Realtek 8187b Wireless VERY VERY slow

Gordon · External Since: Mar 28, 2009 Posts: 15

Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40.
Realtek 8187B Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but
is so slow as to be unusable.
Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?

--
Registered Linux User no 240308
gordonATgbpcomputingDOTcoDOTuk
to email me remove the obvious!

Gordon · External Since: Mar 28, 2009 Posts: 15

Gordon wrote:
> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40.
> Realtek 8187B Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but
> is so slow as to be unusable.
> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>

Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......

--
Registered Linux User no 240308
gordonATgbpcomputingDOTcoDOTuk
to email me remove the obvious!

Phil Stovell · External Since: May 04, 2005 Posts: 21

On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:

> Gordon wrote:
>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow as
>> to be unusable.
>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>
>>
> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......

Could be this :

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25

Gordon · External Since: Sep 25, 2006 Posts: 35

Phil Stovell wrote:
> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>
>> Gordon wrote:
>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow as
>>> to be unusable.
>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>
>>>
>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>
> Could be this :
>
> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>

Thanks - I'll give that a go.

Gordon · External Since: Mar 28, 2009 Posts: 15

Phil Stovell wrote:
> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>
>> Gordon wrote:
>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow as
>>> to be unusable.
>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>
>>>
>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>
> Could be this :
>
> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>

Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25%
and can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or
install applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no
route to host" errors...

--
Registered Linux User no 240308
gordonATgbpcomputingDOTcoDOTuk
to email me remove the obvious!

Geoffrey Clements · External Since: Apr 06, 2004 Posts: 226

"Gordon" <gordonbparker.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:73e7eeFucfhtU1@mid.individual.net...
> Phil Stovell wrote:
>> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>>
>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow as
>>>> to be unusable.
>>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>>
>> Could be this :
>>
>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>>
>
> Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25% and
> can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or install
> applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no route to
> host" errors...
>

Does anything appear in logs when you get the time outs?

--
Geoff

Gordon · External Since: Sep 25, 2006 Posts: 35

Gordon wrote:
> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40.
> Realtek 8187B Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but
> is so slow as to be unusable.
> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>

Seems like a solution! I messed up the wireless trying another "fix" and
so uninstalled and re-installed (it's THAT easy using WUBI!), moved the
laptop about 6 feet in the room, and got 100% signal, and am downloading
updates at the top rate of our broadband as we speak.

Note to self - investigate getting another WAP as a bridge!

chris · External Since: Feb 08, 2005 Posts: 28

Gordon wrote:
> chris wrote:
>> Phil Stovell wrote:
>>> On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:52:14 +0100, Gordon wrote:
>>>
>>>> Phil Stovell wrote:
>>>>> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>>>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>>>>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow
>>>>>>> as to be unusable.
>>>>>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>>>>> Could be this :
>>>>>
>>>>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25% and
>>>> can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or install
>>>> applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no route to
>>>> host" errors...
>>> I find wireless a pain in the A. It's convenient, but unreliable. I
>>> usually use wired.
>> This is why I didn't go for a Linux laptop as you really couldn't be
>> sure whether it would work flawlessly (as for some people) or be
>> complete and utter pain (as for others).
>>
>> I went with a Mac laptop to go with my Linux desktops at work and at
>> home and it's great. I get reliability, stability and all my Linux tools.
>>
>> This was a few years ago and it's depressing that we still get these
>> problems which aren't completely broken, but nor are they completely
>> working...
>>
>> Although, I am tempted by a netbook...
>
> I'm writing this on my Toshiba Netbook using Ubuntu Remix, and which has
> never had any wireless problems at all!

A colleague at work has one of those. It looks clunky compared to some,
but he likes it.

It just goes to show that Linux can be fine for any machine as long as
they are designed with Linux in mind e.g. the Dells. Of course, this is
true for Windows and OS X too.

