mobile broadband does not work when REconnected

[Patrik Nilsson]

Most often when I first connect my mobile broadband, it works. If it disconnects (or I disconnect it) and I try to connect again I'm unable to see web pages or download mail from the Internet.

Even when this has happened the route command and nslookup works:

patrik@ubuntu:~$ route -n
Kernel IP routing table
Destination Gateway Genmask Flags Metric Ref Use Iface
10.64.64.64 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255 UH 0 0 0 ppp0
169.254.0.0 0.0.0.0 255.255.0.0 U 1000 0 0 ppp0
0.0.0.0 10.64.64.64 0.0.0.0 UG 0 0 0 ppp0
patrik@ubuntu:~$ nslookup www.dn.se
Server: 127.0.0.1
Address: 127.0.0.1#53

Non-authoritative answer:
Name: www.dn.se
Address: 62.119.189.4

But still I can't download webpages or e-mail.

In short I get the Name server but not the Internet. The route looks as it should. When I restart the computer I can connect again.

patrik@ubuntu:~$ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 003: ID 04f2:b071 Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd 2.0M UVC WebCam / CNF7129
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 12d1:1001 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. E620 USB Modem
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
patrik@ubuntu:~$ lsb_release -rd
Description: Ubuntu 9.10
Release: 9.10
patrik@ubuntu:~$ apt-cache policy network-manager
network-manager:
  Installed: 0.8~a~git.20091013t193206.679d548-0ubuntu1
  Candidate: 0.8~a~git.20091013t193206.679d548-0ubuntu1
  Version table:
 *** 0.8~a~git.20091013t193206.679d548-0ubuntu1 0
        500 http://archive.ubuntu.com karmic/main Packages
        100 /var/lib/dpkg/status
patrik@ubuntu:~$

Here is the debug log when I try to connect again:

patrik@ubuntu:~$ sudo su
[sudo] password for patrik:
root@ubuntu:/home/patrik# /etc/init.d/network-manager stop
Rather than invoking init scripts through /etc/init.d, use the service(8)
utility, e.g. service network-manager stop

