8086:4222 [Dell Vostro 1500] Slow 3945abg - 12.04

[Dvanzo]

I was suffering slow wifi transfers with my Vostro 1500 (Intel 3945abg). 10.04 was ok, but since then, no matter what, the speed has been awful. Recently upgraded to 12.04, but no-luck. Transfers between 40KBs and 70KBs... Wireless via another client transfers at 600 KBs. Wired connections to the same router allow me to connect up to 320KBs.... You can see previous info at bug #621265

WORKAROUND: ndiswrapper works better: 158 KB (1.27 Mbps).
Driver: http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails?driverId=M1PPT

dmesg|grep 3945
[ 15.120687] iwl3945: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG/BG Network Connection driver for Linux, in-tree:s
[ 15.120691] iwl3945: Copyright(c) 2003-2011 Intel Corporation
[ 15.120764] iwl3945 0000:0c:00.0: PCI INT A -> GSI 17 (level, low) -> IRQ 17
[ 15.120781] iwl3945 0000:0c:00.0: setting latency timer to 64
[ 15.205631] iwl3945 0000:0c:00.0: Tunable channels: 11 802.11bg, 13 802.11a channels
[ 15.205637] iwl3945 0000:0c:00.0: Detected Intel Wireless WiFi Link 3945ABG
[ 15.205798] iwl3945 0000:0c:00.0: irq 44 for MSI/MSI-X
[ 15.290958] ieee80211 phy0: Selected rate control algorithm 'iwl-3945-rs'
[ 15.817051] iwl3945 0000:0c:00.0: loaded firmware version 15.32.2.9

iwconfig
lo no wireless extensions.

wlan0 IEEE 802.11abg ESSID:"WiFiCasa"
          Mode:Managed Frequency:2.412 GHz Access Point: 00:22:33:FC:6A:50
          Bit Rate=2 Mb/s Tx-Power=15 dBm
          Retry long limit:7 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off
          Power Management:off
          Link Quality=50/70 Signal level=-60 dBm
          Rx invalid nwid:0 Rx invalid crypt:0 Rx invalid frag:0
          Tx excessive retries:0 Invalid misc:37421 Missed beacon:0

lsmod|grep iwl3945
iwl3945 73152 0
iwl_legacy 71134 1 iwl3945
mac80211 436455 2 iwl3945,iwl_legacy
cfg80211 178679 3 iwl3945,iwl_legacy,mac80211

---
ApportVersion: 2.12.5-0ubuntu2.1
Architecture: amd64
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC0: dvanzo 2020 F.... pulseaudio
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.10
HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=d1501098-2605-4807-a125-f3e21ca0936a
InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-10-18 (31 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.10 "Saucy Salamander" - Release amd64 (20131016.1)
MachineType: Dell Inc. Vostro 1500
MarkForUpload: True
NonfreeKernelModules: nvidia
Package: linux (not installed)
ProcFB:

ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-3.11.0-12-generic root=UUID=19a4f3f6-b8be-4ad6-9128-cd758dfb3956 ro quiet splash
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.11.0-12.19-generic 3.11.3
RelatedPackageVersions:
 linux-restricted-modules-3.11.0-12-generic N/A
 linux-backports-modules-3.11.0-12-generic N/A
 linux-firmware 1.116
Tags: saucy
Uname: Linux 3.11.0-12-generic x86_64
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
dmi.bios.date: 04/21/2008
dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.bios.version: A06
dmi.board.name: 0WY040
dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.chassis.type: 8
dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA06:bd04/21/2008:svnDellInc.:pnVostro1500:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0WY040:rvr:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr:
dmi.product.name: Vostro 1500
dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.

[Brad Figg (brad-figg)]

This bug is missing log files that will aid in diagnosing the problem. From a terminal window please run:

apport-collect 1002884

and then change the status of the bug to 'Confirmed'.

If, due to the nature of the issue you have encountered, you are unable to run this command, please add a comment stating that fact and change the bug status to 'Confirmed'.

This change has been made by an automated script, maintained by the Ubuntu Kernel Team.

