Qualcomm Atheros 0042 (rev 31) 6Mb/s link speed

[daBrewer]

Cinnamon Mint 18.1 64 bit on Acer Aspire F5-573-55LV with 802.11ac device Qualcomm Atheros 168c:0042 (rev 31) wirelessly connected to ASUS AC1900 RT-AC68U router.

My Network Manager only shows a link speed of 6Mb/s and signal strength of 62% - 92% when connected to the 5GHz frequency, and 1 Mb/s when connected to 2.4 GHz.

I'm 8' in front of the router.

I'm not loosing connection, but why is the Linux Network Manager showing such a poor link speed connection? It doesn't appear to be connecting on the AC Band, even though I have 5GHZ selected at the router with default settings.

The laptop and router are new. Both updated to latest kernel and firmware.

I'm not proficient with the terminal but am willing to follow any helpful directions.

Thank you

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peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ inxi -Fxz
System:    Host: thelinuxlaptop Kernel: 4.4.0-75-generic x86_64 (64 bit gcc: 5.4.0)
           Desktop: Cinnamon 3.2.7 (Gtk 3.18.9-1ubuntu3.3)
           Distro: Linux Mint 18.1 Serena
Machine:   Mobo: Acer model: Captain_SK v: V1.12
           Bios: Insyde v: V1.12 date: 08/02/2016
CPU:       Dual core Intel Core i5-7200U (-HT-MCP-) cache: 3072 KB
           flags: (lm nx sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx) bmips: 10847
           clock speeds: max: 3100 MHz 1: 499 MHz 2: 499 MHz 3: 499 MHz
           4: 499 MHz
Graphics:  Card: Intel Device 5916 bus-ID: 00:02.0
           Display Server: X.Org 1.18.3 drivers: intel (unloaded: fbdev,vesa)
           Resolution: 1920x1080@60.00hz
           GLX Renderer: Mesa DRI Intel Kabylake GT2
           GLX Version: 3.0 Mesa 11.2.0 Direct Rendering: Yes
Audio:     Card Intel Device 9d71 driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 00:1f.3
           Sound: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture v: k4.4.0-75-generic
Network:   Card-1: Qualcomm Atheros Device 0042
           driver: ath10k_pci bus-ID: 02:00.0
           IF: wlp2s0 state: up speed: N/A duplex: N/A mac: <filter>
           Card-2: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller
           driver: r8169 v: 2.3LK-NAPI port: 3000 bus-ID: 03:00.1
           IF: enp3s0f1 state: down mac: <filter>
Drives:    HDD Total Size: 256.1GB (8.8% used)
           ID-1: /dev/sda model: HFS256G39TND size: 256.1GB
Partition: ID-1: / size: 227G used: 14G (7%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda2
           ID-2: swap-1 size: 8.45GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap dev: /dev/sda3
RAID:      No RAID devices: /proc/mdstat, md_mod kernel module present
Sensors:   System Temperatures: cpu: 35.0C mobo: N/A
           Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A
Info:      Processes: 176 Uptime: 34 min Memory: 976.7/7851.5MB
           Init: systemd runlevel: 5 Gcc sys: 5.4.0
           Client: Shell (bash 4.3.461) inxi: 2.2.35 

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peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ rfkill list all
0: hci0: Bluetooth
	Soft blocked: no
	Hard blocked: no
1: acer-wireless: Wireless LAN
	Soft blocked: no
	Hard blocked: no
2: acer-bluetooth: Bluetooth
	Soft blocked: no
	Hard blocked: no
3: phy0: Wireless LAN
	Soft blocked: no
	Hard blocked: no

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peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ iwconfig
enp3s0f1  no wireless extensions.

lo        no wireless extensions.

wlp2s0    IEEE 802.11abgn  ESSID:"ASUS_5G"  
          Mode:Managed  Frequency:5.745 GHz  Access Point: 38:D5:47:21:65:8C   
          Bit Rate=6 Mb/s   Tx-Power=30 dBm   
          Retry short limit:7   RTS thr:off   Fragment thr:off
          Power Management:on
          Link Quality=70/70  Signal level=-38 dBm  
          Rx invalid nwid:0  Rx invalid crypt:0  Rx invalid frag:0
          Tx excessive retries:0  Invalid misc:71   Missed beacon:0

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peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ inxi -Nn
Network:   Card-1: Qualcomm Atheros Device 0042 driver: ath10k_pci
           IF: wlp2s0 state: up speed: N/A duplex: N/A mac: 94:53:30:25:9b:cf
           Card-2: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller
           driver: r8169
           IF: enp3s0f1 state: down mac: 54:ab:3a:d2:29:ef

[JeremyB]

