Since last update (May 4) cannot connect to wireless network

[Rob Warren]

Binary package hint: network-manager

I'm using a Dell Inspiron Mini 9 with Ubuntu 8.04.1 (Hardy) - kernel release 2.6.24 - 22 - lpia

I've been successfully connecting to my home wireless network based on a Netgear WGT624 router. The network does not broadcast its SSID and uses WPA-PSK (WPA2 Personal) security with a passphrase (TKIP).

On May 4 I installed the latest system updates (a routine I have performed on a regular basis) and, since that time, I cannot connect to the wireless network.

I notice that there have been significant changes to the Network Manager and wonder if these are the source of the problem.

When trying to connect, I am told that my network requires a passphrase but when I enter it, the message gets repeated. I've tried connecting using the saved profile and also by attempting to connect to a "new" hidden network - all give the same result. I have also deleted all my saved networks and set them up from scratch without success.

My netbook successfully connects to a neighbour's unsecured network.

I have noticed that the previous Network Manager offered the choice of AES or TKIP when entering the passphrase (with AES as the default). The new Network Manager does not offer this choice.

ProblemType: Bug
Architecture: lpia
Date: Sat May 9 16:28:35 2009
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 8.04
IfupdownConfig:
 auto lo
 iface lo inet loopback
NonfreeKernelModules: wl
Package: network-manager 0.7~~svn20081018t105859+mbm.f2-0ubuntu1~hardy5
PackageArchitecture: lpia
ProcEnviron:
 PATH=/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin:/usr/games
 LANG=en_GB.UTF-8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
SourcePackage: network-manager
Uname: Linux 2.6.24-22-lpia i686
UnreportableReason: This is not a genuine Ubuntu package

[Rob Warren (rob-warren)]

Further information:

I altered my wireless router to broadcast the SSID and network manager can now connect.

I would like to revert to hiding my SSID, as before. Is there likely to be a solution to this issue?

[Tony Espy (awe)]

This most likely is an issue with the Broadcom 'wl' driver ( which is a hybrid / closed source driver ).

Have you tried a Ubuntu 9.04 UNR?

FYI, hiding your SSID really doesn't offer any extra security. Someone that has the know how to break in, can easily find your AP, even if it's not broadcasting it's SSID. Running WPA-Personal with a passphrase >= 20 characters is a much better solution.

Marking Incomplete for now, as an 8.04 based release is over a year old.

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

[Expired for network-manager (Ubuntu) because there has been no activity for 60 days.]