Wireless bit rate incorrectly defaults to 1Mb/s

[Timothy W. Tacker]

The iwconfig command shows that my bit rate on wlan0 consistently and incorrectly defaults to 1Mb/s upon establishing a wireless connection. I seem to be able to workaround this problem using "sudo iwconfig wlan0 rate 11Mb/s" at the command line each and every time a wireless connection is established.

I am running Ubuntu 9.10, on a Dell Inspiron 1100, with a Linksys, Instant Wireless, Wireless-B Notebook Adapter, Model No. WPC11 ver.4, PCMCIA card. This is an 802.11b capable card / adapter, and the the bit rate should default to 11Mb/s.

lspci reports the wireless card / adapter as follows:
03:00.0 Ethernet controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8180L 802.11b MAC (rev 20)

iwconfig shows the following before issuing the "sudo iwconfig wlan0 rate 11Mb/s" command:
wlan0 IEEE 802.11b ESSID:"tachowicz"
          Mode:Managed Frequency:2.412 GHz Access Point: 00:1A:70:45:F9:76
          Bit Rate=1 Mb/s Tx-Power=20 dBm
          Retry long limit:7 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off
          Power Management:off
          Link Quality=85/100 Signal level=85/100
          Rx invalid nwid:0 Rx invalid crypt:0 Rx invalid frag:0
          Tx excessive retries:0 Invalid misc:0 Missed beacon:0

iwconfig shows shows the following after issuing the "sudo iwconfig wlan0 rate 11Mb/s" command:
wlan0 IEEE 802.11b ESSID:"tachowicz"
          Mode:Managed Frequency:2.412 GHz Access Point: 00:1A:70:45:F9:76
          Bit Rate=11 Mb/s Tx-Power=20 dBm
          Retry long limit:7 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off
          Power Management:off
          Link Quality=89/100 Signal level=89/100
          Rx invalid nwid:0 Rx invalid crypt:0 Rx invalid frag:0
          Tx excessive retries:0 Invalid misc:0 Missed beacon:0

Both link quality and signal level appear continuously swing pretty widely.

For the purpose of troubleshooting, I unchecked "Enable Wireless" in the NetworkManager Applet and removed the card / adapter from the laptop. Upon reinsertion of the card / adapter into the laptop, the following log entries appear:

daemon.log:
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> Found radio killswitch rfkill1 (at /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/ieee80211/phy1/rfkill1) (driver <unknown>)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wlan0, iface: wlan0)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wlan0, iface: wlan0): no ifupdown configuration found.
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): driver supports SSID scans (scan_capa 0x01).
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): new 802.11 WiFi device (driver: 'rtl8180')
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): exported as /org/freedesktop/NetworkManager/Devices/2
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): now managed
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): device state change: 1 -> 2 (reason 2)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): bringing up device.
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): deactivating device (reason: 2).
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wmaster0, iface: wmaster0)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wmaster0, iface: wmaster0): no ifupdown configuration found.

debug:
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040089] pci 0000:03:00.0: reg 10 io port: [0x00-0xff]
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040101] pci 0000:03:00.0: reg 14 32bit mmio: [0x000000-0x0001ff]
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040167] pci 0000:03:00.0: supports D1 D2
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040408] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: setting latency timer to 64
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.063399] phy1: Selected rate control algorithm 'minstrel'

kern.log:
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040032] pcmcia_socket pcmcia_socket0: pccard: CardBus card inserted into slot 0
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040089] pci 0000:03:00.0: reg 10 io port: [0x00-0xff]
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040101] pci 0000:03:00.0: reg 14 32bit mmio: [0x000000-0x0001ff]
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040167] pci 0000:03:00.0: supports D1 D2
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040171] pci 0000:03:00.0: PME# supported from D1 D2 D3hot D3cold
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040178] pci 0000:03:00.0: PME# disabled
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040371] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: enabling device (0000 -> 0003)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040386] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: PCI INT A -> Link[LNKA] -> GSI 11 (level, low) -> IRQ 11
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040408] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: setting latency timer to 64
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.063399] phy1: Selected rate control algorithm 'minstrel'
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.094393] phy1: hwaddr 00:06:25:2e:03:b9, RTL8180 + Maxim

messages:
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040032] pcmcia_socket pcmcia_socket0: pccard: CardBus card inserted into slot 0
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040171] pci 0000:03:00.0: PME# supported from D1 D2 D3hot D3cold
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040178] pci 0000:03:00.0: PME# disabled
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040371] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: enabling device (0000 -> 0003)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040386] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: PCI INT A -> Link[LNKA] -> GSI 11 (level, low) -> IRQ 11
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.094393] phy1: hwaddr 00:06:25:2e:03:b9, RTL8180 + Maxim

