Touch Linux on Kobo - wifi trouble

[nubble]

Hi,
I have a Kobo Touch model N905C running Marek's linux image in dual boot.
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=222123

I am having problems connecting the linux image to wifi. The suggested work-around is to boot into Nickel, connect to wifi, then boot into linux and connect wifi.

This works ONLY IF the wifi is connected to the Internet - for both the Linux distro as well as for Nickel.

My problem is that I dont have internet on my wifi, and Nickel nor Linux wont connect.

I have tried 2 different wfi ap's with security on and off, all with the same result.

Why would Internet be required for successfull wifi connection? Is there a firewall or iptables or similar configured to prevent wifi connections when there is no internet connection from the wifi?