Intel Corporation Device 088e: wlan0 flags: Input/output error

This document (7012792) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 SP3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 SP2

Situation

On laptops using the network controller:

04:00.0 Network controller: Intel Corporation Device 088e (rev 24)

the following error may get experienced when trying to start the WLAN interface:

linux:~/Desktop # rcnetwork restart
Shutting down network interfaces:
    eth0      device: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8111/8168B done
    pan0
              No configuration found for pan0
              Nevertheless the interface will be shut down.          done
    wlan0     device: Intel Corporation Device 088e                  done
Shutting down service network . . . . . . . . .             done
Hint: you may set mandatory devices in /etc/sysconfig/network/config
Setting up network interfaces:
    eth0      device: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8111/8168B
    eth0      Starting DHCP4 client. . . . . . . .
    eth0      DHCP4 continues in background                          waiting
    wlan0     device: Intel Corporation Device 088e
    wlan0     is controlled by ifplugd
RTNETLINK answers: Input/output error
RTNETLINK answers: Input/output error
Cannot enable interface wlan0.
interface wlan0 is not up                                            failed

Resolution

Please upgrade to SP3. Also make sure the package compat-wireless and the associated KMP is installed.

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.