diff --git a/content/wireless.md b/content/wireless.md index 2052091fc9..2351e051c9 100644 --- a/content/wireless.md +++ b/content/wireless.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ --- -title: Wireless Troubleshooting +title: Wireless and Basic Troubleshooting description: > - If you’re having problems with your wireless Internet connection, take a look at the suggestions in this article. + If your computer can’t connect to wireless networks or the connection is unstable, use this guide to diagnose and resolve the issue. keywords: - wireless - wifi @@ -16,34 +16,164 @@ section: network-troubleshooting tableOfContents: true --- -WiFi issues are influenced by many different factors, including: +If your computer can’t connect to wireless networks or the connection is unstable, use this guide to diagnose and resolve the issue. +Start with the quick checks, then follow the targeted diagnostic and recovery steps. +Include logs when you ask for support. -- Hardware (WiFi card, access point) -- Settings at both ends of the connection -- The local environment +--- + +## Quick Checks (First Steps) + +Try these steps before diving into advanced troubleshooting: + +- Reboot the router/modem and the computer. +- Toggle Airplane Mode: **Fn + F11 → wait 10s → disable Airplane Mode.** +- If your Wi-Fi issues started after an update, try removing the backported Wi-Fi driver: + +```bash + sudo apt remove backport-iwlwifi-dkms +``` +Then restart your computer. +Temporarily use a phone hotspot to confirm whether the network or your computer is the issue. +Boot from a Live USB of your distribution to determine whether the issue exists outside your installed system. + +Router and Access Point Recommendations + +Many connection issues are caused by router settings. + +Make sure your access point is configured for stability and compatibility. -## Basic Troubleshooting +Use 2.4 GHz channels 1, 6, or 11 to minimize overlap. -If you’re having problems, try these steps first: +Set the channel width to 20 MHz for crowded networks. -- Try unplugging the wireless router or modem to reboot it. -- Try airplane mode by pressing Fn+F11, waiting 10s, then disabling. -- Try rebooting the computer. +For 5 GHz, use an explicit channel instead of “Auto” when troubleshooting. -Some router settings can cause problems. Try adjusting your access point to these settings: +Use mixed mode (b/g/n/ax) if devices vary by generation. -- WPA2-AES is preferred over WPA/WPA2 mixed mode or TKIP. -- A channel width of 20 MHz in the 2.4 GHz band is more stable than automatic 20/40 MHz or fixed 40 MHz. -- Set 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz SSID names differently. -- Pick a fixed channel. Use either 1, 6, or 11 in the 2.4 Ghz band, rather than automatic selection. -- Check if the router is set to N speeds only. Auto B/G/N is preferred. -- Lower the max/burst speeds, turn off channel bonding, and reduce channel width. Setting the speed to 600 Mb/s or 450 Mb/s will use spread frequencies to achieve those speeds and may decrease stability. Try setting it to 289/300 Mb/s (N speed) or or 54 Mb/s (G speed). -- After making these changes, reboot the router. +If a single device struggles, temporarily set your router to a common mode and test. -If the issues started after you applied updates, try running this command to make sure a bad WiFi driver has not been installed, then reboot your computer: +Avoid complex access point features such as: + -Band steering + -Aggressive airtime fairness + -Deep MAC filtering + -Ensure your device’s MAC address isn’t being filtered. + Check with: + +```bash +ip link show | grep ether +``` + +Then confirm that address is allowed in your router’s admin panel. + +You can also confirm what channel and frequency your connection is using: ```bash -sudo apt remove backport-iwlwifi-dkms +iw dev +iwlist wlan0 scan | grep -E 'SSID|Channel|Frequency' +``` + +## Device-Level Checks and Commands + +These commands help verify whether your wireless card and drivers are functioning correctly. + +ip a — List all network interfaces and IP addresses confirms your Wi-Fi interface (usually wlp2s0 or wlan0) is recognized. + +iw dev — Show wireless devices and their states. + +sudo rfkill list — Check for hardware or software Wi-Fi blocks. + +nmcli device status — Check NetworkManager device states. + +sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager — Restart the network stack (safe to run anytime). + +journalctl -b | grep -i network — View network-related boot logs. + +dmesg | grep -i -E 'wifi|wlan|firmware|ieee80211|rtl|brcm|ath' — View driver and firmware kernel logs. + +To collect diagnostic info automatically: + +```bash +sudo dmesg | grep -i wlan > ~/wireless-dmesg.txt +``` + +## Driver and Firmware Checks + +If the device is detected but unstable, verify the driver and firmware setup. + +Confirm the kernel has loaded the correct driver and firmware. + +Check for missing firmware messages: + +```bash +dmesg | grep -i firmware +``` + +Reinstall firmware packages: + +```bash +sudo apt update +sudo apt install --reinstall linux-firmware +``` + +Test with a different router or mobile hotspot. + +Try a Live USB session to determine if the issue is system-specific. + +## NetworkManager and Configuration Tips + +NetworkManager controls Wi-Fi connections on most Linux systems. + +Restart NetworkManager: + +```bash +sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager +``` + +-Delete and recreate saved connections: + +```bash +nmcli connection delete +nmcli device wifi connect +``` + +For unstable networks, set IPv6 to “Ignore” in the network settings: + 1.) Open Settings → Network. + 2.) Select your Wi-Fi connection. + 3.) Go to IPv6 tab → change method to Ignore. + +## Bluetooth and Airplane Mode Interactions + + If Wi-Fi disappears when Bluetooth is active: + +```bash +sudo rfkill list +sudo systemctl restart bluetooth +``` + +You can also disable Bluetooth coexistence in the Intel Wi-Fi driver configuration file: + +```bash +sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/iwlwifi.conf +``` + +Add the following line: + +```bash +options iwlwifi bt_coex_active=0 +``` + +Save, then reboot. + +## Quick Reference Commands + +```bash +ip a +iw dev +sudo rfkill list +nmcli device status +sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager +sudo dmesg | grep -i wlan > ~/wireless-dmesg.txt ``` ## Advanced Troubleshooting @@ -207,3 +337,16 @@ Sometimes the newest version of the firmware will clear up occasional bugs. Ple ### Windows Dual Boot If you are dual booting Windows, you may lose access to your wifi card entirely after running driver/OS updates in Windows. You may be able to gain access to your wifi card again by disabling "Fast Startup" in the Windows power options before booting back into Pop!_OS. + +## When to Contact Support + +If you’ve tried all the steps above and your wireless connection still isn’t working as expected, please collect the output from the diagnostic commands and contact System76 Support. + +When reaching out, include: +-The model of your computer +-Your version of Pop!_OS or Ubuntu +-The commands and results listed above + +This information helps the support team quickly identify the cause and get you back online. + +This will save relevant wireless logs you can share with System76 Support.