kernel panic when driver loads for Intel wireless 3945 ABG

This document (7005453) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 (SLED 11)

Situation

If a network cable is plugged into the system then it connects to the network and there is no problem. If, on the other hand, the system is dependent on a wireless connection then when the driver loads for the Intel 3945 ABG device and it attempts to connect the system will hang.

Resolution

The Intel driver is included in the kernel package (iwl3945) and works perfectly with the 3945 ABG. Unfortunately if the "iwlagn" package is installed it will be in conflict and will cause the crash.

Check to see if it is installed by running the following command as the root user:

rpm -qa | grep iwlagn

If one of the following packages is installed please uninstall the package with the command:

zypper rm <package>

Replace <package> with the package name that needs to be removed. Here's the list of packages to be sure are not installed:

iwlagn-2-6-27
iwlagn-2-6-27-kmp-default
iwlagn-2-6-27-kmp-pae

As new versions come out the version number will change. Just remove the indicated packages with the new version numbers.

Reboot the system to clear the loaded modules and try again. The problem should be fixed.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.