December 2009 - WLUG - wlug.mailman3.com

Re: [Wlug] Problem with wireless access point(?)

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 E Johnson wrote: > I have a question for Andy and then one for Karl. > > Andy: > >> b) picked a new radio frequency that does *not* have interference issues >> with my 2.4GHz wireless telephone...(I haven't tried the microwave oven >> yet...). > > What freq did you find that the 2.4GHz wireless telephone did not > interfere with? What channel did you finally end up using? Hi Liz, My telephone caused problems on Ch 1 and Ch 2, but Ch 3 is OK. Here's how I figured this out. I setup the network on Ch 1 and got some downloads working well. Then, I turned on the phone and immediately saw the wifi come to a screeching halt. Turn off the phone, and the wifi bounces back. One can see this with the ping command as well. I had been using Ch 10 with unpredictable results. It turns out that one of my neighbors is using Ch 10. In addition, I ran kismet and sniffed the local wireless networks. I can see networks from 3 of my neighbors. Ch 3 is not in use by any of them. Happy New Year! Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLPNOBOjiraCaOTOoRAgglAJ9KpXpYYu1MUKcKhjfB/PyplrV/fwCeO+ja 4pxMQW08B6JSGMFYOPaFo98= =3aVW -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Dec. 31, 2009

Re: [Wlug] Problem with wireless access point(?)

by E Johnson

I have a question for Andy and then one for Karl. Andy: > b) picked a new radio frequency that does *not* have interference issues > with my 2.4GHz wireless telephone...(I haven't tried the microwave oven > yet...). What freq did you find that the 2.4GHz wireless telephone did not interfere with? What channel did you finally end up using? ---------------------------------------------- Karl had posted an answer about the Linksys (under the subject line "Re: [Wlug] Wlug Digest, Vol 74, Issue 13") One comment in there I found very interesting: > Now this is going to blow your mind, but if there is ANY difference in the Workgroup name between the router and the computers, it causes the router to "restrict" bandwidth. Does this only apply to various forms of filesharing, or to all wireless traffic through the WRT54GL? I (and my housemates) are not doing big downloads, and not using Samba. Maybe one of the Windows PCs here might occasionally d/l a movie. But in experimenting with wireless here, using one or other of my Debian PCs, Tomato on the Linksys, I also thought the wireless worked rather slow, even though we have a +20MBps connection. Mostly what I was doing was browsing. Do all computers using wireless here have to belong to the same Workgroup, no matter what kind of internet traffic they're doing? If I do need a Workgroup name for the router, how do I do that? Thanks, Liz J

Dec. 31, 2009

Re: [Wlug] Problem with wireless access point(?)

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 John Stoffel wrote: > Andy> There were a lot of suggestions in your email - thanks! > > You're welcome! > > Andy> I'll need time to try them out. I'll report back when I get more data. > > Good luck with it. Hi gang, OK, I think I have succeeded in fixing the problem. Here's what I did: a) reset the Linksys box b) picked a new radio frequency that does *not* have interference issues with my 2.4GHz wireless telephone...(I haven't tried the microwave oven yet...). c) insured that the Linksys box was in Gateway mode (vs. router mode which seems not to work for me). After doing these three things, my laptop with 802.11g capability can download files off of my server at a sustained rate of 13Mbits/sec according to iptraf, or 1.4Mbytes/sec according to sftp. This is one laptop doing one download, no other computers on the wireless network. This is *much* faster that what I was previously able to sustain. On my older laptop with only 802.11b capability, by itself, I repeated the same experiment and saw a rate of 425Kbytes/sec according to sftp, or 3.7Mbits/sec according to iptraf. With both computers downloading simultaneously, the wireless net naturally downshifted to the lower speed. When I turned off the download on the slower computer, the speed quickly increased for the faster laptop. The aforementioned data rates have been sustained for at least 15 minutes, where before, I couldn't do this for even 1-2 minutes. I think I can declare victory. Thanks for the help! Happy New Year! Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLPDHrOjiraCaOTOoRAhGOAKDGbFyuNUwoNtBZyP8pqEA9yUUFIwCgmP4n m+svFxGvxXhKue9emJlWjG8= =/Mkl -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Dec. 31, 2009