See if disabling wifi power management helps

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sudo sed -i 's/wifi.powersave = 3/wifi.powersave = 2/' /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/default-wifi-powersave-on.conf

Then reboot

[daBrewer]

Thanks for your reply Jeremy,

I entered the command. Power Manager is now off, but the condition remains.

peter@thelinuxlaptop ~/Desktop $ iwconfig
enp3s0f1 no wireless extensions.

lo no wireless extensions.

wlp2s0 IEEE 802.11abgn ESSID:"ASUS_5G"
Mode:Managed Frequency:5.745 GHz Access Point: 38:D5:47:21:65:8C
Bit Rate=6 Mb/s Tx-Power=30 dBm
Retry short limit:7 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off
Power Management:off
Link Quality=70/70 Signal level=-40 dBm
Rx invalid nwid:0 Rx invalid crypt:0 Rx invalid frag:0
Tx excessive retries:0 Invalid misc:96 Missed beacon:0

peter@thelinuxlaptop ~/Desktop $

[daBrewer]

I'm operating under kernel 4.4.0-49. I've read in other post that installing the most recent 4.8 kernel might solve some network problems, but I don't know if that applies to my system.
If I install the most recent 4.8 kernel and it doesn't help my wifi link speed, will I still be able to reinstall my current 4.4.0-49 kernel?

Thanks

[JeremyB]

You could try the 4.8 or 4.10 kernel that is available in the Linux Mint Update Manager under the View/Linux kernel menu

If something happens that you cannot boot into the new kernel reboot and hold the Shift key until the Grub menu appears, scroll down to Advanced Options, then scroll down to a 4.4.0 kernel to boot into

[daBrewer]

Before installing a 4.8 kernel to try to solve the wifi speed problem, I wanted to make sure I could access the Grub menu kernel list by holding the shift key while rebooting.
I was not able to access the Grub. Linux Mint would load instead. I tried several times.

I then tried to access BIOS by holding F2 during startup. I had never set a password for the BIOS, so when asked, I entered the password I used to disable UEFI Secure Boot when I did the first update. After the password failed 3 times I was asked to Enter Unlock Password.
I've read that the Acer Bios PW can only have numbers and letters. The password I use to disable Secure Boot contains one symbol.
I'm still learning, and not experienced enough to know what to do do next. Entering the (Key:number) failed.

[JeremyB]

It might need to be the right Shift key and some have reported that ESC works to get the Grub menu. I doubt your system will have issues with 4.8 or 4.10 since it uses Intel Graphics

[daBrewer]

I tried left shift then, right shift, then esc keys. Still can't access Grub.
F12 does access boot menu, though I don't need in right now.
Shouldn't I be able to access BIOS as well as Grub?
I'd like to have a way to restore the kernel if something goes wrong.
With a choice between the latest 4.8 and 4.10 which should I select?

[JeremyB]

I think BIOS access through Grub is only available on UEFI installs as it works on my Lenovo but it isn't even an option on my legacy installs. Post results for

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cat /etc/default/grub

I don't remember what a non dual boot grub file looks like but I know it can be changed to have a countdown timer and then the Grub menu can be accessed with the ESC key

[daBrewer]

When I tried to access BIOS by holding F2 during startup, I was asked for my password. So I entered the password I entered to disable UEFI Secure Boot during my laptops first Update. This password failed three times trying to access BIOS, then asked me to 'enter unlock password'
I'm not able to access Grub menu.
Here's the results you asked for.
Thanks

peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ cat /etc/default/grub
# If you change this file, run 'update-grub' afterwards to update
# /boot/grub/grub.cfg.
# For full documentation of the options in this file, see:
# info -f grub -n 'Simple configuration'

GRUB_DEFAULT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=true
GRUB_TIMEOUT=10
GRUB_DISTRIBUTOR=`lsb_release -i -s 2> /dev/null || echo Debian`
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash"
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX=""

# Uncomment to enable BadRAM filtering, modify to suit your needs
# This works with Linux (no patch required) and with any kernel that obtains
# the memory map information from GRUB (GNU Mach, kernel of FreeBSD ...)
#GRUB_BADRAM="0x01234567,0xfefefefe,0x89abcdef,0xefefefef"

# Uncomment to disable graphical terminal (grub-pc only)
#GRUB_TERMINAL=console

# The resolution used on graphical terminal
# note that you can use only modes which your graphic card supports via VBE
# you can see them in real GRUB with the command `vbeinfo'
#GRUB_GFXMODE=640x480

# Uncomment if you don't want GRUB to pass "root=UUID=xxx" parameter to Linux
#GRUB_DISABLE_LINUX_UUID=true

# Uncomment to disable generation of recovery mode menu entries
#GRUB_DISABLE_RECOVERY="true"

# Uncomment to get a beep at grub start
#GRUB_INIT_TUNE="480 440 1"
peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $