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Apport doesn't work... It starts but never ends...

dvanzo@Vostro-1500:~$ apport-collect 1002884
No se ha encontrado ningún paquete que corresponda con linux.
ERROR: hook /usr/share/apport/general-hooks/ubuntu.py crashed:
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/apport/report.py", line 718, in add_hooks_info
    symb['add_info'](self, ui)
  File "/usr/share/apport/general-hooks/ubuntu.py", line 45, in add_info
    match_error_messages(report)
  File "/usr/share/apport/general-hooks/ubuntu.py", line 129, in match_error_messages
    if report['ProblemType'] == 'Package':
  File "/usr/lib/python2.7/UserDict.py", line 23, in __getitem__
    raise KeyError(key)
KeyError: 'ProblemType'
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/share/apport/apport-gtk", line 499, in <lambda>
    GLib.idle_add(lambda: self.collect_info(on_finished=self.ui_update_view))
  File "/usr/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/apport/ui.py", line 867, in collect_info
    icthread.exc_raise()
  File "/usr/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/apport/REThread.py", line 34, in run
    self._retval = self.__target(*self.__args, **self.__kwargs)
  File "/usr/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/apport/ui.py", line 111, in thread_collect_info
    if report['ProblemType'] == 'Crash' and \
  File "/usr/lib/python2.7/UserDict.py", line 23, in __getitem__
    raise KeyError(key)
KeyError: 'ProblemType'

[Joseph Salisbury (jsalisbury)]

Would it be possible for you to test the latest upstream kernel? Refer to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelMainlineBuilds . Please test the latest v3.4kernel[1] (Not a kernel in the daily directory). Once you've tested the upstream kernel, please remove the 'needs-upstream-testing' tag(Only that one tag, please leave the other tags). This can be done by clicking on the yellow pencil icon next to the tag located at the bottom of the bug description and deleting the 'needs-upstream-testing' text.

If this bug is fixed in the mainline kernel, please add the following tag 'kernel-fixed-upstream'.

If the mainline kernel does not fix this bug, please add the tag: 'kernel-bug-exists-upstream'.

If you are unable to test the mainline kernel, for example it will not boot, please add the tag: 'kernel-unable-to-test-upstream'.
Once testing of the upstream kernel is complete, please mark this bug as "Confirmed".

Thanks in advance.

http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.4-precise/

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Thanks so much for your attention! I'm not in the office now, but today I'll be testing with the latest upstream kernel...

Regards,

Daniel

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Tried with upstream kernel... No difference at all. The same lame speed...
(linux-image-3.4.0-030400-generic-pae)

Regards.

[Joseph Salisbury (jsalisbury)]

This issue appears to be an upstream bug, since you tested the latest upstream kernel. Would it be possible for you to open an upstream bug report at bugzilla.kernel.org [1]? That will allow the upstream Developers to examine the issue, and may provide a quicker resolution to the bug.

If you are comfortable with opening a bug upstream, It would be great if you can report back the upstream bug number in this bug report. That will allow us to link this bug to the upstream report.

[1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Bugs/Upstream/kernel

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Opened an upstream kernel bug: https://bugzilla.kernel.org/show_bug.cgi?id=43283

Regards,

Daniel

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Penalvch, please close this bug... The upstream kernel bug was closed (intel doesn't support this card model anymore). So, its a shame, but a perfect working notebook with version 10.04 has this problem with 13.10... It is not Ubuntu fault.

Regards,

Daniel

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

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[penalvch (penalvch)]

Dvanzo, could you please test the latest upstream kernel available (not the daily folder) following https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelMainlineBuilds ? It will allow additional upstream developers to examine the issue. Once you've tested the upstream kernel, please comment on which kernel version specifically you tested. If this bug is fixed in the mainline kernel, please add the following tags:
kernel-fixed-upstream
kernel-fixed-upstream-VERSION-NUMBER

where VERSION-NUMBER is the version number of the kernel you tested. For example:
kernel-fixed-upstream-v3.12

This can be done by clicking on the yellow circle with a black pencil icon next to the word Tags located at the bottom of the bug description. As well, please remove the tag:
needs-upstream-testing

If the mainline kernel does not fix this bug, please add the following tags:
kernel-bug-exists-upstream
kernel-bug-exists-upstream-VERSION-NUMBER

As well, please remove the tag:
needs-upstream-testing

Once testing of the upstream kernel is complete, please mark this bug's Status as Confirmed. Please let us know your results. Thank you for your understanding.

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Tested with the lastest upstream kernel (v3.12) with no luck. The max speed is 60 kB/s. My desktop speed tops at 730 kB/s.

Regards,

Daniel

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Dvanzo, please provide all the missing information from https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/LinuxWireless .

