboot computer and download the latest(at that time it was the latest don't know about now) version of the IBM intel driver (8.1.0.25 dated 24/06/04)
7. Disconnected ethernet plug
8. Ran install of 2200 driver from IBM Software Installer
9. Rebooted Comp and presto it works

In your case I would advise you to undo all of the changes you did if you're going to attempt to solve it my way.

Also are you running VirtualPC by any chance??

k3nnis · #19 Post by **k3nnis** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 2:05 am

warreng24 wrote:FYI,

Problem is still not resolved.

Current configuration is the most "stable," meaning that I can usually go for an hour or two until the WiFi resets and needs to be "repaired."

Here is what is it:
Intel 2200BG drivers version 9.0.1.9
IBM Access Connections Uninstalled
Useing Windows XP to manage WiFi connections
Power Management settings on 2200BG card is disabled.
The card it set to "Maximum Performance" mode.

The next steps:
I will attempt to "roll" back the driver to the IBM one (version 8.1.0.28).
The installation of IBM Accesss Connections (the 30 MB package).

See what happens, and then disable windows firewall to see if that does the trick.

I will keep you posted.

I will let you know that a friend of mine with a T41 with the 2100B card, simply disables the Windows Firewall, and everything works perfectly.

-Warren
T42 2378-FVU

Hi Warren.

Can i ask what wireless router are you running?

Cheers.
Kenn.

warreng24 · #20 Post by **warreng24** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 9:32 am

Hi all,

Not using VirtualPC.

I regularly access approximately three wireless networks. All three use some form of WEP encryption.

At home I use a Netgear MR814 802.11b wireless router. I have disabled the WEP encryption here and I still get the same problems, although it is must less frequent than when WEP is enabled.

At work there are a number of WiFi Access Points. All of which use 64 bit WEP encryption.

In a particular classroom that I teach in, there is a LinkSys 802.11 b/g wireless router with 128 bit WEP encryption.

-Warren

darrenf · #21 Post by **darrenf** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:09 pm

Thanks for the feedback. Most of the problems I have run into only exist when encrypting with WPA. Others may know if there are any WEP related problems.

With the 9.0.1.9 drivers, did you install the wireless PROset? That caused problems for me with the 8.x driver set and I found that the generic drivers from Intel could not be run without PROset. 9.0.1.9 allows you to install just the drivers. This setup has worked great for me so far. No corruption, lower power usage than with the 8.x drivers and no hangups shutting down the computer like I experienced with PROset.

If you have PROset installed, I would suggest completely removing your driver and then reinstalling 9.0.1.9 driver-only.

Good luck!

-darren

warreng24 · #22 Post by **warreng24** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 5:51 pm

Darren & Everyone,

I have a few interesting observations.

I was previously installing only the base drivers and using either IBM Access Connections or Windows to manage the connections.

I had installed Intel PROSet Application (9.0.1.9) by downloading from Intel's website and extracting the files and then running the Autorun.exe file.

I setup the profiles and everything works GREAT. No disconnects so far. And, it seems to be working quite well. Range and bandwidth has improved also.

I do have one problem with the 9.0.1.9 drivers, they don't support the Fn + F5 keystroke to turn off the WiFi. Does anyone else who is using 9.0.1.9 drivers have this same problem (Darren?).

I have reverted to the Intel PROSet Application for version 8.1.0.28 which I also downloaded from Intel's website. This version supports the Fn + F5 key combination to turn off the WiFi. So, far no disconnects here either.

I think I will stick with the 8.1.0.28 version with the Intel PROSet. IBM's website lists 8.1.0.28 as their latest "stable" and tested version. But, I will use PROSet instead of Windows or Access IBM to manage the connection. I think that PROSet's power management settings are better and prevent the WiFi card from turning off and re-setting the connection.

I will repost back in a few days to let you guys know if I've finally squashed the problem.

Thanks to all who contributed their help!
-Warren

lvlolvlo · #23 Post by **lvlolvlo** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 8:51 pm

@ Warren, why dont you use the drivers I have no issues with the 8.1.0.25 which are dated 24, June 2004

armortec · #24 Post by **armortec** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 9:50 pm

On my T40, I am using the newer drivers 9.0.1.9 from intel too. Its always at 54mps vs the older 8.1.0.28 which will vary in the speed.

I do have the same problem with Fn+F5, it only shows the bluetooth radio on/off funtionality, while the 801 is missing. I guess a fix from IBM is due soon.

warreng24 wrote:Darren & Everyone,

I have a few interesting observations.

I was previously installing only the base drivers and using either IBM Access Connections or Windows to manage the connections.

I had installed Intel PROSet Application (9.0.1.9) by downloading from Intel's website and extracting the files and then running the Autorun.exe file.

I setup the profiles and everything works GREAT. No disconnects so far. And, it seems to be working quite well. Range and bandwidth has improved also.

I do have one problem with the 9.0.1.9 drivers, they don't support the Fn + F5 keystroke to turn off the WiFi. Does anyone else who is using 9.0.1.9 drivers have this same problem (Darren?).

I have reverted to the Intel PROSet Application for version 8.1.0.28 which I also downloaded from Intel's website. This version supports the Fn + F5 key combination to turn off the WiFi. So, far no disconnects here either.

I think I will stick with the 8.1.0.28 version with the Intel PROSet. IBM's website lists 8.1.0.28 as their latest "stable" and tested version. But, I will use PROSet instead of Windows or Access IBM to manage the connection. I think that PROSet's power management settings are better and prevent the WiFi card from turning off and re-setting the connection.

I will repost back in a few days to let you guys know if I've finally squashed the problem.

Thanks to all who contributed their help!
-Warren

darrenf · #25 Post by **darrenf** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:32 pm

Warren,

I'm glad to hear everything is working -- congrats!

I intentionally disabled the Fn-F5 program so that I could turn Bluetooth on and off instantly with Fn-F5. I use a program called AutoHotKey for keyboard mapping and macros (it's a GREAT program). I created macros to toggle the state of all of my network adapters (wired, ethernet, nextel broadband) between enabled and disabled. This lets me turn toggle all four with hotkeys.

re 8.1.0.28 -- that version worked great for me, even with WPA encryption. The problem was PROset. It caused some problems with other apps and the PROset services would not shut down on system shutdown. More irritating than anything else. The power usage also went up when PROset was in use -- I don't know why and in retrospect it could have been some video drivers that I was tweaking at the same time. The Intel 8.1.0.28 drivers can't be installed without PROset, so I was stuck with it until 9.x came out.

If PROset works on your machine, though, run with it. I like the strength indicator in the system tray.

Here's to hoping the fix holds -- good luck!

-darren

T42 and Intel 2200BG Wireless

T42 and Intel 2200BG Wireless

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