[Bug 191889] Re: Firefox's new "Offline Mode" feature cannot properly detect when there is a valid network available for use in many circumstances

[Michael W.]

Maybe I'm just looking/asking for the wrong thing, so I'll be plain
about it:

I use a Verizon AirCard 620 that, because of complex command
requirements and a password, can not be programmed to use the "standard"
ppp scripts in NetManager.  I connect, I use a script that sets up the
modem, kills dhcpd, and calls pppd with /etc/ppp/peers/verizon as the
parameter file.  Since NetManager (which I use for connecting to wired
and WiFi networks) does not control the connection, several other
applications (Firefox, Pidgin, etc) all start in "Working Offline" mode.

For my own use what I have been doing is setting the wired connection to non-roaming, and a bogus fixed IP to force NM into allowing other apps to appear as "online." This is OK for me, but prevents my ability to recommend Ubuntu for wider distribution to a non-technical audience.  Is it possible to provide either or both of:
 A) A check box that would allow a "Forced Online" state, and would report to downstream apps that a network is connected, and/or
 B)  A programmatic way of setting "Forced Online" and "not Forced Online" for inclusion into scripts.

This is becoming a major headache for me, as I can not deploy any new
machines to clients (with 8.04) until this is resolved.

-- 
Firefox's new "Offline Mode" feature cannot properly detect when there is a valid network available for use in many circumstances
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/191889
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