syslog:
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040032] pcmcia_socket pcmcia_socket0: pccard: CardBus card inserted into slot 0
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040089] pci 0000:03:00.0: reg 10 io port: [0x00-0xff]
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040101] pci 0000:03:00.0: reg 14 32bit mmio: [0x000000-0x0001ff]
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040167] pci 0000:03:00.0: supports D1 D2
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040171] pci 0000:03:00.0: PME# supported from D1 D2 D3hot D3cold
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040178] pci 0000:03:00.0: PME# disabled
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040371] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: enabling device (0000 -> 0003)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040386] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: PCI INT A -> Link[LNKA] -> GSI 11 (level, low) -> IRQ 11
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.040408] rtl8180 0000:03:00.0: setting latency timer to 64
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.063399] phy1: Selected rate control algorithm 'minstrel'
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> Found radio killswitch rfkill1 (at /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/ieee80211/phy1/rfkill1) (driver <unknown>)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3237.094393] phy1: hwaddr 00:06:25:2e:03:b9, RTL8180 + Maxim
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wlan0, iface: wlan0)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wlan0, iface: wlan0): no ifupdown configuration found.
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): driver supports SSID scans (scan_capa 0x01).
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): new 802.11 WiFi device (driver: 'rtl8180')
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): exported as /org/freedesktop/NetworkManager/Devices/2
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): now managed
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): device state change: 1 -> 2 (reason 2)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): bringing up device.
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: <info> (wlan0): deactivating device (reason: 2).
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: devices added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wmaster0, iface: wmaster0)
Feb 8 20:35:29 inspiron1100 NetworkManager: SCPlugin-Ifupdown: device added (path: /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:04.0/0000:03:00.0/net/wmaster0, iface: wmaster0): no ifupdown configuration found.
Feb 8 20:35:55 inspiron1100 pulseaudio[1312]: ratelimit.c: 3 events suppressed

After rechecking "Enable Wireless" in the NetworkManager Applet, the card / adapter automatically associates with my access point; and the following log entires appear:

daemon.log:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/519135/+attachment/3233477/+files/daemon

debug:
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.192021] wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:1a:70:45:f9:76
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.193502] wlan0: authenticated
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.193506] wlan0: associate with AP 00:1a:70:45:f9:76
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.195880] wlan0: RX AssocResp from 00:1a:70:45:f9:76 (capab=0x411 status=0 aid=3)
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.195886] wlan0: associated
Feb 8 20:44:12 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3760.520022] wlan0: no IPv6 routers present

kern.log:
Feb 8 20:43:54 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3742.420255] ADDRCONF(NETDEV_UP): wlan0: link is not ready
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.192021] wlan0: authenticate with AP 00:1a:70:45:f9:76
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.193502] wlan0: authenticated
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.193506] wlan0: associate with AP 00:1a:70:45:f9:76
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.195880] wlan0: RX AssocResp from 00:1a:70:45:f9:76 (capab=0x411 status=0 aid=3)
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.195886] wlan0: associated
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.197313] ADDRCONF(NETDEV_CHANGE): wlan0: link becomes ready
Feb 8 20:44:12 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3760.520022] wlan0: no IPv6 routers present

messages:
Feb 8 20:43:54 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3742.420255] ADDRCONF(NETDEV_UP): wlan0: link is not ready
Feb 8 20:44:02 inspiron1100 kernel: [ 3750.197313] ADDRCONF(NETDEV_CHANGE): wlan0: link becomes ready

syslog:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/519135/+attachment/3233476/+files/syslog

[thewk (theewk)]

I have this issue when using Ubuntu 10.04 with 2.6.32-19-generic kernel. I can change the speed manually with iwconfig but I have pretty unstable signal after that. The card works perfectly in Windows XP so it is clearly something about the driver.

[Timothy W. Tacker (tim-tacker)]

I have upgraded to Ubuntu 10.04 and continue to have this problem.

[Thomas Hood (jdthood)]

I have this issue.

iwlwifi on an Ubuntu 12.04 system.

# lspci -v -s 03:00.0
03:00.0 Network controller: Intel Corporation Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (rev 34)
 Subsystem: Intel Corporation Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN
 Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 46
 Memory at f2400000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=8K]
 Capabilities: [c8] Power Management version 3
 Capabilities: [d0] MSI: Enable+ Count=1/1 Maskable- 64bit+
 Capabilities: [e0] Express Endpoint, MSI 00
 Capabilities: [100] Advanced Error Reporting
 Capabilities: [140] Device Serial Number [...]
 Kernel driver in use: iwlwifi
 Kernel modules: iwlwifi

# iwlist wlan0 rate
wlan0 unknown bit-rate information.
          Current Bit Rate:1 Mb/s

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Cut from Bug Description.

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Cut from Bug Description.

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Timothy W. Tacker, this bug was reported a while ago and there hasn't been any activity in it recently. We were wondering if this is still an issue? Can you try with the latest development release of Ubuntu? ISO CD images are available from http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/releases/ .

If it remains an issue, could you run the following command in the development release from a Terminal (Applications->Accessories->Terminal). It will automatically gather and attach updated debug information to this report.

apport-collect -p linux <replace-with-bug-number>

Also, if you could test the latest upstream kernel available that would be great. It will allow additional upstream developers to examine the issue. Refer to https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelMainlineBuilds . Please do not test the kernel in the daily folder, but the one all the way at the bottom. Once you've tested the upstream kernel, please remove the 'needs-upstream-testing' tag. 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. As well, please comment on which kernel version specifically you tested.

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', and comment as to why specifically you were unable to test it.

Please let us know your results. Thanks in advance.

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

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