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Requested info:

uname -a:
Linux Vostro-1500 3.11.0-12-generic #19-Ubuntu SMP Wed Oct 9 16:20:46 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

1. What is the full computer model number (ex. HP G32-301TX Notebook PC)?
Dell Vostro 1500 Notebook (Model PP22L)
2. If you update your BIOS to the newest version, does this change anything?
Already using the last BIOS

3. Regarding your wireless Access Point (AP):
The problem exist with all the Access Points I use to test

4. If you adjust any the following does it change anything:
Nothing changed

5. Does another wireless device tested with the AP have the same problem as the hardware you initially reported with?
No

6. What is the distance of the wireless device from AP?
1.5 m

7. What is the number and type of obstructions between your device and the AP?
0
    7a. If you bring the device close to the AP and eliminate obstructions, does this change anything?
No

8. Does the issue occur with different APs?
Yes

9. Is it a regression (e.g. did the problem happen in a prior Ubuntu release)?
Yes
    9a. If so, what release specifically did it last work with?
10.10

    9b. If you do not know, could you please test for this in the earliest release of Ubuntu that is supported as per Ubuntu Releases?
N/A

10. Does this problem occur in the newest mainline kernel following https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/MainlineBuilds? Please mention what specific version of the mainline kernel you tested with in your report.
Yes

    10a. If the mainline works, does either the development release or the Ubuntu provided stable compat-wireless backport work following https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/LinuxWireless#Compat-wireless_in_Ubuntu? Please mention in your report the specific version you tested.
No
   10b. If the mainline does not work, could you please test upstream's compat-wireless backport via https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/LinuxWireless#Compat-wireless_from_upstream? Please mention in your report the specific version you tested.
3.12

11. Does ndiswrapper work following https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/Driver/Ndiswrapper? Please mention what specific version of ndiswrapper you tested with, and a link to the Windows driver you used in your report. Info <!> If ndiswrapper does not work, you are welcome to file a new bug report by executing at a terminal:

Works better: 1.27 Mbps
Driver: http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails?driverId=M1PPT

ubuntu-bug ndiswrapper-utils-1.9

12. Only for Broadcom wireless chipsets, does the Broadcom STA driver work following https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/Driver/bcm43xx? Please mention what specific version of Broadcom STA you tested with in your report.
N/A

13. Only for Realtek wireless chipsets, does the upstream Realtek drivers downloaded from http://www.realtek.com.tw work? Please mention what specific version of the drivers you tested with in your report.
N/A

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Dvanzo, thank you for the requested information. Following up on https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/1002884/comments/30 :
>"3. Regarding your wireless Access Point (AP): The problem exist with all the Access Points I use to test"

Sticking with the one you reported about in the Bug Description, could you please provide the full manufacturer, model, and firmware version?

>"10b. If the mainline does not work, could you please test upstream's compat-wireless backport via https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/LinuxWireless#Compat-wireless_from_upstream? Please mention in your report the specific version you tested. 3.12"

Specifically, you tested upstreams development release via http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/projects/backports/2013/11/13/backports-20131113.tar.bz2 ?

>"11. Does ndiswrapper work following https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/Driver/Ndiswrapper? Please mention what specific version of ndiswrapper you tested with, and a link to the Windows driver you used in your report. Info <!> If ndiswrapper does not work, you are welcome to file a new bug report by executing at a terminal: Works better: 1.27 Mbps Driver: http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails?driverId=M1PPT"

In your Bug Description, you noted when the problem first began you were getting 40-70 KBs (320-560 Kbps). What speeds are properly working WiFi clients getting?

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

3. AP: Modem Pirelli DRG A125G. No firmware info available...

10b. I was wrong with this... Today will be testing with this backport version

11. With another notebook (ASUS - ubuntu too), the same AP delivers 600 KBs

So, later I will posting the 10b results...

Regards,

Daniel

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Sorry to ask, but I don't know what to do with this:

Specifically, you tested upstreams development release via http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/projects/backports/2013/11/13/backports-20131113.tar.bz2 ?

Already download the package and extracted the directories and files... What is next? Any place where I can find step by step instructions?

Regards,

Daniel

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Dvanzo, instructions may be found at https://backports.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Documentation .

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Specifically, you tested upstreams development release via http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/projects/backports/2013/11/13/backports-20131113.tar.bz2 ?

Tested. The same max speed (60 kB/s)

Regards,

Daniel

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

Just in case... using the backports, the connection drops after 2 or 3 minutos...

Regards,

Daniel

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Dvanzo, the next step is to fully commit bisect from 10.04 to 12.04, in order to identify the offending commit. Could you please do this following https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/KernelBisection ?

[Dvanzo (danielvanzo)]

I think I'm not the right person for this task (bisect)... I just had to reinstall Ubuntu in this notebook because after trying the backported drivers was imposible to connect to internet again (connection drops after 2 or 3 minutes)... This notebook is a working machine... Any other way to help?

Regards,

Daniel