Template:Laptop Networking

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Test wired internet connection

You'll notice that basiccheck also contains a minimal networking test. The following includes more comprehensive instructions and troubleshooting steps.
☐ Plug in an ethernet cable from the workbench.

  • Watch the desktop task bar, top right corner. You should see a ↑↓ symbol appear.

☐ Open a web browser (Xubuntu 12.04 uses Firefox by default) and navigate to a website, such as llama.freegeek.org.
Troubleshooting tips

  • Try a different cable. The workbench ethernet cables see a lot of use.
  • Check to see if the up lights are flashing on the LAN port. No lights may indicate a failed port.
  • Open a terminal and run ifconfig. Have your instructor help you interpret the results.

Requirements
☐ All laptops given away or sold from Free Geek must have a working wired internet connection. Some laptops may accept an external PCMCIA card if the internal port has failed, consult with your instructor.

Test wireless internet connection

☐ Disconnect the ethernet cable.
☐ Click on the WiFi symbol to select the FreeGeek network. ☐ If all goes well, you should be able to simply browse to a website with Firefox. Pick a different site than you used for the wired networking test, such as http://wiki.freegeek.org.
☐ If you arrive at your website successfully, continue to the next build step.
Troubleshooting steps
Wireless problems can be tricky. However, there are ways we can narrow down what is causing the problem. Follow these troubleshooting steps in order, and ask a fellow builder or instructor for help if you have questions.
☐ Check and see if any available proprietary wireless drivers are available to install.

  • Open Menu >> Settings >> Additional Drivers.
  • You will need to be connected via an ethernet cable to install any proprietary drivers detected.

☐ Click on the WiFi icon, and make sure that the option for Enable Wireless is checked.

  • If it is enabled, select the FreeGeek network from the menu.
  • If it is greyed out, your connection may be disabled from software, a physical switch or BIOS.

☐ Look the laptop chassis up and down for a wireless switch. These can be easy to miss. If you find one, make sure the switch is turned on.
☐ Check the keyboard for a key combination to enable/disable wireless. These are often a number key plus the function (Fn) key.
☐ Reboot to BIOS. Sometimes there is an option in BIOS to disable/enable a mini-PCI or Wireless device. If so, make sure that you enable it.
☐ Boot back to Xubuntu. Open a terminal and run the command lspci |grep -i wireless. We need to confirm that the wireless card is recognized by the operating system.

  • If the card is not recognized, it could be a bad card, or bad PCI slot. Try swapping out the card.
  • If the card is recognized, or you're not sure, ask your instructor. Advanced troubleshooting is likely needed.

Requirements
☐ All laptops sold or given away from Free Geek must be able to browse to a website wirelessly. In some cases, installing an external PCMCIA wireless card is ok, check with your instructor.

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