Ubuntu
network-manager package

Why has network-manager not been replaced or fixed

Asked by Jayson Williams

I have been struggling with wired network DSL connection dropping randomly since Jaunty. Karmic was an abrupt turn for the worse, as far as my network connection goes. After reading over dozens of potential solutions, I saw a reoccurring theme. Replace network-manager with wicd. After all the alpha and beta testing, I did not think there could still be an issue with network-manager, so I was reluctant to replace it. As it turns out, after trying numerous solutions with no success, I replaced network-manager with wicd. To my relief, my network connection no longer drops randomly. My question is this. Is it a consensus that "network-manager" application that comes with ubuntu 9.10 is buggy, and wicd is a better network manager? If so, why is the buggy software getting past alpha and beta testing. If we know that network-manager is causing such frustration, why has it not been replaced with, what seems to be a simple solution, wicd. My only guess as to why this has gone on so long is that this problem affects so few people, that it was not worth fixing. But that does not sound very Ubuntu.

A recent linux convert,
Jayson

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Ubuntu network-manager Edit question
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actionparsnip
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Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

Log a bug.

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#2

Some like wicd, some find network manager is absolutely fine. I use neither and opt for configuring in /etc/network/interfaces but its all about finding what works. There is a PPA for network-manager you can use but if wicd is running fine then I wouldnt bother.

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#3

Theres also wifi-radar you could have tried. Just because an appplication is default doesnt make it ideal or best but they should at least work (as you say) but maybe its the DSL hardware you are using or somesuch, the bug report will hopefully get things moving.

Revision history for this message
Jayson Williams (williams-jayson) said : 		#4

> Theres also wifi-radar you could have tried. Just because an
> appplication is default doesnt make it ideal or best but they should at
> least work (as you say) but maybe its the DSL hardware  you are using or
> somesuch, the bug report will hopefully get things moving.

I suppose my biggest concern is that being a recent linux convert, I
can see how this problem alone could turn many off. The average
convert from MS will not even consider that choosing another network
manager is an option (that was me). Converting Windows users may not
be a primary goal for Ubuntu, but I am certain we don't want to turn
converts away. Networking is a huge part of your computer these days.
If network-manager is reported to be buggy for some, shouldn't we
switch to a default tool that is buggy for none, whatever that tool
is. Not arguing against your point. The default tool works fine for
many. But with networking being at the core of home computers,
satisfaction at 99.99% out of the box, is an obtainable goal. My
"guess" is that Ubuntu is not hitting that goal with network-manager

Recent linux convert
Jayson

Revision history for this message
Best actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#5

Log a bug, it will be attended but yes, you are right. Maybe the version on the CD you have is older and has a bug, or maybe network-manager has an issue with the network config you are using.

Revision history for this message
Jayson Williams (williams-jayson) said : 		#6

Thanks actionparsnip, that solved my question.

Revision history for this message
Mark Garrow (scunizi) said : 		#7

Trying to set and maintain a static IP address with network-manager has been an issue since 5.04 Breezy Badger.. That's 5 years of bug reports pertaining to this one issue. Why... oh Why?

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#8

If you use static IP you can define it in /etc/network/interfaces. This will make your system boot faster (not have to wait for dhcp) and will use less ram (network manager can be uninstalled and will not be running all the time essentially doing nothing after the initial config is set)

I personally recommend wicd over network manager if you do not use dialup / 3G etc as it is DE independant and appears to be more configurable (Which DNS servers to use for what connection, manual setting of interface names etc).

Revision history for this message
Jayson Williams (williams-jayson) said : 		#9

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

- Jayson

Jayson Williams
Operations Business Analyst III at Amerigroup
Norfolk, Virginia Area

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