Since the script you are attempting to invoke has been converted to an
Upstart job, you may also use the stop(8) utility, e.g. stop network-manager
network-manager stop/waiting
root@ubuntu:/home/patrik# NM_SERIAL_DEBUG=1 NetworkManager --no-daemon 2>&1 | tee /tmp/nm-serial.txt
NetworkManager: <info> starting...
NetworkManager: <info> modem-manager is now available
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: init!
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: update_system_hostname
NetworkManager: SCPluginIfupdown: management mode: unmanaged
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.1/0000:03:00.0/net/eth0, iface: eth0)
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.1/0000:03:00.0/net/eth0, iface: eth0): no ifupdown configuration found.
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/virtual/net/lo, iface: lo)
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/virtual/net/lo, iface: lo): no ifupdown configuration found.
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: end _init.
NetworkManager: Loaded plugin ifupdown: (C) 2008 Canonical Ltd. To report bugs please use the NetworkManager mailing list.
NetworkManager: Loaded plugin keyfile: (c) 2007 - 2008 Red Hat, Inc. To report bugs please use the NetworkManager mailing list.
NetworkManager: <info> Found radio killswitch rfkill0 (at /sys/devices/platform/eeepc/rfkill/rfkill0) (driver eeepc)
NetworkManager: <info> Wireless now enabled by radio killswitch
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: (141278496) ... get_connections.
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: (141278496) ... get_connections (managed=false): return empty list.
NetworkManager: Ifupdown: get unmanaged devices count: 0
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): carrier is OFF
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): new Ethernet device (driver: 'ATL1E')
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): exported as /org/freedesktop/NetworkManager/Devices/0
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): now managed
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): device state change: 1 -> 2 (reason 2)
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): bringing up device.
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): preparing device.
NetworkManager: <info> (eth0): deactivating device (reason: 2).
NetworkManager: Added default wired connection 'Auto eth0' for /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.1/0000:03:00.0/net/eth0
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): new GSM device (driver: 'option1')
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): exported as /org/freedesktop/NetworkManager/Devices/1
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): now managed
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): device state change: 1 -> 2 (reason 2)
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): deactivating device (reason: 2).
NetworkManager: flush_routes: assertion `iface_idx >= 0' failed
NetworkManager: flush_addresses: assertion `iface_idx >= 0' failed
NetworkManager: <WARN> default_adapter_cb(): bluez error getting default adapter: The name org.bluez was not provided by any .service files
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): device state change: 2 -> 3 (reason 0)
NetworkManager: Tried to set deprecated property gsm/band
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) starting connection '3 (Bredband)'
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): device state change: 3 -> 4 (reason 0)
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 1 of 5 (Device Prepare) scheduled...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 1 of 5 (Device Prepare) started...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 1 of 5 (Device Prepare) complete.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 2 of 5 (Device Configure) scheduled...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 2 of 5 (Device Configure) starting...
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): device state change: 4 -> 5 (reason 0)
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 2 of 5 (Device Configure) successful.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 3 of 5 (IP Configure Start) scheduled.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 2 of 5 (Device Configure) complete.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 3 of 5 (IP Configure Start) started...
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): device state change: 5 -> 7 (reason 0)
NetworkManager: <info> Starting pppd connection
NetworkManager: <debug> [1257699025.433050] nm_ppp_manager_start(): Command line: /usr/sbin/pppd nodetach lock nodefaultroute ttyUSB0 noipdefault noauth usepeerdns lcp-echo-failure 5 lcp-echo-interval 30 ipparam /org/freedesktop/NetworkManager/PPP/0 plugin /usr/lib/pppd/2.4.4/nm-pppd-plugin.so
NetworkManager: <debug> [1257699025.444637] nm_ppp_manager_start(): ppp started with pid 3256
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 4 of 5 (IP6 Configure Get) scheduled...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 3 of 5 (IP Configure Start) complete.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 4 of 5 (IP6 Configure Get) started...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 4 of 5 (IP6 Configure Get) complete.
Plugin /usr/lib/pppd/2.4.4/nm-pppd-plugin.so loaded.
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (plugin_init): initializing
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (nm_phasechange): status 3 / phase 'serial connection'
Using interface ppp0
Connect: ppp0 <--> /dev/ttyUSB0
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (nm_phasechange): status 5 / phase 'establish'
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/virtual/net/ppp0, iface: ppp0)
NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/virtual/net/ppp0, iface: ppp0): no ifupdown configuration found.
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (nm_phasechange): status 6 / phase 'authenticate'
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (get_credentials): passwd-hook, requesting credentials...
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (get_credentials): got credentials from NetworkManager
CHAP authentication succeeded
CHAP authentication succeeded
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (nm_phasechange): status 8 / phase 'network'
Could not determine remote IP address: defaulting to 10.64.64.64
Cannot determine ethernet address for proxy ARP
local IP address 95.209.130.49
remote IP address 10.64.64.64
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (nm_phasechange): status 9 / phase 'running'
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (nm_ip_up): ip-up event
** Message: nm-ppp-plugin: (nm_ip_up): sending Ip4Config to NetworkManager...
NetworkManager: <info> PPP manager(IP Config Get) reply received.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 4 of 5 (IP4 Configure Get) scheduled...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 4 of 5 (IP4 Configure Get) started...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 5 of 5 (IP Configure Commit) scheduled...
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 4 of 5 (IP4 Configure Get) complete.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 5 of 5 (IP Configure Commit) started...
NetworkManager: <info> (ppp0): removing resolv.conf from /sbin/resolvconf
resolvconf: Error: /etc/resolv.conf must be a symlink
NetworkManager: <info> (ttyUSB0): device state change: 7 -> 8 (reason 0)
NetworkManager: <info> (ppp0): removing resolv.conf from /sbin/resolvconf
resolvconf: Error: /etc/resolv.conf must be a symlink
NetworkManager: <info> Policy set '3 (Bredband)' (ppp0) as default for routing and DNS.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) successful, device activated.
NetworkManager: <info> Activation (ttyUSB0) Stage 5 of 5 (IP Configure Commit) complete.
NetworkManager: Tried to set deprecated property gsm/band
NetworkManager: Tried to set deprecated property gsm/band
NetworkManager: Tried to set deprecated property gsm/band
NetworkManager: Tried to set deprecated property gsm/band
NetworkManager: Tried to set deprecated property gsm/band
NetworkManager: Tried to set deprecated property gsm/band

[Patrik Nilsson (nipatriknilsson)]

This bug also sometimes happens at first connection attempt.

