thelinuxlink.net

Dear all,
I have always read that the wrt54gl linksys router is a good choice for linux people. But what I found is that I am having a hell of a time even getting an ip from it. If i am alone on the network it's still okay but when there is another wireless router b/casting all goes south. I am using a acer aspire 5610 with the ipw3945 driver. I documented it on my blog here. Any comments or suggestions would be welcomed.

A few quick ideas in no particular order:

1. As a reply in the blog suggested, try different channels. It may just be conflicting with a neighbors wifi or someone's portable phone.

2. I'm assuming you've already changed the SSID, if not, do that as part of the step 1 changes.

3. Try setting up the router and laptop in a different room. Even if you don't have your internet connection there it'll rule out/change the interference patterns you may be experiencing.

4. Move your wireless device away from the base station. I've had situations where the laptop (or other device) was too close to the WAP. Once I moved a distance away, 2-3m tends to do it, it's all peachy.

5. Check for a later firmware. I had a dlink that gave me all kinds of problems with my Linux wireless. An update came out six months later that fixed it all.

The wrt54 series is primarily recommended because they are flashable. If you want to geek out, check out ddwrt or openwrt (my preference). Otherwise, it's bidniss as usual. Personally I haven't used the 3945 driver, but I've seen hundreds of complaints about it - is it only the wrt you're having issues with? I didn't have time to follow your link and read your blog...