Re: [Wlug] Wlug Digest, Vol 74, Issue 13

by Karl Lind

FYI WRT54GL Linksys released the *WRT54GL* in 2005 to support third-party firmware based on Linux <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel>, after the original WRT54G line was switched from Linux to VxWorks<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VxWorks>, starting with version 5. The WRT54GL is technically a reissue of the version 4 WRT54G. Cisco was sued by the FSF<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FSF_vs._Cisco>for copyright infringement, but the case was settled. [6]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#cite_note-GPLInfringemen…> Version [image: ↓] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#> CPU <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit> speed [image: ↓]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#> RAM <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAM> [image: ↓]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#> Flash memory <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_memory> [image: ↓]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#> S/N <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_number> Prefix [image: ↓]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#> Notes [image: ↓] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#> 1.0 200 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CL7A New model line, released after the version 5 WRT54G, which returns to a Linux-based OS as opposed to the VxWorks firmware. SpeedBooster <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpeedBooster> is not enabled in stock firmware, however third-party firmware will enable the feature. The hardware is essentially the same as the WRT54G version 4.0. One alteration is that the internal numbering scheme of the 4-port switch changed in this model, from 1 2 3 4, to 3 2 1 0. 1.1 200 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CL7B CL7C As of August, 2009, this version was shipping with firmware revision 4.30.11. This pre-loaded firmware allows the user to upload a 4MB firmware image, whereas the pre-loaded firmware on version 1.0 limited the image to 3MB. Firmware version 4.30.13 is now available for both hardware versions. Fully supported by Tomato <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato_Firmware>, Sveasoft<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sveasoft>, OpenWrt <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenWrt>, and DD-WRT<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DD-WRT> . Hardware versions affect firmware compatibility As of January 2006, most third-party firmware is no longer compatible with version 5 of both the WRT54G and the WRT54GS. The amount of flash memory in the version 5 devices has been reduced to 2 MB, too small for current Linux-based third-party firmware. (See table above for information on identifying the version based on the serial number printed on the bottom of the unit, and on the outside of the shrink-wrapped retail box.) Some users have succeeded in flashing and running a stripped down but fully functional version of DD-WRT called 'micro' on a version 5 WRT54G.[21]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#cite_note-20> [22] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#cite_note-21> An easier method not requiring any disassembly of the device has since been devised for flashing v5-v8 to DD-WRT.[23]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#cite_note-22> [24] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#cite_note-23> To support third-party firmware, Linksys has re-released the WRT54G v4, under the new model name *WRT54GL* (the 'L' in this name allegedly stands for 'Linux'). It is also possible to replace the 2MB flash chip in the WRT54G with a 4MB flash chip. The Macronix International 29LV320BTC-90 is a suitable part although others may work as well. The user must first install a JTAG header <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JTAG_header> and use a JTAG cable to backup the firmware,then replace the chip and restore the firmware with the JTAG cable. After testing for proper functionality of the modified unit,3rd party firmware can be flashed using the JTAG cable and a suitable image file. Now this is going to blow your mind, but if there is ANY difference in the Workgroup name between the router and the computers, it causes the router to "restrict" bandwidth. Crazy, but true. Also make sure your hardware all matches. (802,11B, G, N) Have you tried disabling DHT and NOT forwarding UDP? (In case it's a memory issue) Just my two cents.... Karl On Wed, Dec 30, 2009 at 12:00 PM, <wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org> wrote: > Send Wlug mailing list submissions to > wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > wlug-owner(a)mail.wlug.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Wlug digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Problem with wireless access point(?) (Andy Stewart) > 2. Re: Problem with wireless access point(?) (John Stoffel) > 3. Re: Problem with wireless access point(?) (Andy Stewart) > 4. Re: Problem with wireless access point(?) (John Stoffel) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:32:41 -0500 > From: Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> > Subject: [Wlug] Problem with wireless access point(?) > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Message-ID: <4B3A6769.8080701(a)comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > > Hi gang, > > I just purchased a Linksys WRT54GL wireless access point. Currently, it > is running the stock firmware (upgraded to the latest version). I may > put Linux on it sometime in the near future. > > While I can get connected to it with my Linux laptop, I notice that file > transfers start at a screamingly fast rate, and within a minute or two, > drop to barely a trickle. > > When I used an entirely hard wired connection, I have no such problem. > > Has anybody else noticed this with the Linksys WRT54GL? If so, will the > Linux software solve this problem? > > I don't believe that the problem lies with the wireless > hardware/software in my laptop since I have used it on other wireless > access points without problems. > > Thanks, > > Andy > > - -- > Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) > Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group > Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group > President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) > Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org > > iD8DBQFLOmdpOjiraCaOTOoRAqsRAKDjaKrNykXKburz0IozXi8bQn1nfACgj66G > oJqD9jfjXolyrVPLN3lDFOY= > =6xJa > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > >

Dec. 31, 2009

Re: [Wlug] Problem with wireless access point(?)

by John Stoffel

Andy> There were a lot of suggestions in your email - thanks! You're welcome! Andy> I'll need time to try them out. I'll report back when I get more data. Good luck with it. Also, more info that would be nice to know: distro, version, kernel version, modules loaded, etc. You might be using old drivers, etc. John

Dec. 30, 2009

Re: [Wlug] Problem with wireless access point(?)

