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Author Topic: Need WiFi connection.  (Read 19994 times)

Offline labeas

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Need WiFi connection.
« on: December 24, 2016, 07:04:08 AM »
TC on a USBstik sure is a convenient debugging tool;
but I'm having big problems trying to install a WiFi driver to linux.

Becaause I thought I already had the compiler, installer facilities
 on a [mostly] working Debian7, I tried that to get the WiFi working
 under Linux Debian, before copying it to TC.
 
Compiling the Network adapter Realtek RTL8723BE device driver's few
 source files turns out to be a massive problem:
 first to update/fix the make/gcc. Then I still fail.
The d/l is from
 https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new/tree/rock.new_btcoex
 and the sources are documented as coming from RealT [Taiwan].
So why can't they just provide the binary executable for the specific
 RTL8723BE, instead of the whole directory-tree to compile/maintain
 for 6 different models ?

I can't advance the capability of my TC without WiFi connectivity.
 == lab.eas

Offline Juanito

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #1 on: December 24, 2016, 07:22:50 AM »
Did you try to compile the drivers on corepure64?

If so, you could post the error message(s) here so people can help.

Offline coreplayer2

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2016, 09:06:54 AM »
I just built the entire selection of WiFi kernel drivers from their latest git source for corepure64 without issues.
These files are available from one source now
https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new.git
Code: [Select]
firmware
rtl8188ee
rtl8192c
rtl8192ce
rtl8192cu
rtl8192de
rtl8192ee
rtl8192se
rtl8723ae
rtl8723be
rtl8723com
rtl8821ae
rtl_pci
rtl_usb
rtlwifi

It's assumed they will be installed with latest kernel but whether that translates to backporting to earlier kernel versions is left to be seen.
I'll submit an updated RTL extension here asap, hopefully they will be included in tc-8.x
The firmware is included in the download.

Code: [Select]
...
 Building modules, stage 2.
  MODPOST 15 modules
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/btcoexist/btcoexist.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/btcoexist/btcoexist.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8188ee/rtl8188ee.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8188ee/rtl8188ee.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192c/rtl8192c-common.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192c/rtl8192c-common.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192ce/rtl8192ce.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192ce/rtl8192ce.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192cu/rtl8192cu.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192cu/rtl8192cu.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192de/rtl8192de.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192de/rtl8192de.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192ee/rtl8192ee.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192ee/rtl8192ee.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192se/rtl8192se.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8192se/rtl8192se.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8723ae/rtl8723ae.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8723ae/rtl8723ae.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8723be/rtl8723be.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8723be/rtl8723be.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8723com/rtl8723-common.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8723com/rtl8723-common.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8821ae/rtl8821ae.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl8821ae/rtl8821ae.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl_pci.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl_pci.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl_usb.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtl_usb.ko
  CC      /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtlwifi.mod.o
  LD [M]  /tmp/RTL/rtlwifi_new/rtlwifi.ko
make[1]: Leaving directory '/usr/src/linux-4.2.9'

first install compiletc.tcz, git.tcz and linux-kernel-sources-env.tcz
Code: [Select]
tce-load -iw git compiletc linux-kernel-sources-env
then run the kernel sources
Code: [Select]
linux-kernel-sources-env.sh
download the module source files & firmware
Code: [Select]
mkdir -p /tmp/RTL
cd /tmp/RTL
git clone https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new.git
cd rtlwifi_new

make modules
Code: [Select]
sudo make clean
sudo make

copy
Code: [Select]
rtl8723be.ko
rtl8723-common.ko
rtl_pci.ko
rtl_usb.ko
rtlwifi.ko
to /lib/modules/4.2.9-tinycore64/kernel/drivers/RTL
(create directories as needed)
 
and copy firmware
Code: [Select]
rtl8723fw.bin
rtl8723fw_B.bin
to /usr/local/lib/firmware/rtlwifi


Looks like you'll need the Wifi.tcz (extension) installed and loaded  before modprobe'ing the driver
Code: [Select]
tce-load -iw Wifi
sudo depmod -a
sudo modprobe rtlwifi
check dmesg for any install info

then run the Wifi extension

with your module there is support for antenna selection, which might need a config file.
not sure if you need to copy the BT module (btcoexist.ko)  aswell?

