0bda:8178 TP-LINK TL-WN821N v4 Detected but does not work

[Ryan Williams]

TP-LINK TL-WN821N v4 USB wi-fi adapter appears to be correctly detected, including loading the correct driver, but no wireless access points are ever listed and the green light on the device stays on (it's intended to flash).

Ubuntu 12.04 64-bit
Ubuntu 3.2.0-38.61-generic 3.2.37

Output of sudo lsusb:

us 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 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 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 001 Device 006: ID 050d:7051 Belkin Components F5D7051 802.11g Adapter v1000 [Broadcom 4320 USB]
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 0f30:0112 Jess Technology Co., Ltd
Bus 003 Device 002: ID 1bcf:0007 Sunplus Innovation Technology Inc. Optical Mouse
Bus 001 Device 007: ID 0bda:8178 Realtek Semiconductor Corp.

Output of modinfo rtl8192cu:

filename: /lib/modules/3.2.0-38-generic/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/rtlwifi/rtl8192cu/rtl8192cu.ko
firmware: rtlwifi/rtl8192cufw.bin
description: Realtek 8192C/8188C 802.11n USB wireless
license: GPL
author: Larry Finger <email address hidden>
author: Ziv Huang <email address hidden>
author: Georgia <email address hidden>
srcversion: 2846722243FEC10EAE6075D
alias: usb:v7392p7822d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v20F4p624Dd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019pAB2Bd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p330Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p3309d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p3307d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0E66p0019d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0DF6p0061d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8186d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0B05p17ABd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0846p9021d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07B8p8178d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07AAp0056d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0586p341Fd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v050Dp2103d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v050Dp2102d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019p1201d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v04F2pAFFCd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v04F2pAFFBd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v04F2pAFF8d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v04F2pAFFAd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v04F2pAFF9d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v04F2pAFF7d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp317Fd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v9846p9041d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v4855p0091d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v4855p0090d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v13D3p3359d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v13D3p3358d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v7392p7811d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v20F4p648Bd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019pED17d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019pAB2Ed*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019pAB2Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2019p4902d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v2001p3308d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v13D3p3357d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v103Cp1629d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v4856p0091d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0EB0p9071d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0DF6p005Cd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0DF6p0052d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp5088d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0846p9041d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07B8p8189d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v07B8p8188d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v06F8pE033d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v050Dp11F2d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v050Dp1102d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Cd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8178d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8754d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp818Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Fd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Ed*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Dd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Bd*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp817Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8177d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8176d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8170d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp018Ad*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
alias: usb:v0BDAp8191d*dc*dsc*dp*ic*isc*ip*
depends: rtlwifi,mac80211,rtl8192c-common
intree: Y
vermagic: 3.2.0-38-generic SMP mod_unload modversions
parm: swenc:Set to 1 for software crypto (default 0)
 (bool)
parm: debug:Set debug level (0-5) (default 0) (int)

Hardware info:

http://www.wikidevi.com/wiki/TP-LINK_TL-WN821N_v4

http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=21&PFid=48&Level=5&Conn=4&ProdID=277

