XPS13 ubuntu wireless issues.

I just had time to use my new XPS 13 and found out also the disconnecting WiFi issue :(

I updated to the new kernel as mentioned previously in this topic (quantal) and hope that will help. I have not tried it yet.

The machine cost me 1200 euro's which I paid to get a full functioning device. The Wifi issue is quite old now and people are able to fix it using some sort of update.

@Barton_George what will be the solution from Dell on this? If I reinstall my system again, I just want to update it and then work.

What support is there fore 13.04 / 13.10 / 14.04 ?

I also have this issue (my logs look exactly what poster #1 posts)  and am also disappointed that this product (which is marketed as an out-of-the-box functional, tested product) has such a critical problem that I think should have been spotted and addressed in QA.    I would like to have an answer from a Dell representative about the steps to address this issue.  I have seen at least:

-   have ProSupport replace Atheros network card by  Intel.

-  downgrade some server module to an older version

-  upgrade to a kernel module

Since the product is sold with Dell ProSupport,  I called them in my country (Netherlands) and asked them for an answer.  Disappointingly,  they say the only support for this product is via this Forum as they have no Linux expertise.  I told them  that this product is sold with Linux and claims to include support with no success. (They are willing to send someone to replace the network card).

Please anyone from Dell,  please tell me the recommended/support way to solve this problem without creating new/other ones !?

Also, if there is a ProSupport channel other than Netherlands local Dell that IS capable of handling and answering Ubuntu questions for XPS 13 developer edition,   please let me know.   I don't mind calling telephone numbers in other geographies and/or timezones.

Pim

"upgrade to a kernel module" --> "upgrade to a newer kernel"

Howdy Pim,

There are several solutions that seem to resolve the issue. The solutions depend on which card you have and which version of Ubuntu you are running. If you are running 12.04 LTS and have the Centrino card, it's a simple kernel upgrade:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get upgrade

sudo apt-get install linux-generic-lts-quantal

My workmate and I have been documenting configuration/issues with these Sputnik laptops at the following site. The WIFI issues are here:

https://dev.uabgrid.uab.edu/wiki/ExperiencesWithSputnik#WirelessIssues

Hello Mike,

Thanks a lot for your post!   My machine also has the Atheros AR9462 wifi adapter with Ubuntu 12.04,  and the solution you gave seems to work as I've not been disconnected for the past several hours. 

Thanks again,

Pim

Excellent, glad it helped. That issue was driving me absolutely crazy, I was about to the point where I was going to call Dell and request that they replace the card with the Centrino Wifi until I found that it also had issues. Luckily I stumbled onto the solution(s) for the Atheros while researching the Centrino.

@PvdEijk

I apologize for your experience, with ProSupport.  Im working on getting you some help, Thx! 

Let me know if you have any more issues, and I apologize again for your experience with ProSupport.

thx!

I'm running 13.04 on the XPS 13 with the AR9462 card and still having slow internet. I've tried installing linux-generic-lts-quantal but it's saying it can't be found.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for the information. This really fixed the wifi issue in brand new Dell XPS 13 developer edition.

I got Windows 8 quick start guide with the box:emotion-3:

Have read this thread with interest however sadly mine is still having the wifi problem despite the suggestion to install the latest sudo linux-generic-lts-quantal package.

Anyone have any further suggestions?

If I see another CTRL-EVENT-DISCONNECTED message in the syslog i'm going to smash the thing up.  Took a risk going 'Dell' against the advice of my colleagues (software engineers for a very well known internet company) and i'm now seriously starting to regret the decision.

DELL, why oh why did you cut corners and use a cheap and nasty Wifi card in, what should be, one of your flagship laptops?

If I see another CTRL-EVENT-DISCONNECTED message in the syslog i'm going to smash the thing up.  Took a risk going 'Dell' against the advice of my colleagues (software engineers for a very well known internet company) and I'm now seriously starting to regret the decision

I've upgraded to 13.10 and I'm still having wifi issues, despite having a new wireless card installed (Atheros AR9462).

I've checked my logs and I'm getting this message often:

NetworkManager[901]: nl_recvmsgs() error: (-33) Dump inconsistency detected, interrupted
whoopsie[1259]: online

I've now had Dell technicians operate on my machines five times in two months. How can I get a refund or replacement?

"35017651" and Antonio,

I'm sorry about your bad experiences. If you can, it would really help if you could provide information about what APs you're connecting to since Dell Support has not been able to reproduce these errors. I would also recommend trying to remove Network Manager from the equation to see if the behavior is any better. I suspect so if NM is the one that's crashing.

I can assure you that no corners were cut with the change in wireless cards. (Actually, I notice that the Killer 1202 (a.k.a. Atheros 9462) can be bought for less than the Intel Advanced-N 6235.) You would have to talk to ProSupport if you're desiring a refund or replacement.

Also, Antonio, you mentioned difficulty with Ubuntu 13.04 and with 13.10. What behavior did you see with the 12.04 installation that comes with the system?

If you can, it would really help if you could provide information about what APs you're connecting to since Dell Support has not been able to reproduce these errors.

What information would you need? I've connected to several connections including my home network, public library and at other locations. If you let me know what you need I'll try and provide it

I would also recommend trying to remove Network Manager from the equation to see if the behavior is any better. I suspect so if NM is the one that's crashing.

Can you recommend a replacement? I've heard ok things about wicd but haven't investigated much

I can assure you that no corners were cut with the change in wireless cards. (Actually, I notice that the Killer 1202 (a.k.a. Atheros 9462) can be bought for less than the Intel Advanced-N 6235.) You would have to talk to ProSupport if you're desiring a refund or replacement.

I'm now getting a replacement :-) I was having other issues so I'm glad I can hopefully get a system that works!

Also, Antonio, you mentioned difficulty with Ubuntu 13.04 and with 13.10. What behavior did you see with the 12.04 installation that comes with the system?

My wireless card was replaced soon after I got the system. So, the wireless wasn't that good even then. I've been consistently getting weak signal and drops in connection.