Mark et al ...

I have been trying to set up two Linux boxes as separate stations on an
ad-hoc network, using two D-Link DWL-650 cards (one in a laptop and one in
a PCI host adapter). I understand that the D-Link uses the Prism2 chipset
(ref: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/001102/ca_intersi.html ).

I retrieved the linux-wlan package from the webpage link, untarred, and
compiled it (linux-wlan-ng-0.1.7, pcmcia-cs-3.1.23, kernel 2.2.18) ...

I finally managed to get both machines loading the correct modules and
I've resolved failed dependencies etc ... now for the last 8 hours I've
been trying to work out the intricacies of 802.11 networking.

As I don't have the firmware to make the cards into access points, I want
them to act as stations on an ad-hoc network.

This is where I've run into grief.

It seems from the source (Line 684, src/prism2/driver/prism2mgmt.c,
reproduced below) that there is no way to start an IBSS from the
Prism2 when using ad-hoc mode (Or is that acting as a station? I am
confused again).

So, I can't associate, because there is nothing to associate with?

1. Does that mean it is not possible to start an IBSS using only
   Prism2 cards under Linux?

2. If so, does the line referring to 'not quite supported' refer to a
   limitation of the chipset or of the driver as it currently stands?

3. Does this mean that without firmware for an AP I won't be able to make
   it work without buying another manufacturers device to use as an access
   point unit?

TIA,
Geoff

PS: I've been tearing my hair out over this problem. The answer, might
also make a good note for the FAQ, which I consulted diligently before
getting Prism2 cards.

PPS: Also, the mailing list archives don't seem to be on the IMAP server.

****
Source referred to above:
****

int prism2mgmt_start(wlandevice_t *wlandev, void *msgp)
{
#if defined(WLAN_STA)
        int result = 0;
        p80211msg_dot11req_start_t *msg = msgp;
        DBFENTER;

        /* Ad-Hoc not quite supported on Prism2 */
        msg->resultcode.status = P80211ENUM_msgitem_status_data_ok;
        msg->resultcode.data = P80211ENUM_resultcode_not_supported;
        result = 0;

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