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Marvell Libertas SoftAP utility

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 1:34 pm
by Byte
I'm looking for a copy of the Marvell Libertas SoftAP utility.

So far, I've found this website: http://www.marvell.com/products/wireless/softap.jsp

Problem is, aparently they require you to be affiliated with a company in order to gain access to the section of the website where the file is stored, as Marvell does not provide direct end-user support.

I've downloaded the Asus WL-138G drivers and SoftAP utility, but my wireless card isn't an Asus, so it basically says "hey, idiot, there's no card here, so I'll check ya later" and then it exits.

The wifi card I'm needing the utility for is an Encore ENLWI-G, based on the Marvell 8335 chipset (http://www.encore-usa.com/product.php?id=94). Encore does not provide a SoftAP program, and claims to not have access to the one at the Marvell site.

I have, however, found one other person in another forum who says they are using it with a card identical to mine (except for the different sticker), which is viewable at the following link:

http://trendnet.com/asp/download_manager/list_subcategory.asp?SUBTYPE_ID=690#

Any help in obtaining this utility would be greatly appreciated.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 1:55 pm
by wrzwaldo
Here is how you get it.

http://www.marvell.com/sales/index.jsp


Obtaining a free copy would be considered piracy.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:15 pm
by Byte
Are you sure it would be piracy?

Marvell does not provide end-user support. For all we know, this utility could be free, but since Marvell doesn't offer it for download, maybe all that is needed is a request for it - a request from someone affiliated with a wireless company which uses Marvell chips.

Asus offers it for free with their driver package. Granted, it's edited for use w/ Asus cards only, but still.... is it piracy for Asus to offer it freely?

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:16 pm
by wrzwaldo
Byte wrote:Are you sure it would be piracy?

Marvell does not provide end-user support. For all we know, this utility could be free, but since Marvell doesn't offer it for download, maybe all that is needed is a request for it.

Asus offers it for free with their driver package. Granted, it's edited for use w/ Asus cards only, but still.... is it piracy for Asus to offer it freely?


I think you answered your own question. They offer it for free!

Contact your card manufacturer and see if they offer it up for free. I know this will take some action on your part but I think you can handle it.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:19 pm
by Dutch
Byte wrote:Are you sure it would be piracy?

Marvell does not provide end-user support. For all we know, this utility could be free, but since Marvell doesn't offer it for download, maybe all that is needed is a request for it.

Asus offers it for free with their driver package. Granted, it's edited for use w/ Asus cards only, but still.... is it piracy for Asus to offer it freely?

No, since they paid Marvell, to be able to provide it to the customers who purchase Asus WiFi equipment, who in turn pay Asus more for their product, than an equivalent product without the SoftAP utility included. That's called Value Added Productmarketing.

So you got two possible options : A) Either purchase an adapter from Asus, which uses the Asus licensed version of SoftAP, or B) purchase SoftAP from Marvell, if they sell it to endcustomers. If they don't, see option A).

Dutch

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:30 pm
by Byte
wrzwaldo wrote:I think you answered your own question. They offer it for free!

Contact your card manufacturer and see if they offer it up for free. I know this will take some action on your part but I think you can handle it.

Re-read the original post to find out just how ignorant you can be. I mentioned that Encore doesn't provide a SoftAP utility.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:33 pm
by Byte
Dutch wrote:No, since they paid Marvell, to be able to provide it to the customers who purchase Asus WiFi equipment, who in turn pay Asus more for their product, than an equivalent product without the SoftAP utility included. That's called Value Added Productmarketing.

So you got two possible options : A) Either purchase an adapter from Asus, which uses the Asus licensed version of SoftAP, or B) purchase SoftAP from Marvell, if they sell it to endcustomers. If they don't, see option A).

Dutch

I'm awaiting word from Marvell - but I'm not holding my breath. I thought I would post here to see if anyone else had gone through this already, to save me some time and hassle.

Also, I opted to purchase one of the Asus cards from newegg not less than an hour ago. It'll be here soon.

In the mean-time, if I can get this Encore card set up w/ a working SoftAP program, more power to me.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:58 pm
by itsnotme
I think the quote that applies here is, "there's no such thing as a free lunch." Stop being pissy just because you can't get it for free. You got help, there's no need to be an asswipe just because you're not getting the answer you wanted to hear.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:00 pm
by wrzwaldo
Byte wrote:Re-read the original post to find out just how ignorant you can be. I mentioned that Encore doesn't provide a SoftAP utility.


Hmmmmmm me ignorant? I'm not the one looking for this. But I know where I would go to get it for my specific chipset (if it was available). Encore does not provide it because they did not buy it from Marvell. Is that card actually built by Encore (hint)? Do you have the FCC ID #? There is also another way to make it work with your card, but since I'm ignorant I'll let you figure it out.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:36 pm
by Byte
itsnotme wrote:I think the quote that applies here is, "there's no such thing as a free lunch." Stop being pissy just because you can't get it for free. You got help, there's no need to be an asswipe just because you're not getting the answer you wanted to hear.

