Cannot connect to the wireless access point: association timed out

Question

I am trying to extend my wireless coverage using a VersaLink 327W as a wireless range extender and AP.

I followed the instructions:

1. Disabled DSL.
2. Enabled wireless access with a WEP key (the device does not support WPA and WPA2).
3. Disabled DHCP.
4. Set IP address to 192.168.7.2 (because the main router to which this one is to be connected via ethernet is 192.168.7.1).

Alas, I cannot connect to the device via WiFi from a linux box:

kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: authenticated0
kernel: [run timestamp] iwlwifi 0000:03:00.0 wlan0: disabling HT/VHT due to WEP/TKIP use
kernel: [run timestamp] iwlwifi 0000:03:00.0 wlan0: disabling HT as WMM/QoS is not supported by the AP
kernel: [run timestamp] iwlwifi 0000:03:00.0 wlan0: disabling VHT as WMM/QoS is not supported by the AP
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: associate with <<6*hex>> (try 1/3)
NetworkManager[pid]: <info>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): supplicant interface state: scanning -> authenticating
NetworkManager[pid]: <info>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): supplicant interface state: authenticating -> associating
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: associate with <<6*hex>> (try 2/3)
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: associate with <<6*hex>> (try 3/3)
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: association with <<6*hex>> timed out

I.e., authentication works, but association (whatever that is) does not.

This is unlikely to be a problem with linux as I cannot connect from a Mac and an Android phone either.

So, what can I do now?

Thanks.

PS. Additional information requested by @Twisty:

I set localhost IP in /etc/hosts, then

# service network-manager restart

and observe this:

wpa_supplicant[pid]: wlan0: SME: Trying to authenticate with <<6*hex>> (SSID='sgv' freq=2437 MHz)
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: authenticate with <<6*hex>>
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: send auth to <<6*hex>> (try 1/3)
NetworkManager[pid]: <info>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): supplicant interface state: scanning -> authenticating
nm-applet[pid]: Can't set a parent on widget which has a parent
nm-applet[pid]: gtk_widget_destroy: assertion 'GTK_IS_WIDGET (widget)' failed
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: authenticated
kernel: [run timestamp] iwlwifi 0000:03:00.0: No association and the time event is over already...
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: Connection to AP <<6*hex>> lost
nm-applet[pid]: gtk_widget_destroy: assertion 'GTK_IS_WIDGET (widget)' failed
kernel: [run timestamp] wlan0: aborting authentication with <<6*hex>> by local choice (Reason: 3=DEAUTH_LEAVING)
NetworkManager[pid]: <info>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): supplicant interface state: authenticating -> disconnected
NetworkManager[pid]: <warn>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): Activation: (wifi) association took too long, failing activation
NetworkManager[pid]: <info>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): state change: config -> failed (reason 'ssid-not-found') [50 120 53]
NetworkManager[pid]: <info>  [wall timestamp] manager: NetworkManager state is now DISCONNECTED
NetworkManager[pid]: <warn>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): Activation: failed for connection 'sgv'
NetworkManager[pid]: <info>  [wall timestamp] device (wlan0): state change: failed -> disconnected (reason 'none') [120 30 0]

note that ifconfig seems to ignore my setting.

Answer 1

I had a very similar issue today. What fixed it for me was changing a configuration of the NetworkManager:

1. Edit file /etc/NetworkManager/NetworkManager.conf(the location may vary, depending on your distro)

2. Add the following lines to that file:

   [device]
   wifi.scan-rand-mac-address=no
   

3. Reboot the NetworkManager service: sudo service network-manager restart