ThinkPad W500 with WiMAX service

[arthurcorell]

Got W500 with Intel 5100. Upgraded to 5350 with WiMAX support.

Also, got service from clear. But I never be able to connect to WiMAX service.

Is there anyone who using intel 5350 and clear WiMAX?

Do you have any problem?

On my laptop, the Access Connection tells me "DHCP server not responding", error code 031. I tried Intel WiMAX connection manager, tell me "Unable to connection to network".

Thanks

[QFoam]

My understanding is that WiMAX networks recognize you by your WiMAX MAC address. Since it's easy to spoof a MAC address, each WiMAX device is associated with a security certificate. So the WiMAX network has to recognize your MAC address and the associated certificate before it'll let you in. So it sounds like a call to Clear tech support is in order, to validate your card with their WiMAX network. Note that the card has separate MAC addresses for WiFi and WiMAX.

If I may ask, where did you buy the 5350 card and how much did it cost? Presumably you're using a Lenovo-specific card, otherwise the machine wouldn't boot. Last time I checked, you could buy the card from Lenovo for about $190, vs. the $54 or so retail price of a non-Lenovo-specific 5350. Functionally, there's no difference between the two, other than that the Lenovo card only works in Lenovo/HP machines. And the regular 5350 card works in everything except Lenovo/HP machines. As best as I can tell, it's simply a way for Lenovo/HP to make more money.

I'm in the process of installing a 5350 in a Samsung NC20 netbook. A basic problem is that eBay has recently been flooded with engineering samples of the 5350 card, relabeled to look like non-engineering-samples. The "generic" version of the 5350 (i.e., the non-Lenovo-specific version) is being discontinued by Intel, and so is hard to find. And the engineering samples are so old that their certificates have expired. Unlike the legit cards, Intel has no intention of renewing the certificates of the engineering samples. So, although people are able to install those relabeled cards in their machine, and they work fine for WiFi under Windows, they can't log into WiMAX networks due to the expired certificates. I haven't specifically heard of the Lenovo-specific cards being relabeled, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were.

So I'm hoping that you're not in this last category.

Anyway, be sure to tell us how everything turns out. Good luck!

[arthurcorell]

Thanks for your reply.

I got the card from ebay. The seller said they are not engineer sample. But How can I tell?

I had been on the phone with Clear tech support for a couple of days - Talked to their rep and level 2 support - no luck. Every time I try to connect to their network, I got a message say "unable to connect to network" by Intel WiMAX connection utility.

If I use access connection that comes with the laptop. I got a message say "DHCP server not responding".


Again, how can I tell this is an engineer sample? Why that so many on the market?

I'm going to get one from Lenovo. I called them yesterday, they told me that will cost $169

Thanks

[arthurcorell]

Newest update:

I received a phone call from clearwire level 2 tech support. He told me that their engineer department found "Certificate Error" when I try to connect to their network.

So, the card I'm using now IS "Engineer Sample" with old Certification. Even it installed on my W500 without any problem with WiFi functional.

I already order a new Intel 5350 from Lenovo. It should be here tomorrow. I will keep you updated.

By the way, I will ask the guy I bought from for my money back. Because on his ebay list(still there now), he said it is NOT engineer sample.

Becareful when you buy something from eBay. I will

[QFoam]

I'm glad that Clear was finally able to diagnose your certificate problem, but sorry to hear about your card. I've already performed a lot of research on this topic for myself, and it's a big issue with a lot of users, not only ThinkPad users. So I've set up a FAQ which describes everything I've found out about the problem, how to detect whether you've got a relabeled engineering sample, where to find legitimate 5350 cards, etc.:

Intel 5350 WiMAX FAQ: What's Real, What's Fake, and How You Can Find the Real Deal

And here's some info on WiFi standards and WiMAX in general, including how to find the coverage areas for various WiMAX service providers:

WiFi Guide for Netbook Buyers

I'm also working on a how-to guide that covers practical tips for installing WiFi/WiMAX antennas in your display housing (for users who don't already have the proper antennas), including how to space the antennas to maximize signal-to-noise ratios, etc., but that won't be ready for a few weeks.

Good luck, and Happy WiMAXing. It'll be interesting to hear how your Lenovo card works out.

[arthurcorell]

Received the OEM one from Lenovo. Installed and got service!

It's too bad - I didn't saw your blog before I bought the first one.