First off, I'm not looking to get anything for free. If I could get Marvell to even give me a price, I'd consider it.

As is, Marvell isn't responding.

Second off, I wouldn't pay for a copy from someone else. And if anyone out there HAS a copy of this, they would at least be able to tell me how to go about getting a copy, since Marvell hasn't come through yet. They can tell me "yeah, talk to sales, tell them this, and give them your credit card # so they can charge ya $xx.xx for it."

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:45 pm
by Byte
wrzwaldo wrote:Hmmmmmm me ignorant? I'm not the one looking for this. But I know where I would go to get it for my specific chipset (if it was available). Encore does not provide it because they did not buy it from Marvell. Is that card actually built by Encore (hint)? Do you have the FCC ID #? There is also another way to make it work with your card, but since I'm ignorant I'll let you figure it out.

You plainly displayed your blatent ignorance in the lack of comprehension from post #1.

As for the FCC-ID, yes, I have it. I've also researched the MAC address, but guess what. No dice... I've tied the NIC to another manufacturer, but their drivers don't have SoftAP included either.

I've done a good deal of footwork before coming here and bothering you all. I figured posting here would be a last resort. I'm not the average dipstick you surely have floating through here daily - I'm resourceful, intelligent, and plenty capable of usually finding the answers which I seek. This is one of those exceptions, where I'm at a loss of where to go, and what to do.

As for alternative ways to make it work, I guess I'm ignorant on how to accomplish this.

So, unless you can (and are willing to) help me, wrzwaldo, kindly stfu.

Thanks.

*Edit: Manufacturer traces back to Cameo Communications, INC. based upon a MAC lookup.*

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:50 pm
by wrzwaldo
Byte wrote:First off, I'm not looking to get anything for free. If I could get Marvell to even give me a price, I'd consider it.

As is, Marvell isn't responding.

Second off, I wouldn't pay for a copy from someone else. And if anyone out there HAS a copy of this, they would at least be able to tell me how to go about getting a copy, since Marvell hasn't come through yet. They can tell me "yeah, talk to sales, tell them this, and give them your credit card # so they can charge ya $xx.xx for it."


Strange, I just got off the phone with them (In California). Who is your local Marvell rep? Have you tried calling them?

So what is the FCC ID #?

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:54 pm
by Dutch
Byte wrote:You plainly displayed your blatent ignorance in the lack of comprehension from post #1.

As for the FCC-ID, yes, I have it. I've also researched the MAC address, but guess what. No dice... I've tied the NIC to another manufacturer, but their drivers don't have SoftAP included either.

I've done a good deal of footwork before coming here and bothering you all. I figured posting here would be a last resort. I'm not the average dipstick you surely have floating through here daily - I'm resourceful, intelligent, and plenty capable of usually finding the answers which I seek. This is one of those exceptions, where I'm at a loss of where to go, and what to do.

As for alternative ways to make it work, I guess I'm ignorant on how to accomplish this.

So, unless you can (and are willing to) help me, wrzwaldo, kindly stfu.

Thanks.

*Edit: Manufacturer traces back to Cameo Communications, INC. based upon a MAC lookup.*


Moved to Software from the Newbie lounge, since Byte on his own accord has stated he isn't a newbie...

Dutch

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:59 pm
by Scruge
Is there something special about the softap for the marvell, verses the AP software that may be included with other cards or usb adapters?

I think I've bought several $10 USB dongles that had some sort of AP software included.

PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:04 pm
by wrzwaldo
Byte wrote:You plainly displayed your blatent ignorance in the lack of comprehension from post #1.

I comprehended your post, I just doubted you talked with them about it.


As for the FCC-ID, yes, I have it. I've also researched the MAC address, but guess what. No dice... I've tied the NIC to another manufacturer, but their drivers don't have SoftAP included either.

I have asked for info to try and help and so far you have not provided it.


I've done a good deal of footwork before coming here and bothering you all. I figured posting here would be a last resort.

Thanks


I'm not the average dipstick you surely have floating through here daily

You're right the average dipstick is much smarter.


- I'm resourceful, intelligent, and plenty capable of usually finding the answers which I seek.

How's that working out for you?


This is one of those exceptions, where I'm at a loss of where to go, and what to do.

Sucks to be you.


As for alternative ways to make it work, I guess I'm ignorant on how to accomplish this.

Now we're getting somewhere!


So, unless you can (and are willing to) help me, wrzwaldo, kindly stfu.

No longer willing, consider it done. Good luck with your card and softap!