Wi-Fi not detected

[unkyjack]

This is a first-time post from a new member. Hopefully, I'm doing this right.

I'm trying to decide between Linux Lite and Mint XFCE for my first Linux OS. Linux Lite does not consistently detect my wi-fi network with a Live install of either the 32-bit or 64-bit versions. The problem occurs with Live installs using either a DVD or USB stick drive. About 50% of the time I can connect to the wi-fi network by left clicking on the network icon in the panel and selecting the name of my network from the list that pops up. But, the other 50 percent of the time when I left click I do not get a list of wi-fi networks that have been detected. When I add a new network connection by manually filling in the network and router info, Lite adds it as a new wi-fi network, but it doesn't access it and I haven't been able to make Lite to access it. So, I can't connect to it. This is not a problem with any other distro I've tried -- about a half dozen in all. All of them auto detect my wi-fi network without any trouble and connect when I click on the network name from the list of wi-fi networks that have been detected.

Am I doing something wrong or is there a network connection bug in Lite? I'm really hoping to clear this up so I can give Lite an equal chance against Mint XFCE.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Jack

[Valtam]

What's the output of:

Code:

inxi -n

[unkyjack]

I'll get that for you, Jerry.

But, to make sure I get you the info you need I have a few questions. Do you want the output when LL is not detecting the wi-fi network or when it is detecting the network or do you need both? Also, does it make a difference if I get the output using the DVD or USB stick drive Live install? I can give you the output from either one.

Just trying to be as pro-active as I can to give you what you need. I'm a complete novice with Linux.

[gold_finger]

The output will show exact model of wifi card in computer whether you happen to be connected or not, so it makes no difference.  Would be easier for you to post back here from live LL if you were connected though.  If you can't stay connected and need to post from a different machine you can have the command output to a text file ("wifi-card.txt") which can be saved to a usb stick if necessary.  This command will make a text file on the desktop that you can copy to a usb stick:

Code:

inxi -n > ~/Desktop/wifi-card.txt

If posting back from a Windows computer and NotePad doesn't seem to open the file properly for you to copy/paste the output, just upload the file itself here to forum instead.  (Use the "Attachments and other options" button on forum, click "Browse" (under "Attach"), navigate to and select the "wifi-card.txt" file.)


Assuming wifi issue gets settled, are you planning to install either LL or Mint as a dual-boot with Windows, or as the only OS on computer?

If planning to dual-boot, what version of Windows is currently on computer?

[unkyjack]

Jerry . . .

Here's the output of the "inxi -n" command from the Live install of LL 32-bit running off a DVD. I was able to copy and paste directly from the terminal.

===========================

Network:  Card-1: Broadcom NetXtreme BCM5752 Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express
          driver: tg3
          IF: enp63s0 state: down mac: 00:19:bb:5c:b9:fc
          Card-2: NetGear WN111(v2) RangeMax Next Wireless [Atheros AR9170+AR9101]
          driver: carl9170
          IF: wlx0024b2d7f536 state: N/A mac: N/A

===========================

Is this the needed info?

FYI, this is the same output I get from running "inxi -n" on Linux Mint Cinnamon 32-bit. But Mint always detects the wi-fi network and lets me connect by clicking on the network name from the list of detected networks. LL detects the wi-fi connection only about 50% of the time. When it doesn't detect the wi-fi network I cannot connect, even when I "add" a new connection and type in the necessary server info.


gold-finger . . .

I plan on a dual-boot system with either both OSes on the same drive or with Linux on its own separate drive. I'll be running Windows XP sp3.

[gold_finger]

I'll let Jerry (or others) handle wifi issue because I don't know why it works in Mint and not LL.


Just a heads-up on installing either of them (or both) on same drive as Win XP.  Assuming XP partitions currently occupy the whole disk, you'll need to make room for the Linux install.  The installer can do that to a certain extent, but it is safer to do ahead of time using Windows-based tools.

• First, defrag the drive.
  
• Then shrink the partition that has most free space available in it, which will probably be your (C drive unless you have it set-up to use a (D drive for data.
  
• If drive already has 4 primary partitions, you won't be able to create new Linux partitions without first eliminating one of the existing partitions.  (Don't think this is commonly run into with XP installations, but if that is your situation and you're not sure how to proceed, post here or on Mint forums for guidance before you attempt installing.)
  
• I'm not familiar with XP, so not sure if its disk management section allows you to shrink partitions or not.  If it does, go ahead and try using that.  If not, an easy-to-use tool is MiniTool Partition Wizard.
  
• Don't make any partitions for Linux while in Windows or with MiniTool -- just leave the free space unformatted.  Depending on what type of install you end up choosing to do, you can either let the LL/Mint installer make the partitions automatically or you can do it manually yourself during the install process using the built-in partitioning tools for either distro.
  

[Valtam]

The only way to test this easily is to commit to an install, then try different driver versions. Let me know if that's an option for you.

[unkyjack]

Jerry . . .

I'm waiting for a new hard drive and more RAM to configure the system for a full install, so I can't do it right now.

Also, I just started checking the USB ports and USB wi-fi adapter for a possible intermittent condition that might be affecting the connection to the network. Every so often I have to unplug the adapter and plug it in again to establish a reliable connection. This has happened on rare occasions in the past and it happened again yesterday. So, that might be contributing to Linux Lite's inability to make a reliable wi-fi connection. I have a couple of other wi-fi adapters that can be swapped out for the one that's currently being used, but haven't tried doing that yet.

[Valtam]

The NetGear WN111(v2) does have a history of being flakey on Linux. When you do you testing, ensure you are right next to the wifi router to eliminate distance as a possible issue.

[bayoubooger]

on my dell, after you get correct drivers. You have to hold down Fn key and hit F2 to turn on wifi. Makes you feel?