AX211 causes screen flashes and flickering using latest iwlwifi drivers

[phycent]

I am using an AX211 chip that ships with my ThinkPad. When it is scanning for networks, or connected to certain network, the screen keeps flickering. It does not happen when I am using Windows 11.

I am using arch linux 6.7.4-arch1-1. Please let me know how I can provide more environment details.

[Catulpos_Intel]

Hello phycent,

Thank you for posting in Intel Communities.

I am sorry to hear that you experience such issues on your laptop and for us to provide you with an accurate recommendation, please provide the following information:

What is the exact model of your Lenovo laptop?

• Have you tried updating its wireless driver?
• Does this issue also happen to a Bluetooth connection?
• Does this issue happen on a wired connection?
• When did it start to happen?
• Are you able to reproduce the same issue while on hardwired connection?
• Have you rebooted your access-point, router, modem?
• Have you modified any Wi-Fi adapter settings before issue appears?
• Were you able to have wireless connection in a normal/expected performance before?
• Have you installed any recent software or hardware in your system?
• Please provide the SSU logs of your device.
  • You can download the Intel System Support Utility on this link: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/26735/
    • Follow the instructions below:
    • Open Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal
    • From the current director, navigate to the current folder where the ssu.sh file resides. For example if you saved the ssu.sh to a folder called "SSU File" the command would be: cd "SSU File"
    • Run the ssu.sh file using this command: ./ssu.sh <parameter=0|1> where 0 = off and 1 = enabled
    • Use the parameter definitions included in the readme to determine which parameter to use.
    • If no parameter is specified and only ./ssu.sh is run, it will capture all system information with the exception of 3rd party logs which must be specified. If no output file is specified, the SSU will write the output to file <sytemname>.txt.

Kindly take note that user must be rooted to run the SSU. If current user is not root, the following message will display and SSU will exit with a non-zero exit code.

Looking forward to your reply.

Best regards,

JCatulpos

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[phycent]

Hi,

Thank you so much for looking in the issue!

What is the exact model of your Lenovo laptop?

    My laptop is a ThinkPad P1 Gen 5. Model type is 21DC.

Have you tried updating its wireless driver?

    Yes, my wireless driver has always been up to date on linux and Windows. However, this issue only appears on the linux side.
Does this issue also happen to a Bluetooth connection?

    No, my Bluetooth works fine and does not cause anything to my screen.
Does this issue happen on a wired connection?

    No, only Wi-Fi.
When did it start to happen?

    Pretty much since I own this machine in November 2022. Never works on linux.
Are you able to reproduce the same issue while on hardwired connection?

    No, my laptop does not have a RJ-45 port.
Have you rebooted your access-point, router, modem?

    Yes, and I tried it on multiple networks.
Have you modified any Wi-Fi adapter settings before issue appears?

    No, the issue appears with stock settings.
Were you able to have wireless connection in a normal/expected performance before?

    I never have a normal performance on linux.
Have you installed any recent software or hardware in your system?

    I always kept my kernel, firmware and BIOS up-to-date, hoping my issue will be addressed in the next release.
Please provide the SSU logs of your device.

     See attached. Interestingly there is nothing under networking.

[VonM_Intel]

Hi, phycent.

Thank you for your reply. It is a bit strange that the AX211 causes screen flashes and flickering with the latest iwlwifi drivers, as this issue is usually related to the graphics driver (possibly due to incorrect installation or configuration). I have done some research about your laptop device and based on this website/link: (https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpadp/thinkpad-p1-gen-5-(16-inch-intel)/len101t0033?orgRef=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F#tech_specs), the only operating system that supports your device is the Windows 11 Pro and it might lead to system incompatibility (which may affect your system configuration). You also mentioned that you have updated and maintained the kernel system, firmware, and BIOS. Did you notice any error messages related to the wireless driver?

Furthermore, to manage your expectations, since this is an OEM (Lenovo) original equipment manufacturer device, please take into consideration that our support may be limited since we are not familiar with the technology, settings, customizations, custom drivers, and features that the Lenovo has designed and installed your system. May I know if you already contacted Lenovo Support regarding this issue? If not, we would recommend checking with your computer manufacturer and using the driver software provided by them to avoid potential installation incompatibilities. Intel® only supplies generic versions of Graphics and Wireless Drivers for general purposes.

Best Regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[ACarmona_Intel]

Hello Phycent,

We are checking in with you on the AX211 issue we are having in case you have any additional queries or require further explanation. Please know that we would be happy to assist you if you have any.

Thank you, and have a great day!

Best regards,

Carmona A.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[VonM_Intel]

Hi, phycent.

I trust you're doing well.

I have not heard back from you we will close this inquiry now. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician