GNU/Linux Debian Buster Installing Atheros Wireless Firmware Guide
Hi! This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on How to Install Qualcomm Atheros Wireless PCIe/SDIO/USB Adapters Driver Firmware in Debian Buster 10.x GNU/Linux Computers.
What is often missing in Debian based is just the Atheros Proprietary Firmware!
Because most of Atheros equipped Devices should currently supported by the following Kernel Modules:
-
PCIe/SDIO Wi-fi
- ath5k (Since September 2008, Kernel 2.6.27)
- ath6k_sdio (Since Jannuary 2012, Kernel 3.2)
- ath9k (Since September 2008, Kernel 2.6.27)
- ath10k (Since August 2013, Kernel 3.11)
- wil6210 (Since Febbraury 2013, Kernel 3.8)
- ath11k (Since March 2020, Kernel 5.6)
- ath12k (Since May 2023, Kernel 6.3) USB Wi-fi
- ath6k_usb (Since Jannuary 2012, Kernel 3.2)
- ath9k_htc (Since September 2008, Kernel 2.6.27)
- ath10k_usb (Since September 2013, Kernel 3.11. But still not fully working)
- ar5523 (Since Febbraury 2013, Kernel 3.8)
- carl9170 (Since April 2009, Kernel 2.6.29)
- zd1201 (Since July 2005, Kernel 2.6.12)
- zd1211rw (Since October 2006, Kernel 2.6.18) Bluetooth
- ath3k (Since March 2010, Kernel 2.6.33)
(For more insight about the Supported Devices you may see the Debian Online Documentation.)
Especially relevant, if you are Unsure about your Wifi Device Chipset then see: How to Get Wireless Adapter Info on GNU/Linux.
On Debian is required at least a Atheros Firmware Setup!
Especially relevant: for the ath11k Supported Devices is Required a Kernel 5.6+ and a Latest Linux Firmware Setup!
So to Setup the Updated or Latest available Release you may see:
Last, in case of Issue with the latest Devices you may see: How to Update Linux Firmware!