Toshiba mini pci WLAN

mopsie · 09-08-2003

Anybody know if the Toshiba PA3212U-2MPC mini pci WLAN card is compatible with the Satellite 5105-S501 laptop???

ragazzino · 09-08-2003

I'm actually thinking about getting the same card for my Satellite 1905-S301 notebook. It's a hard card to find and I haven't seen it cheaper than $80 in those places that have it in stock. I actually called CDW and asked the rep if this card was compatible with my notebook. He said that since it does not specify that it's for a particular Toshiba model, it should be widely compatible with most Toshiba notebooks. So I say if you buy it, get if from a reputable Online store in case you do find yourself returning it later. Hope this helps.

mopsie · 09-08-2003

I checked out Ebay where there appears to be plenty available but after a bit of research, I discovered that there are several versions of the card. The PA3212U-2MPC comes as the -1MPC, -3MPC, -4MPC and there are other versions too. So I'm a bit confused and wondering if they are specific to particular models or if a mini pci card fits all models????

I opened the mini pci cover and found 2 u.fl leads, which I guess are antenna connections. The Toshiba support site isn't much use so I did a search on Google for this card but couldn't find any info on compatibility.

I'm still holding off on buying until I can get more details........

mopsie · 09-09-2003

Well - I've been reliably info'd that this card is compatible so it's on it's way, should be here tomorrow. I'll let you know if it works!!!

ragazzino · 09-10-2003

Good deal. The model I've been looking at is the 3MPCR with the 128 WEP. Good luck with getting it to work with your notebook, then with NS, I presume. Hope you went with a reliable vendor in case you do have to send it back. Let us know how it goes.

mopsie · 09-13-2003

Well-the Toshiba card didn't arrive but an .Intel 2100 B3 did, which is apparently the compatible item for the Toshiba 5105-s501

Anyway, plugged it in and it works but it didn't come with any setup software (client manager)-only a driver. At the moment I'm using the XP wireless network util but it's c**p. I'm trying to find a compatible util but the Intel site doesn't have anything and a Google search also proved fruitless. So I'm having trouble setting the WEP, although the card is connecting to the network, and I can't get an internet connection.

peekitty · 09-13-2003

Try changing the SSID of the access point. I know it's a PITA, but sometimes it's helpful when nothing else will get you surfing on XP.

mopsie · 09-13-2003

Thanks-tried it but no success. I note in the Windows XP network setup box that you have to specify the network keyword with the format and length, but it doesn't say how you do that. I'm presuming that the keyword means the same as passphrase. I'm using 128 bit WEP and when I try to enter the passphrase, I get an error message saying “the network password needs to be 40 bits or 104 bits depending on your network configuration. This can be entered as 5 or 13 ascii characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters”.

Im not sure if the problem is with the WEP or with the IP address. The connection is coming up with Automatic Private Address and the IP address is 169.254.xxx.xxx instead of the normal 192.168.xxx.xxx normally allocated by DHCP to the other cards. I have to manually allocate a 192.168.xxx.xxx address.

Confusion reigns...........

olenco · 09-13-2003

mopsie,

If you have SP1 for XP and it looks like you do, you must enter the WEP code in hex.

Hope this helps.

mopsie · 09-13-2003

olenco,

Thanks but how the hexs do I convert passphrase to hex??

peekitty · 09-13-2003

Different vendors implement the passphrase-to-WEP-key algorithm differently so I'd suggest taking it out of the picture. Take the hex string you entered into the AP and copy it to the card settings.

The 169.254.. IP is assigned because you're not getting an address from the DHCP server, you're probably not associating with the AP at all.

mopsie · 09-13-2003

OK, tried that and the AP gives me a 26 hex character WEP but the XP network key field only accepts 23 characters.

Still confused....

olenco · 09-14-2003

mopsie,

In my Linksys Access Point, when I enter the passphrase and click the "Generate" button, it creates one or more Hex keys but, based on one of your messages, I believe you have already found this.

The field in XP only accepts about 23 charachters but you can actually type all 26 in. This works for me. Try it out!

olenco

mopsie · 09-14-2003

Thanks olenco-that worked great!! Now seems to be working fine but for some reason the AP generated a new IP address 169.254.xxx.xxx instead of the usual 192.168.xxx.xxx

Can't figure that one out but now that it seems to be working ok with ZA etc.. I'm going to leave it alone,,,,

olenco · 09-14-2003

mopsie,

That "don't" sound right!

Check the DHCP settings on your AP to see which range of addresses you are allocating to your client PC(s). You should not be using the range 169.254.xxx.xxx. You should be using 192.168.xxx.xx since this is a non-routable address.

Also, if you are using ZA then this could be causing a whole new series of problems. Turn off ZA temporarily until you get the AP and the card to communicate properly. Then turn ZA back on. If you cannot communicate, your problem may be that ZA is configured to not allow DHCP discovery packets to pass through, out of your PC. It's unusual but possible.

Furthermore, if your AP is a cable/dsl router and has SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection; hint: on the Linksys this is usually on the Advanced, Filters page and it's turned off by default), turn it on. Configure a MAC filter (under the Wireless tab) to allow connection of only your notebooks MAC address and DHCP to allow only a limited number of connections (total of your desktops and notebook). You should then be reasonably well protected (the only way to be 100% protected is to disconnect from the Net). ZA has some really cool features but it can be a major pain too.

Hope this helps again. Good luck!

olenco

09-08-2003	#1 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	Toshiba mini pci WLAN Anybody know if the Toshiba PA3212U-2MPC mini pci WLAN card is compatible with the Satellite 5105-S501 laptop??? Last edited by mopsie : 09-13-2003 at 04:13 AM.