[JeremyB]

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sudo sed -i 's/#GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0/GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=8/' /etc/default/grub

Then

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sudo update-grub

Reboot and it should give you an 8 second countdown where you can press the ESC button to access the grub menu

[daBrewer]

I entered the commands with these results

peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ sudo sed -i 's/#GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0/GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=8/' /etc/default/grub
[sudo] password for peter:
peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ sudo update-grub
Generating grub configuration file ...
Warning: Setting GRUB_TIMEOUT to a non-zero value when GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT is set is no longer supported.
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.0-75-generic
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-4.4.0-75-generic
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.0-72-generic
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-4.4.0-72-generic
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.0-71-generic
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-4.4.0-71-generic
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.0-70-generic
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-4.4.0-70-generic
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.0-66-generic
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-4.4.0-66-generic
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.0-53-generic
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-4.4.0-53-generic
Found linux image: /boot/vmlinuz-4.4.0-21-generic
Found initrd image: /boot/initrd.img-4.4.0-21-generic
Adding boot menu entry for EFI firmware configuration
done


And here are the results after reboot

peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $ cat /etc/default/grub
# If you change this file, run 'update-grub' afterwards to update
# /boot/grub/grub.cfg.
# For full documentation of the options in this file, see:
# info -f grub -n 'Simple configuration'

GRUB_DEFAULT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=true
GRUB_TIMEOUT=10
GRUB_DISTRIBUTOR=`lsb_release -i -s 2> /dev/null || echo Debian`
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash"
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX=""

# Uncomment to enable BadRAM filtering, modify to suit your needs
# This works with Linux (no patch required) and with any kernel that obtains
# the memory map information from GRUB (GNU Mach, kernel of FreeBSD ...)
#GRUB_BADRAM="0x01234567,0xfefefefe,0x89abcdef,0xefefefef"

# Uncomment to disable graphical terminal (grub-pc only)
#GRUB_TERMINAL=console

# The resolution used on graphical terminal
# note that you can use only modes which your graphic card supports via VBE
# you can see them in real GRUB with the command `vbeinfo'
#GRUB_GFXMODE=640x480

# Uncomment if you don't want GRUB to pass "root=UUID=xxx" parameter to Linux
#GRUB_DISABLE_LINUX_UUID=true

# Uncomment to disable generation of recovery mode menu entries
#GRUB_DISABLE_RECOVERY="true"

# Uncomment to get a beep at grub start
#GRUB_INIT_TUNE="480 440 1"
peter@thelinuxlaptop ~ $


There is a line that says:
Warning: Setting GRUB_TIMEOUT to a non-zero value when GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT is set is no longer supported.

When I hold ESC during start up I do get a grub screen which I was also able to get before these recent grub change commands. I attached a picture of the screen, but the file is too large. I don't see Advanced Options or know what to enter to get to Advanced Options.
I really want to be able to select a previous kernel if a new kernel doesn't correct the wifi problem or somehow creates a new problem.
The screen says:
' GNU GRUB version 2.02~beta2-36ubuntu3.9
Minimal BASH-like line editing is supported. For the first word, TAB lists possible command completions, Anywhere else TAB lists possible device or file completions.'

[JeremyB]

You might see Previous Linux versions if you don't have Advanced Options in the main Grub menu, I think it actually says Advanced options for Linux Mint 18
You could also do

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sudo sed -i 's/#GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0/GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=8/' /etc/default/grub

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sudo sed -i 's/GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=true/GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=false/' /etc/default/grub

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sudo update-grub

[daBrewer]

Is there a way for me to attach a photo I've taken of the grub screen that appears when I hold ESC during start-up. It doesn't look like what is being described. No Advanced Options or Previous Linux versions. Only a list of commands I don't understand. I tried to attach a photo but the file size was too big.

[JeremyB]

You can upload to photobucket, imgur, and other photo hosting sites and just post a link without using the img tags and it should work

[daBrewer]

Thanks for your help Jeremy,

I finally timed the ESC key at the correct brief moment and accessed the GRUB menu. And found the list of my installed kernels in Advanced Options. So I installed the most recent 4.4.0-77.98 kernel. However it did not improve the link speed, since it is still shown in the Network Manager as being only 6Mb/s.
And since losing connection hasn't been the problem, I haven't tried kernel 4.8.0-51 yet. But I now know I can revert back to a previous kernel.
After reading the post, "Which Mint 18.1 Kernel is Currently Recommended" viewtopic.php?f=90&p=1292911, I might wait and look into this more. Unless someone knows for sure that Qualcomm Atheros 0042 (rev 31) will work properly with 4.8.0-51 without disrupting the rest of my system.