[Patrik Nilsson (nipatriknilsson)]

I believe it is just a lucky coincidence for a long time that the mobile network connection had worked the first time, but not the second. My ISP (3 Sweden) has got some problem that I now often must restart my computer to get the Internet.

[Patrik Nilsson (nipatriknilsson)]

After formatting and reinstalling Ubuntu, mobile broadband reconnect works. The upgrade process didn't work properly and there are some other errors during former installations of unknown heritage.

[janrikard (janrikard)]

I have sort of the same problem.
My first connect-attemt didnet work, but the second did.
But after changeing sim-card to another from the same provider(3 in sweden) it doesnt work at all.

/rikard

[Patrik Nilsson (nipatriknilsson)]

Try to remove the PIN-code: Menu Applications/Accessories/Passwords and Encryption keys. Look for "Network secrets for 3/Bredband/PIN/GSM" and remove it. If Ubuntu had accessed the sim-card three times the card is locked and you need the PUK-code to unlock it. This can be done by a phone.You'll need to shutdown the computer after you changed the pin-code if you have a built-in modem otherwise disconnect it and connect it again. This is the re-initiate the modem.

Check that you have chosen the correct subscription plan: Cash card or not.

[Patrik Nilsson (nipatriknilsson)]

I have found the origin of why my mobile broad band connection not always works. It is about the DNS.

Here are two connection attempts. The first one doesn't succeed, but the second does. Both times the log says that the DNS is configured, but the first time it is not.

The problem is that network manager not always writes the name servers to /etc/resolv.conf

The only text that appear in the file in this case is:
---begin---
# Generated by NetworkManager

---end---

If you manually write the name servers to resolv.conf (sudo gedit /etc/resolv.conf
) as below

---begin---
# Generated by NetworkManager

nameserver 80.251.201.177

nameserver 80.251.201.178
---end---

is works connecting to the mobile gsm broadband, even when nm-tool
 says no name servers.

So, in short when the network-manager log says:
---
NetworkManager: <info> Policy set '3 Bredband' (ppp0) as default for routing and DNS.

---
The routing is configured as expected, but not always the DNS. nm-tool does not report the DNS, but if you know the DNS you can write it to /etc/resolv.conf
 and you can still use the Internet connection.

patrik@ubuntu:~$ export NM_PPP_DEBUG=1

patrik@ubuntu:~$

patrik@ubuntu:~$ # start networkmanager and put log in /tmp/nm.log.txt

patrik@ubuntu:~$ sudo NetworkManager --no-daemon 2>&1 | tee /tmp/nm.log.txt

[sudo] password for patrik:

NetworkManager: <info> starting...

NetworkManager: <info> modem-manager is now available

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: init!

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: update_system_hostname

NetworkManager: SCPluginIfupdown: management mode: unmanaged

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.1/0000:03:00.0/net/eth0, iface: eth0)

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.1/0000:03:00.0/net/eth0, iface: eth0): no ifupdown configuration found.

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.3/0000:01:00.0/net/wlan0, iface: wlan0)

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.3/0000:01:00.0/net/wlan0, iface: wlan0): no ifupdown configuration found.

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.3/0000:01:00.0/net/wmaster0, iface: wmaster0)

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.3/0000:01:00.0/net/wmaster0, iface: wmaster0): no ifupdown configuration found.

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/virtual/net/lo, iface: lo)

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/virtual/net/lo, iface: lo): no ifupdown configuration found.

NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: end _init.

NetworkManager: Loaded plugin ifupdown: (C) 2008 Canonical Ltd. To report bugs please use the NetworkManager mailing list.

NetworkManager: Loaded plugin keyfile: (c) 2007 - 2008 Red Hat, Inc. To report bugs please use the NetworkManager mailing list.

NetworkManager: <info> Found radio killswitch rfkill3 (at /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1c.3/0000:01:00.0/ieee80211/phy0/...

[Xavier (degaray)]

I have the same issue

[Patrik Nilsson (nipatriknilsson)]

I solved it in a way that might work for you:

Instead of letting Ubuntu get the name servers from my mobile broadband ISP (3 Sweden), I wrote them as static. After that most of the times reconnect works.

[Andrew Cooks (acooks)]

this is a duplicate of bug #420999