disconnect (deauth) from enterprise WPA2 wifi

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disconnect (deauth) from enterprise WPA2 wifi

Our iPhone users have suddenly become unable to maintain wifi connections since the 3.0 upgrade. Network traces show that the iPhones send deauth packets immediately after obtaining a wifi connection; the wireless system happily complies and boots the phones off. After a few seconds, they reconnect and the cycle repeats. Watching the iPhone main screen, you can see the wifi signal strength (max) switch back to Edge. If you are in the wireless settings area, you can see the iPhone associate to the SSID, pull a proper IP, then the area goes blank as it disconnects.

Have tried the network reset option, which fixed the problem briefly but it recurred after about 30 minutes.

1g, 2g, 3g, iPhone OS 3.0

Posted on Jun 24, 2009 6:33 AM

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Answer 1

sdjaime

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Jul 7, 2009 11:45 AM in response to philgrad

Philgrad, were you ever able to fix this problem? We seem to be encountering the same thing.

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Answer 2

philgrad Author

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Jul 7, 2009 12:17 PM in response to sdjaime

sdjaime,

I wish we had found anything to help this issue. Aside from buying new iPhones--the 3gs does not seem to exhibit the problem. Are you using Aruba Networks for your WiFi?

We have done exhaustive packet captures, and the iPhones appear to be sending deauthorization request packets to the wireless system. This looks to be unsolicited behavior, and only occurs with older phones that were upgraded.

Interestingly, it doesn't seem to matter what level of encryption algorithm is used.

I have contacted our Apple rep and offered to provide all our logging and troubleshooting data to their engineering team, but have not heard back yet.

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Answer 3

sdjaime

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Jul 7, 2009 4:59 PM in response to philgrad

That's interesting, as I have a 3GS and I'm encountering this problem, but 3G's and iPod Touch 2G's work fine. Strange indeed.

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Answer 4

sdjaime

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Jul 7, 2009 5:05 PM in response to sdjaime

Sorry, hit the post message button too early. Yes, we are using Aruba Networks SecureConnect.

In any case, thanks for the reply!

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Answer 5

philgrad Author

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Jul 8, 2009 8:44 AM in response to sdjaime

Actually, I think I spoke too soon--our 3GS clients started having the same problem today.

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Answer 6

Jul 29, 2009 1:08 PM in response to philgrad

I'm having the same issue at one of my clients, not sure if it's a 3G or 3GS, as he's in maryland, but we're using Cisco 1130AG APs and WPA2 w/ TKIP. going nuts to find a response as he's the VP of one of their major divisions...any help is appreciated!

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