09-14-2003	#15 (permalink)
olenco Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 11	mopsie, That "don't" sound right! Check the DHCP settings on your AP to see which range of addresses you are allocating to your client PC(s). You should not be using the range 169.254.xxx.xxx. You should be using 192.168.xxx.xx since this is a non-routable address. Also, if you are using ZA then this could be causing a whole new series of problems. Turn off ZA temporarily until you get the AP and the card to communicate properly. Then turn ZA back on. If you cannot communicate, your problem may be that ZA is configured to not allow DHCP discovery packets to pass through, out of your PC. It's unusual but possible. Furthermore, if your AP is a cable/dsl router and has SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection; hint: on the Linksys this is usually on the Advanced, Filters page and it's turned off by default), turn it on. Configure a MAC filter (under the Wireless tab) to allow connection of only your notebooks MAC address and DHCP to allow only a limited number of connections (total of your desktops and notebook). You should then be reasonably well protected (the only way to be 100% protected is to disconnect from the Net). ZA has some really cool features but it can be a major pain too. Hope this helps again. Good luck! olenco Last edited by olenco : 09-14-2003 at 07:49 PM.

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09-08-2003	#2 (permalink)
ragazzino Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2	I'm actually thinking about getting the same card for my Satellite 1905-S301 notebook. It's a hard card to find and I haven't seen it cheaper than $80 in those places that have it in stock. I actually called CDW and asked the rep if this card was compatible with my notebook. He said that since it does not specify that it's for a particular Toshiba model, it should be widely compatible with most Toshiba notebooks. So I say if you buy it, get if from a reputable Online store in case you do find yourself returning it later. Hope this helps.

09-08-2003	#3 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	I checked out Ebay where there appears to be plenty available but after a bit of research, I discovered that there are several versions of the card. The PA3212U-2MPC comes as the -1MPC, -3MPC, -4MPC and there are other versions too. So I'm a bit confused and wondering if they are specific to particular models or if a mini pci card fits all models???? I opened the mini pci cover and found 2 u.fl leads, which I guess are antenna connections. The Toshiba support site isn't much use so I did a search on Google for this card but couldn't find any info on compatibility. I'm still holding off on buying until I can get more details........

09-09-2003	#4 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	Well - I've been reliably info'd that this card is compatible so it's on it's way, should be here tomorrow. I'll let you know if it works!!!

09-10-2003	#5 (permalink)
ragazzino Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2	Good deal. The model I've been looking at is the 3MPCR with the 128 WEP. Good luck with getting it to work with your notebook, then with NS, I presume. Hope you went with a reliable vendor in case you do have to send it back. Let us know how it goes.

09-13-2003	#6 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	Well-the Toshiba card didn't arrive but an .Intel 2100 B3 did, which is apparently the compatible item for the Toshiba 5105-s501 Anyway, plugged it in and it works but it didn't come with any setup software (client manager)-only a driver. At the moment I'm using the XP wireless network util but it's c**p. I'm trying to find a compatible util but the Intel site doesn't have anything and a Google search also proved fruitless. So I'm having trouble setting the WEP, although the card is connecting to the network, and I can't get an internet connection.

09-13-2003	#7 (permalink)
peekitty Macaca Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S. Florida Posts: 1,056	Try changing the SSID of the access point. I know it's a PITA, but sometimes it's helpful when nothing else will get you surfing on XP.

09-13-2003	#8 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	Thanks-tried it but no success. I note in the Windows XP network setup box that you have to specify the network keyword with the format and length, but it doesn't say how you do that. I'm presuming that the keyword means the same as passphrase. I'm using 128 bit WEP and when I try to enter the passphrase, I get an error message saying “the network password needs to be 40 bits or 104 bits depending on your network configuration. This can be entered as 5 or 13 ascii characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters”. Im not sure if the problem is with the WEP or with the IP address. The connection is coming up with Automatic Private Address and the IP address is 169.254.xxx.xxx instead of the normal 192.168.xxx.xxx normally allocated by DHCP to the other cards. I have to manually allocate a 192.168.xxx.xxx address. Confusion reigns...........

09-13-2003	#9 (permalink)
olenco Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 11	mopsie, If you have SP1 for XP and it looks like you do, you must enter the WEP code in hex. Hope this helps.

09-13-2003	#10 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	olenco, Thanks but how the hexs do I convert passphrase to hex??

09-13-2003	#11 (permalink)
peekitty Macaca Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S. Florida Posts: 1,056	Different vendors implement the passphrase-to-WEP-key algorithm differently so I'd suggest taking it out of the picture. Take the hex string you entered into the AP and copy it to the card settings. The 169.254.. IP is assigned because you're not getting an address from the DHCP server, you're probably not associating with the AP at all.

09-13-2003	#12 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	OK, tried that and the AP gives me a 26 hex character WEP but the XP network key field only accepts 23 characters. Still confused....

09-14-2003	#13 (permalink)
olenco Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 11	mopsie, In my Linksys Access Point, when I enter the passphrase and click the "Generate" button, it creates one or more Hex keys but, based on one of your messages, I believe you have already found this. The field in XP only accepts about 23 charachters but you can actually type all 26 in. This works for me. Try it out! olenco

09-14-2003	#14 (permalink)
mopsie Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 91	Thanks olenco-that worked great!! Now seems to be working fine but for some reason the AP generated a new IP address 169.254.xxx.xxx instead of the usual 192.168.xxx.xxx Can't figure that one out but now that it seems to be working ok with ZA etc.. I'm going to leave it alone,,,,