Gordon · External Since: Sep 25, 2006 Posts: 35

chris wrote:
> Gordon wrote:
>> chris wrote:
>>> Phil Stovell wrote:
>>>> On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:52:14 +0100, Gordon wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Phil Stovell wrote:
>>>>>> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>>>>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>>>>>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow
>>>>>>>> as to be unusable.
>>>>>>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>>>>>> Could be this :
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25% and
>>>>> can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or install
>>>>> applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no route to
>>>>> host" errors...
>>>> I find wireless a pain in the A. It's convenient, but unreliable. I
>>>> usually use wired.
>>> This is why I didn't go for a Linux laptop as you really couldn't be
>>> sure whether it would work flawlessly (as for some people) or be
>>> complete and utter pain (as for others).
>>>
>>> I went with a Mac laptop to go with my Linux desktops at work and at
>>> home and it's great. I get reliability, stability and all my Linux tools.
>>>
>>> This was a few years ago and it's depressing that we still get these
>>> problems which aren't completely broken, but nor are they completely
>>> working...
>>>
>>> Although, I am tempted by a netbook...
>> I'm writing this on my Toshiba Netbook using Ubuntu Remix, and which has
>> never had any wireless problems at all!
>
> A colleague at work has one of those. It looks clunky compared to some,
> but he likes it.
>
> It just goes to show that Linux can be fine for any machine as long as
> they are designed with Linux in mind e.g. the Dells. Of course, this is
> true for Windows and OS X too.

Absolutely. I agree that the Tosh is a bit "clunky" in comparison to the
Acer Aspre 1 for example. I bought one of those first off, but after
trying to connect to my wireless network for SIX hours, and failing (it
connected, but then almost instantaneously disconnected, and eventually
the wireless light just failed to come on), I took it back and swapped
it for the Tosh (Plus a refund of £20!)
I've always had Tosh laptops, always found that they are reliable and
just err work! And in fact the Tosh connected to the wireless network
straight out of the box..

--
Registered Linux User no 240308
gordonATgbpcomputingDOTcoDOTuk
to email me remove the obvious!

Phil Stovell · External Since: May 04, 2005 Posts: 21

On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:52:14 +0100, Gordon wrote:

> Phil Stovell wrote:
>> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>>
>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow
>>>> as to be unusable.
>>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>>
>> Could be this :
>>
>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>>
>>
> Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25% and
> can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or install
> applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no route to
> host" errors...

I find wireless a pain in the A. It's convenient, but unreliable. I
usually use wired.

Gordon · External Since: Sep 25, 2006 Posts: 35

Geoffrey Clements wrote:
> "Gordon" <gordonbparker.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:73e7eeFucfhtU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Phil Stovell wrote:
>>> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>>>
>>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow as
>>>>> to be unusable.
>>>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>>> Could be this :
>>>
>>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>>>
>> Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25% and
>> can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or install
>> applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no route to
>> host" errors...
>>
>
> Does anything appear in logs when you get the time outs?
>

This gets weirder and weirder.
It seems that there bis a very fine line between everything timing out
at 75% signal or below, and everything working properly at 80% or above!

chris · External Since: Feb 08, 2005 Posts: 28

Gordon wrote:
> chris wrote:
>> Gordon wrote:
>>> chris wrote:
>>>> Although, I am tempted by a netbook...
>>> I'm writing this on my Toshiba Netbook using Ubuntu Remix, and which has
>>> never had any wireless problems at all!
>> A colleague at work has one of those. It looks clunky compared to some,
>> but he likes it.
>>
>> It just goes to show that Linux can be fine for any machine as long as
>> they are designed with Linux in mind e.g. the Dells. Of course, this is
>> true for Windows and OS X too.
>
> Absolutely. I agree that the Tosh is a bit "clunky" in comparison to the
> Acer Aspre 1 for example. I bought one of those first off, but after
> trying to connect to my wireless network for SIX hours, and failing (it
> connected, but then almost instantaneously disconnected, and eventually
> the wireless light just failed to come on), I took it back and swapped
> it for the Tosh (Plus a refund of £20!)

Another colleague has the Acer, but is really disappointed with the
battery life.

If I were seriously in the market I'd probably go for the Samsung NC10
or one of the Dell mininotes or the Asus1000 or the...arrgghh! There's
too much choice. I think it would really come down to which ones I get
actually get hold of and try before I buy.

chris · External Since: Feb 08, 2005 Posts: 28

Phil Stovell wrote:
> On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:52:14 +0100, Gordon wrote:
>
>> Phil Stovell wrote:
>>> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>>>
>>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow
>>>>> as to be unusable.
>>>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>>> Could be this :
>>>
>>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>>>
>>>
>> Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25% and
>> can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or install
>> applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no route to
>> host" errors...
>
> I find wireless a pain in the A. It's convenient, but unreliable. I
> usually use wired.