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI John et al, There were a lot of suggestions in your email - thanks! I'll need time to try them out. I'll report back when I get more data. Thanks again, and Happy New Year! Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLOpuYOjiraCaOTOoRAnJXAJ9oqTAL9SjQKY8G9K3X06vY7HbX0gCeO1BI RaozqrEjetmfoFlCfKDgSyI= =kHMx -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Dec. 30, 2009

Re: [Wlug] Problem with wireless access point(?)

by John Stoffel

Andy> I just purchased a Linksys WRT54GL wireless access point. Andy> Currently, it is running the stock firmware (upgraded to the Andy> latest version). I may put Linux on it sometime in the near Andy> future. Heh, isn't the stock firmware Linux of some sort already? *grin* Andy> While I can get connected to it with my Linux laptop, I notice Andy> that file transfers start at a screamingly fast rate, and within Andy> a minute or two, drop to barely a trickle. What does 'netstat -ni' say during this time? What protocol are you using to copy the file? Are you seeing funky ping times? Any dmesg info? What hardware are you using on each end? What does tcpdump say during the transfer? Are you seeing dropped packets? What wireless hardware is in your laptop? Do you have security on? What happens if you turn off all security? Andy> When I used an entirely hard wired connection, I have no such Andy> problem. It's almost certainly something with the wireless network, but it's not clear where. Andy> Has anybody else noticed this with the Linksys WRT54GL? If so, Andy> will the Linux software solve this problem? You could try the 'tomato' or ddwrt (ddrwrt?) firmwares. But I think we need more details first. Andy> I don't believe that the problem lies with the wireless Andy> hardware/software in my laptop since I have used it on other Andy> wireless access points without problems. Could be anything. After you upgraded, did you do a full reset of the WRT54GL and then re-configure to your settings? Good luck! John

Dec. 29, 2009

Problem with wireless access point(?)

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi gang, I just purchased a Linksys WRT54GL wireless access point. Currently, it is running the stock firmware (upgraded to the latest version). I may put Linux on it sometime in the near future. While I can get connected to it with my Linux laptop, I notice that file transfers start at a screamingly fast rate, and within a minute or two, drop to barely a trickle. When I used an entirely hard wired connection, I have no such problem. Has anybody else noticed this with the Linksys WRT54GL? If so, will the Linux software solve this problem? I don't believe that the problem lies with the wireless hardware/software in my laptop since I have used it on other wireless access points without problems. Thanks, Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLOmdpOjiraCaOTOoRAqsRAKDjaKrNykXKburz0IozXi8bQn1nfACgj66G oJqD9jfjXolyrVPLN3lDFOY= =6xJa -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Dec. 29, 2009

Re: [Wlug] REMINDER: WLUG Meeting on Thursday

by Gregory Avedissian

And if you look to the right as you're approaching the steps that lead into the wedge, you'll see the outside of the room. Greg Andy Stewart wrote: > > Hi Everybody, > > Our regularly scheduled monthly WLUG meeting will be held this coming > Thursday at 7:00 PM on the WPI Campus. We'll be in the same room as the > last couple of months (and soon I'll have to figure out what to call > this room). If you come into the Wedge between Morgan Hall and Daniels > Hall, you will see signs directing you to the meeting. > > See ya there! > > Andy > _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Dec. 16, 2009

REMINDER: WLUG Meeting on Thursday

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi Everybody, Our regularly scheduled monthly WLUG meeting will be held this coming Thursday at 7:00 PM on the WPI Campus. We'll be in the same room as the last couple of months (and soon I'll have to figure out what to call this room). If you come into the Wedge between Morgan Hall and Daniels Hall, you will see signs directing you to the meeting. See ya there! Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLKETFOjiraCaOTOoRAopQAKCOgU1nejHhTpiEtBzhckrFh5CklgCg4qig avz63VDAYiIIfaUhSBJQyWU= =0RbS -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Dec. 16, 2009