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FreeBSD 802.11a/g Support

Posted by michael on from the look-ma-no-wires dept.

ByTor-2112 writes "If you are like me, you feel like the "next generation" 802.11 technology was leaving the group of people who got the revolution started in the first place -- the Linux/BSD network enthusiasts -- out in the cold. Well No more. With help from Atheros Comunications, Sam Leffler has built a new 802.11 layer for BSD and drivers for the Atheros chipsets (which are found on many of your 11a/g cards). A Linux version of the driver is here. I will certainly make sure to recommend these supported cards to all my friends."

9 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. Semi-closed driver by Fluffy+the+Cat · · Score: 5, Informative

    Note that the author claims that the manufacturers will only allow the release of the code that actually interfaces with the hardware in binary form. It looks like he's happy to provide modules for different architectures so it ought to be possible to run one of these things in an Alpha (for instance), but as-is it's i386 only. This is supposedly due to FCC regulations forbidding radio devices being entirely under user control, so manufacturers outside the US may be a better bet for a driver that can be integrated into the OSs.

  2. for linux too! by andrewl6097 · · Score: 5, Informative

    There is a linux port of these drivers. I've tested them and they work with an Orinoco a/b combo card. http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/madwifi

  3. No need to ask by Mensa+Babe · · Score: 2, Informative

    Which chipsets do the Airport extreme Mini PCI standard use?

    There is no need to ask. You can find it here.

    I'd kill to be able to use my 12" PB on a linux based system ocasionaly with 802.11g.

    I wish you good luck with porting. We need more people like you.

    --
    Karma: Positive (probably because of superiour intellect)
  4. Re:cool! by tigga · · Score: 5, Informative
    now, where can I find a list of products that use this chipset?

    From ath(4) manpage:

    D-Link DWL-AB650 AR5211 Cardbus
    D-Link DWL-AG520 AR5212 PCI
    D-Link DWL-AG650 AR5212 Cardbus
    Linksys WMP55AG AR5212 Cardbus
    Linksys WPC51AB AR5211 Cardbus
    Linksys WPC55AG AR5212 PCI
    Netgear WAB501 AR5211 Cardbus
    Netgear WAG511 AR5212 Cardbus

    there should be other of course.

  5. also this other linux driver - "ar5k" by Splork · · Score: 4, Informative

    http://team.vantronix.net/ar5k/ is a linux driver for these chipsets as well.

  6. Re:I'm IN HEAVEN!! by lwbecker2 · · Score: 2, Informative

    Ironicly like most thinks in Linux/BSD that have to do with networking, it runs so much faster!

    No... it ISN'T ironic

  7. Hopefully now Intel will follow suit... by salimma · · Score: 3, Informative
    ... Ever since the Centrino platform was released, Intel has had a Linux driver for the wireless chipset tested in-house, but it has not been released 'awaiting market demand'.

    I might actually settle for a semi-closed driver rather than having to plug a battery-hogging PC Card get wi-fi connectivity...

    --
    Michel
    Fedora Project Contribut
  8. Re:airport extreme by zonker · · Score: 1, Informative

    broadcom i believe...

    --

    Large print giveth, and the small print taketh away

  9. Re:also this other linux driver - "ar5k" [LOUSY] by Splork · · Score: 2, Informative

    yes, as those who've tried "it" have found, it apparently doesn't deserve to be called a driver at all.

    i guess when you use google to search for something that doesn't exist and it returns the vapor.