This is why I didn't go for a Linux laptop as you really couldn't be
sure whether it would work flawlessly (as for some people) or be
complete and utter pain (as for others).

I went with a Mac laptop to go with my Linux desktops at work and at
home and it's great. I get reliability, stability and all my Linux tools.

This was a few years ago and it's depressing that we still get these
problems which aren't completely broken, but nor are they completely
working...

Although, I am tempted by a netbook...

Gordon · External Since: Sep 25, 2006 Posts: 35

chris wrote:
> Phil Stovell wrote:
>> On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:52:14 +0100, Gordon wrote:
>>
>>> Phil Stovell wrote:
>>>> On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:08:32 +0000, Gordon wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>>>> Installed 8.10 using WUBI on my Toshiba Satellite L40. Realtek 8187B
>>>>>> Wireless card will see the network and connect to it, but is so slow
>>>>>> as to be unusable.
>>>>>> Are there ant "fixes" that people know about for this?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> Sorry, that's Ubuntu 8.10......
>>>> Could be this :
>>>>
>>>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=4869076&postcount=25
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Well that /partially/ worked - I now have 75% signal instead of 20-25% and
>>> can surf the internet reasonably. BUT - I still can't update or install
>>> applications or packages - I just get either "timed out" or "no route to
>>> host" errors...
>> I find wireless a pain in the A. It's convenient, but unreliable. I
>> usually use wired.
>
> This is why I didn't go for a Linux laptop as you really couldn't be
> sure whether it would work flawlessly (as for some people) or be
> complete and utter pain (as for others).
>
> I went with a Mac laptop to go with my Linux desktops at work and at
> home and it's great. I get reliability, stability and all my Linux tools.
>
> This was a few years ago and it's depressing that we still get these
> problems which aren't completely broken, but nor are they completely
> working...
>
> Although, I am tempted by a netbook...

I'm writing this on my Toshiba Netbook using Ubuntu Remix, and which has
never had any wireless problems at all!

Moog · External Since: Feb 02, 2007 Posts: 181

chris illuminated uk.comp.os.linux by typing:
> Gordon wrote:
>> chris wrote:
>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>> chris wrote:
>>>>> Although, I am tempted by a netbook...
>>>> I'm writing this on my Toshiba Netbook using Ubuntu Remix, and which has
>>>> never had any wireless problems at all!
>>> A colleague at work has one of those. It looks clunky compared to some,
>>> but he likes it.
>>>
>>> It just goes to show that Linux can be fine for any machine as long as
>>> they are designed with Linux in mind e.g. the Dells. Of course, this is
>>> true for Windows and OS X too.
>>
>> Absolutely. I agree that the Tosh is a bit "clunky" in comparison to the
>> Acer Aspre 1 for example. I bought one of those first off, but after
>> trying to connect to my wireless network for SIX hours, and failing (it
>> connected, but then almost instantaneously disconnected, and eventually
>> the wireless light just failed to come on), I took it back and swapped
>> it for the Tosh (Plus a refund of £20!)
>
> Another colleague has the Acer, but is really disappointed with the
> battery life.

The battery life gives about 2hr 20mins with Ubuntu and around 2hr
30 minutes with the preinstalled Linpus. That's not great, but at the
price point is understandable. The competitions battery life is
better, granted.

However, there is the option of a six cell battery, but this gives a
pay off against portability and also the cost implications (currently
around £60)

> If I were seriously in the market I'd probably go for the Samsung NC10
> or one of the Dell mininotes or the Asus1000 or the...arrgghh! There's
> too much choice. I think it would really come down to which ones I get
> actually get hold of and try before I buy.

I've already done all of these tests and ended up purchasing the
Aspire One. For me the Asus and Dell's are nowhere near in both price
and keyvboard IMO. The Samsung is a nice unit, but the £300 price point
and the inclusion of XP is a showstopper. Again, IMHO.

I went in with my eyes open on the battery life and I am extremely
glad I did.

