Cisco VPN Client problems

Question

I'm using an Inspiron 1100 to connect via the Cisco VPN Client (Ver. 3.6.4) to a remote site. I have found that in some instances, the client won't connect, but in all other instances the connection drops around 60% of ping packets.

I have vanilla'd the machine (reformat, reinstall) with Dell OEM WinXP + SP1, critical updates, and install the client -> same problem.

Tried using a Wireless PCM NIC to VPN in (same settings, same client) -> get no issues.

Tried using a USB2 cabled NIC to VPN in (same cable, same network, same IP lease, etc) -> get no issues.

Have two colleagues with identical laptops who have the same issue, so it looks like a conflict between the Cisco VPN client and the in-built Broadcom 440x NIC. Anyone heard of this issue, and have some ideas; or anyone have an Inspiron 1100 and can successfully use the Cisco VPN client? (Note: I can use the MS VPN client to another site with no issue with the in-built NIC). Have also tried MS, the old, and the new Dell drivers for the NIC, no effect.

Any help is greatly appreciated,

DarchAngel

johnallg · Answer

In the past there have been posts about complications with Broadcom and both Cisco and Netgear - with no resolutions.

DarchAngel · Answer

Hmm, not a very positive response, but at least I'm not searching for a solution that doesn't exist :-) Thankyou for your response, will save me significant time.   Peter.

johnallg · Answer

I'm not sure what Broadcom is doing wrong, but there seems to be quite a bit of problems with both their wired and wifi chipsets and compatability with other system/chipsets.  Cisco adheres strongly to standards, other manufacturers don't necessarily.  I'm not trying to bear bad news, just provide info and clarification.  Good luck.

DarchAngel · Answer

The only question I have now is, what do I do now? The team (of 4) I'm in has 3 identical Dell laptops that are less than 12 months old, and all have built-in Broadcom NICs. From the looks of the Broadcom site, beyond some basic driver downloads, it looks like they rely on the OEM retailers to support their products. I am currently following up CISCO for support, but I don't know how much joy thats going to bring.

I find it a little disturbing that it looks like we may have to go out and purchase PCM NIC's (single slots at that) so we can use the laptops for what we bought them for (having the ability to roam and still access a remote site). I have logged a job with Dell locally, but all they have done so far is send out a contracted tech with a replacement motherboard and incorrect job notes (they thought the NIC was dead).. When he got here, I was basically told that it sounds like its a problem between CISCO and Broadcom and to follow it up myself - hey, I bought the NIC (via the laptop) from Dell - where Dell get there parts is their business. I know it sounds like a whine, but Im gonna have to hear it from my boss when I request replacement NICs...

Perhaps a mention in the Dell KB would be beneficial - just something I could search on and it tells me not to bother trying...

oracle_jock · Answer

I am having same problem with my laptop. It's D600 with broadcom chips. My work has cisco vpn box (EOL 1.5 years ago but can't afford to upgrade). I can VPN in successfully initially but lose all connection (network/vpn) after about 10 minutes. As soon as I close VPN client I regain network/internet connectivity. I initially thought this problem was caused by netgear router at home. Than I read this thread in this forum. So, I actually got a netgear wireless pccard. And I still have same problem with dropping connection.

Dell, please get broadcom to fix this problem. If I had known about this problem I wouldn't have bought dell or any machine with broadcom chip.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Cisco VPN Client problems

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