http://www.tp-link.com/CA/products/details/?model=TL-WN821N#spec
---
AlsaVersion: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version 1.0.24.
ApportVersion: 2.0.1-0ubuntu17.1
Architecture: amd64
ArecordDevices:
 **** List of CAPTURE Hardware Devices ****
 card 1: Headset [Creative HS-720 Headset], device 0: USB Audio [USB Audio]
   Subdevices: 1/1
   Subdevice #0: subdevice #0
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC0: ryan 1693 F.... pulseaudio
 /dev/snd/controlC1: ryan 1693 F.... pulseaudio
Card0.Amixer.info:
 Card hw:0 'Generic'/'HD-Audio Generic at 0xfbefc000 irq 25'
   Mixer name : 'ATI R6xx HDMI'
   Components : 'HDA:1002aa01,00aa0100,00100200'
   Controls : 6
   Simple ctrls : 1
Card0.Amixer.values:
 Simple mixer control 'IEC958',0
   Capabilities: pswitch pswitch-joined penum
   Playback channels: Mono
   Mono: Playback [on]
Card1.Amixer.info:
 Card hw:1 'Headset'/'Creative Technology Ltd. Creative HS-720 Headset at usb-0000:00:10.1-1, full sp'
   Mixer name : 'USB Mixer'
   Components : 'USB041e:0402'
   Controls : 5
   Simple ctrls : 3
Card2.Amixer.info:
 Card hw:2 'VT82xx'/'HDA VIA VT82xx at 0xfbffc000 irq 17'
   Mixer name : 'Realtek ALC662 rev1'
   Components : 'HDA:10ec0662,00f00000,00100101'
   Controls : 1
   Simple ctrls : 1
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 12.04
HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a8b062f5-2c0e-46d8-82ba-9455478ec3f6
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS "Precise Pangolin" - Release amd64 (20120425)
MachineType: System manufacturer System Product Name
MarkForUpload: True
Package: linux (not installed)
ProcFB: 0 radeondrmfb
ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-3.2.0-38-generic root=UUID=fbaea927-6434-4188-9725-fcbff8824c5b ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.2.0-38.61-generic 3.2.37
RelatedPackageVersions:
 linux-restricted-modules-3.2.0-38-generic N/A
 linux-backports-modules-3.2.0-38-generic N/A
 linux-firmware 1.79.1
Tags: precise
Uname: Linux 3.2.0-38-generic x86_64
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
dmi.bios.date: 02/20/2008
dmi.bios.vendor: American Megatrends Inc.
dmi.bios.version: 0507
dmi.board.asset.tag: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
dmi.board.name: P5VD2-VM SE
dmi.board.vendor: ASUSTeK Computer INC.
dmi.board.version: Rev x.xx
dmi.chassis.asset.tag: Asset-1234567890
dmi.chassis.type: 3
dmi.chassis.vendor: Chassis Manufacture
dmi.chassis.version: Chassis Version
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnAmericanMegatrendsInc.:bvr0507:bd02/20/2008:svnSystemmanufacturer:pnSystemProductName:pvrSystemVersion:rvnASUSTeKComputerINC.:rnP5VD2-VMSE:rvrRevx.xx:cvnChassisManufacture:ct3:cvrChassisVersion:
dmi.product.name: System Product Name
dmi.product.version: System Version
dmi.sys.vendor: System manufacturer

[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 1152861

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.

[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

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[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 v3.9 kernel[0] (Not a kernel in the daily directory) and install both the linux-image and linux-image-extra .deb packages.

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.

[0] http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.9-rc2-raring/

[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

Tried the upstream kernel you linked to, however it fails to boot with the messages "Fast TSC calibration failed" and a few seconds later "/dev/disk/by-uuid/[uuid number]/ does not exist". Booting the 12.04 supplied kernel continues to work as normal.

[Ryan Williams (theamazingjanet)]

Re-checked and I left out linux-image-extra, after installing that it booted fine, but the issue remains the same as before. Green light stays on, no access points are listed but everything else appears to behave as if it is detected correctly.

[ninom (toostuff)]

same problem here, but AP are listed...
do you need some more logs?
tried kernel 3.9.0-030900rc7 generic 64 bit

[ninom (toostuff)]

addition:
Ubuntu or 64-bit specific problem?

not working for Xubuntu 13.04 64 bit.
working for Xubuntu 12.10 32 bit Live-CD - needed 2 tries to connect, but working

[Sergio (sbp-m)]

This also affects me, the device is detected, the wireless networks are listed, but I can't connect.
I'm also using Ubuntu 13.04 64bits

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Ryan Williams, could you please test the latest upstream kernel available following https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelMainlineBuilds ? It will allow additional upstream developers to examine the issue. Please do not test the daily folder, but the one all the way at the bottom. 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-v3.11-rc3

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

If you are unable to test the mainline kernel, please comment as to why specifically you were unable to test it and add the following tags:
kernel-unable-to-test-upstream
kernel-unable-to-test-upstream-VERSION-NUMBER

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.

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

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