Thank you, Linux Mint Forums is Great!

[daBrewer]

In searching for information on my Qualcomm Atheros 0042 (rev 31) wireless adapter, I found this

https://h-node.org/wifi/view/en/1833/Qu ... r--rev-31-

but I do not understand:
"does it work with free software?
no"
"WiFi functionality on this device requires non-free firmware."
Is the problem with my firmware?

model: Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 (WiFi)(model id: 1833)
possible other names of the device:
Qualcomm NFA435A
vendor:
Qualcomm Atheros
VendorID:ProductID code of the device:
168c:0042
year of commercialization:
2014
interface:
not-specified
tested on:
Debian GNU/Linux 8 jessie
Trisquel 7.0 Belenos
tested with the following kernel libre:
3.13.0-39-lowlatency (trisquel_7_0)
4.9.0.0-0.bpo.2-amd64 (debian_8)
does it work with free software?
no
free driver used:
ath10k_pci
Description:

The Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 chipset is a combined WiFi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.1 device (3). This entry covers the WiFi functionality of the device only.

For the embedded Bluetooth controller, see Hon Hai T77H617.20 under Bluetooth devices.
Non-Free Firmware Required

WiFi functionality on this device requires non-free firmware.
Detailed Information
[root@localhost ~]# lspci -nnpk -d 168c:0042

03:00.0 Network controller [0280]: Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 802.11ac Wireless Network Adapter [168c:0042] (rev 31)

[root@localhost ~]# lspci -nnv -d 168c:0042

02:00.0 Network controller [0280]: Qualcomm Atheros Device [168c:0042] (rev 31)
Subsystem: Foxconn International, Inc. Device [105b:e0a1]
Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 41
Memory at f0800000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable)
Capabilities: [40] Power Management version 3
Capabilities: [50] MSI: Enable+ Count=1/8 Maskable+ 64bit-
Capabilities: [70] Express Endpoint, MSI 00
Capabilities: [100] Advanced Error Reporting
Capabilities: [148] Virtual Channel
Capabilities: [168] Device Serial Number 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-00
Capabilities: [178] Latency Tolerance Reporting
Capabilities: [180] L1 PM Substates
Kernel driver in use: ath10k_pci

[root@localhost ~]# lspci -vmmnn -d 168c:0042

Slot: 03:00.0
Class: Network controller [0280]
Vendor: Qualcomm Atheros [168c]
Device: QCA9377 802.11ac Wireless Network Adapter [0042]
SVendor: Foxconn International, Inc. [105b]
SDevice: Device [e0a1]
Rev: 31

References

1. "Wi-Fi Certified Interoperability Certificate WFA61814" (PDF). Wi-Fi Alliance.

2. "Qualcomm Drives 802.11ac 2.0 Ecosystem to Bring Faster Wi-Fi Connectivity to Home Networks, Mobile Devices and Consumer Electronics" (Press Release). Qualcomm.

3. "QCA9377 Chipset". Qualcomm.

[JeremyB]

I am not sure if 4.8 or the 4.10 kernels will fix your issue but I doubt if it will cause any issues as you have Intel video and CPU and these are well supported in the kernel. You may wish to test the speed at speedtest.net as it is likely to go higher that 6Mb/s

[daBrewer]

Yesterday I installed kernel 4.8.0-51. It did not improve the 6Mb/s link speed and poor signal strength as reported by the Linux Network Manager. And on the 2.4 band the manager still shows a link speed of only 1Mb/s.
Speedtest.net shows average: ping-18, download 15.42 upload 2.55. About the same as before the kernel upgrades and about the same whether wired or wireless to the router.
I don't pay for a high speed cable connection, but the Network Manager on my two older laptops always show excellent signal strength and 54Mb/s link speed.
Everything else seems to be working OK with the upgraded kernel 4.8.0-51.
I appreciate you staying with me in regard to these issues. I'm learning a lot along the way.

When I first got this laptop with Linux Mint 18.1 cinnamon installed, it was randomly losing wireless connection to my Netgear N Router using the router's performance mode, even though my 2 older G Band laptops would never lose connection. After I switched to the routers default 'Neighbor Friendly Mode' I didn't lose connection anymore, but Network Manager still showed only 6Mb/s link speed.
Acer tech support told me to update the driver or try a router other than Netgear, they had reported issues with several different brands of routers. They could not help me with Linux related issues. So I tried the ASUS AC Router thinking my Acer laptop uses an AC wireless adapter, and began posting to this forum.
Since I'm not losing connection. Should I just ignore Network Manager?

Thanks for your patient help and sharing your knowledge with those of us that are learning from your experience.

[JeremyB]

I would just ignore what is reported by Network Manager