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Linux-WLAN FAQ (OLD)

Dries Buytaert, et. al.

6 Mar 2000

A very incomplete attempt to create a FAQ for the Linux WLAN project. The goal of the Linux WLAN project is to develop a complete, standards based, wireless LAN system using the GNU/Linux operating system. Currently supported devices revolve around the Intersil PRISM series of products. Republication of Dries Buytaert's Linux-WLAN FAQ. This document is now retired, and will likely be replaced by a new FAQ/HOWTO in the near future. Current information contained herein is QUITE DATED.

1. Preface

1.1 Republication
1.2 Where can I find the latest edition of this FAQ?

2. General information

2.1 What is the Linux WLAN project, anyway?
2.2 Why would I want a wireless LAN?
2.3 What is the best WLAN card?
2.4 What cards are supported and which aren't?
2.5 What is IEEE 802.11?

3. Compiling and installing

3.1 What software do I require?
3.2 What modes and protocols are supported by the latest drivers
3.3 Why won't the linux-wlan drivers compile on my RedHat system?
3.4 Why does the PCMCIA card manager identify my card as 'anonymous
3.5 Why do I get 'wlantcl: card detect ioctl failed' (ISA-to-PCMCIA)?
3.6 Why is the wrong PCMCIA module loaded by the card manager?
3.7 Why does my computer freeze after am930_cs: io=0x100 irq=3?
3.8 The WLAN script fails because (after my card is detected) the
3.9 Why do I get these 'tx attempt, not joined, frame dropped' messages?
3.10 I think my card is initialized correctly but why aren't the leds
3.11 Why can't I ping other stations on a BSS that I have sucessfully
3.12 Why am I able to make a connection, but then lose it occasionally
3.13 Is there any reason why DHCP could not be used across a WLAN?
3.14 Why does my WLAN have such 'high' latency compaired with a wired

4. Vendor specific

4.1 ZoomAir's ISA-to-PCMCIA bridge on multi-processor machines. (ISA-to-PCMCIA)
4.2 Do the Siemens Gigaset cordless phones interfer with my WLAN?
4.3 What are valid IRQs for the AM79C930 chipset? (ISA-to-PCMICA)

5. Miscellaneous

5.1 How to (un)subscribe to the WLAN mailing lists?
5.2 Where can I find more information about WLANs?

6. Legal

6.1 Acknowledgements
6.2 Copyright
6.3 Disclaimer Of Warranty

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