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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."

8 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

    1. Re:for linux too! by jo42 · · Score: 4, Funny

      If *BSD dies, from where will Linux steal its drivers??

  3. 802.1x and Dynamic WEP by riclewis · · Score: 4, Insightful

    We still won't be really caught up in the corporate business world until 802.1x and Dynamic WEP are supported by BSD and Linux. Without these security measures, wireless connections are too insecure to be used for anything other than the "oooh cool!" factor. Ric

  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. I'm IN HEAVEN!! by zbowling · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Just downloaded and it works GREAT! I hated being forced to use windows on my wireless boxes because that is all that was supported. I love this now. Ironicly like most thinks in Linux/BSD that have to do with networking, it runs so much faster!

    --
    No.
  7. I'd have thought this would be on the front page by edhall · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Given that there have been a lot of complaints that 802.11{a,g} wasn't available for Linux & BSD and that this announces both FreeBSD and Linux drivers for 802.11{a,g}, I'd have expected this to appear on the front page. Not that this driver is a perfect solution -- part of the driver is closed due to "legal requirements" -- but that hasn't kept, say, Nvidia's drivers from being Big News.

    Curious...

    In any case, Thanks, Sam!

    -Ed