LinuxQuestions.org - WiFi slow on openSuSE 10.1, but normal speed on XP

Hi all,

I run a dual boot opensuse 10.1 with smart and xp home version on a dell 510m laptop.

I've been using a DSL connection since 2003, converting to WiFi in 2004 by the addition of a wireless access point connected to the modem/router. This was a success until I had recent issues with the modem repeatedly losing the connection to internet.

After talking to the provider's helpdesk, I took their advice and bought a new modem. To replace the modem/separate access point combination, I bought a wireless modem/router and set it up with no particular difficulty using the providers automatic setup CD (under XP on my wife's box).

Connection and speed was as advertised.

I booted my linux box and watched the connection. It connected very much slower than before. Once connected, loading a page (google) was extremely slow - something like two minutes.

After a lot of playing around (yep, half the night - I NEED my internet :P) I found a reply in an old thread on LQ:

tp671
Linux Newbie

Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 151

1) Goto the file /etc/modprobe.conf while as ROOT (File Manager-Super User Mode).

2) Open the file with Kwrite and look for the line ---- alias net -pf 10 ipv6

3) Change the line to read ---- alias net -pf10 off ipv6 (just add "off")

4) Save file and close.

5) Shut down and reboot.

6) Start your browser (Firefox in my case) and try it.

I tried this. As soon I rebooted, speed was fine, absolutely blazingly fast again.

The question is: why? My linux setup worked great before. It works great on every freespot that I tried. What changed?

Thanks people and THANKS Linux Newbie!