GNU/Linux Atheros Wifi Driver Installation
GNU/Linux Installing Atheros Wireless Driver Guide
Hello Linux user! This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on How to Install Qualcomm Atheros Wireless PCIe/SDIO/USB Adapters Driver in GNU/Linux Computers.
Amd most of Atheros equiped Devices are currently supported by the following Kernel Modules:
-
PCIe/SDIO
- 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
- 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) (For more insight about the Supported Devices you may see the Linked Kernel Online Documentation.)
And to make use of the Latest Ralink Wireless Driver on Linux it’s enough to dispose of an Updated Linux Kernel.
After a Kernel Upgrade, it is Strongly Recommended to Immediately Proceed with a Firmware Update to Ensure Hardware Compatibility and Optimal Performance. Follow this Guide: How to Update Linux Firmware on GNU/Linux Distros.
But what’s usually missing on Debian Based OSes is just the Atheros Proprietary Firmware.
Atheros Wireless Driver GNU+Linux Setup Guide
On Debian is required at least a Atheros Firmware Setup!
Else for most Distros the Atheros Wireless Adapters should Works Out-of-Box.
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!