How to Install Atheros Wifi Driver on GNU/Linux Distros
GNU/Linux Installing Atheros Wireless Driver Guide
This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on How to Install Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Wifi/Bluetooth Driver in GNU/Linux Distributions.
And 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 Atheros 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.
This Module has been first seen on a 2013 3.10 Kernel, because some importart issues may have been solved only later…
Especially relevant, if you are Unsure about your Wifi Device Chipset then see: How to Get Wireless Adapter Info on GNU/Linux.