--
So I went in to a pet shop. I said, "Can I buy a goldfish?" The guy
said, "Do you want an aquarium?" I said, "I don't care what star sign
it is."

chris · External Since: Feb 08, 2005 Posts: 28

Moog wrote:
> chris illuminated uk.comp.os.linux by typing:
>> Gordon wrote:
>>> chris wrote:
>>>> Gordon wrote:
>>>>> chris wrote:
>>>>>> Although, I am tempted by a netbook...
>>>>> I'm writing this on my Toshiba Netbook using Ubuntu Remix, and which has
>>>>> never had any wireless problems at all!
>>>> A colleague at work has one of those. It looks clunky compared to some,
>>>> but he likes it.
>>>>
>>>> It just goes to show that Linux can be fine for any machine as long as
>>>> they are designed with Linux in mind e.g. the Dells. Of course, this is
>>>> true for Windows and OS X too.
>>> Absolutely. I agree that the Tosh is a bit "clunky" in comparison to the
>>> Acer Aspre 1 for example. I bought one of those first off, but after
>>> trying to connect to my wireless network for SIX hours, and failing (it
>>> connected, but then almost instantaneously disconnected, and eventually
>>> the wireless light just failed to come on), I took it back and swapped
>>> it for the Tosh (Plus a refund of £20!)
>> Another colleague has the Acer, but is really disappointed with the
>> battery life.
>
> The battery life gives about 2hr 20mins with Ubuntu and around 2hr
> 30 minutes with the preinstalled Linpus. That's not great, but at the
> price point is understandable. The competitions battery life is
> better, granted.

My colleague gets much less than 2hrs and she's got the SSD version,
which in theory should be the most frugal.

>> If I were seriously in the market I'd probably go for the Samsung NC10
>> or one of the Dell mininotes or the Asus1000 or the...arrgghh! There's
>> too much choice. I think it would really come down to which ones I get
>> actually get hold of and try before I buy.
>
> I've already done all of these tests and ended up purchasing the
> Aspire One. For me the Asus and Dell's are nowhere near in both price
> and keyvboard IMO. The Samsung is a nice unit, but the £300 price point
> and the inclusion of XP is a showstopper. Again, IMHO.

You're not really helping. I'd already discounted the Acer because of
the battery life. Now, you've added it back!

And yes, I really would prefer to avoid the MS tax too.

> I went in with my eyes open on the battery life and I am extremely
> glad I did.

My ideal would be something north of 3hrs, but still be in the 1-1.5kg
bracket. Wishful thinking, I know...

Martin Gregorie · External Since: Jan 23, 2009 Posts: 14

On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:37:36 +0100, chris wrote:

>
> My ideal would be something north of 3hrs, but still be in the 1-1.5kg
> bracket. Wishful thinking, I know...
>
Have you looked at the netbook reviews in The Register? They've covered
quite a few of them and don't seem to pull many punches. I know they've
tested one or two recent ones with much longer battery life than you're
quoting. Sorry - no names from me since at present I have no use for one.

--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |

Bruce Stephens · External Since: Aug 19, 2004 Posts: 186

chris <ithinkiam.DeleteThis@gmail.com> writes:

[...]

> My colleague gets much less than 2hrs and she's got the SSD version,
> which in theory should be the most frugal.

In theory, but I don't think they are, at present. Especially the
cheap ones in netbooks.

[...]

> My ideal would be something north of 3hrs, but still be in the
> 1-1.5kg bracket. Wishful thinking, I know...

At present it seems wishful thinking. I think in principle it could
be done. OLPC XO-1 gets ~3 hours, I think, and I'm guessing batteries
are a little better now. And that was using an x86 chip (albeit a
lowish powered one). I still think ARM's the way to go---just a
faster one than's used in mobile phones (and things like N800).

chris · External Since: Feb 08, 2005 Posts: 28

Martin Gregorie wrote:
> On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:37:36 +0100, chris wrote:
>
>> My ideal would be something north of 3hrs, but still be in the 1-1.5kg
>> bracket. Wishful thinking, I know...
>>
> Have you looked at the netbook reviews in The Register?

Yes. I have, but I don't find them to be very consistent or overly in-depth.

A round-up of all them reviewed at the same time looking at the same
aspects with the same tests would be nice.

Paul Martin · External Since: Sep 21, 2004 Posts: 176

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