And don't forget to make a TC backup of all these files in their locations

« Last Edit: December 24, 2016, 09:37:10 AM by coreplayer2 »

Offline coreplayer2

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #3 on: December 24, 2016, 10:05:34 AM »
it turns out that all but the actual rtl8723be module is installed when loading wifi.tcz

You might only need to copy
rtl8723be.ko
and both firmware files

Offline labeas

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2016, 02:40:51 AM »
>I just built the entire selection of WiFi kernel drivers from their
> latest git source for corepure64 without issues....etc.

That seems a massive task, you've done. Apparentlly the hardware supplier
give the drivers to M$pook; but where are the drivers from the rest of the
linux community for these relatively <not new> devices?
...
>it turns out that all but the actual rtl8723be module is installed when loading wifi.tcz
>
>You might only need to copy
>rtl8723be.ko <-available from: https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new.git
>and both firmware files  <-The firmware is included in the download.

The <slick> search facility of:
 https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new.git
 indicated that no rtl8723be.ko exists there;
 so just to prove that I've been there, I fetched:
   rtl8723befw.bin  31762 bytes

Offline coreplayer2

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #5 on: December 25, 2016, 08:14:41 AM »
>I just built the entire selection of WiFi kernel drivers from their
> latest git source for corepure64 without issues....etc.

That seems a massive task, you've done. Apparentlly the hardware supplier
give the drivers to M$pook; but where are the drivers from the rest of the
linux community for these relatively <not new> devices?
...
>it turns out that all but the actual rtl8723be module is installed when loading wifi.tcz
>
>You might only need to copy
>rtl8723be.ko <-available from: https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new.git
>and both firmware files  <-The firmware is included in the download.

The <slick> search facility of:
 https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new.git
 indicated that no rtl8723be.ko exists there;
 so just to prove that I've been there, I fetched:
   rtl8723befw.bin  31762 bytes

I'm sorry, let me try explaining this another way here..

As always, the *.ko files have to be compiled for the specific Kernel version.  No body makes the binaries available for multiple kernel versions, That's not the way this works.  the driver is provided in later kernels, however make no mistake here someone who maintains the distribution had to compile it and you can too if you need this today (well, in five minutes).

Only the firmware binaries are compatible with various kernels.

It appears that all you need for this device to function correctly is
rtl8723be.ko
rtl8723-common.ko
and
rtl8723fw.bin
rtl8723fw_B.bin

And install the Wifi.tcz (extension) from the ropo


I'll upload the driver (built for kernel v4.2.9 used in TC-7.x) and firmware files in two separate extensions to the repo, however this process takes a few weeks.  So I've detailed the very easy steps for you to build the  rtl8723be.ko driver file right now for your system,  follow the steps as shown.   The process detailed in my last post was easy and actually completed in less than five minutes.


Without the hardware it impossible to test driver functionality.  I suspect you may need the bluetooth driver and possibly create a config file to specify which antennae to use.  You'll know if anything else is needed after installing the driver and firmware by running dmesg from the terminal.  Also you know if we have success by running Wifi and the wifi adapter connects to your local network.


« Last Edit: December 25, 2016, 08:27:21 AM by coreplayer2 »

Offline coreplayer2

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2016, 03:12:59 PM »
Ok Please install

Code: [Select]
firmware-rtlwifi.tcz
wireless-4.2.9-tinycore64.tcz
wifi.tcz

then use wifi to connect

Assuming x86_64 repo, your device is already supported.  I'm not sure how I missed that detail :p
« Last Edit: December 25, 2016, 03:16:34 PM by coreplayer2 »

Offline labeas

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2017, 12:22:09 PM »
============ View previous 2 dialogs in Oberon:Color:--
Re: Need WiFi connection
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2016, 03:12:59 PM »
Quote
Ok Please install
Code: [Select]
firmware-rtlwifi.tcz
wireless-4.2.9-tinycore64.tcz
wifi.tcz

then use wifi to connect

Assuming x86_64 repo, your device is already supported. 
I'm not sure how I missed that detail :p
============
« Reply #5 on: December 25, 2016, 08:14:41 AM »
As always, the *.ko files have to be compiled for the specific Kernel
 version.
Only the firmware binaries are compatible with various kernels.
It appears that all you need for this device to function correctly is
rtl8723be.ko
rtl8723-common.ko
and
rtl8723fw.bin
rtl8723fw_B.bin

And install the Wifi.tcz (extension) from the repo.
I'll upload the driver (built for kernel v4.2.9 used in TC-7.x)
and firmware files in two separate extensions to the repo,
however this process takes a few weeks.
So I've detailed the very easy steps for you to build the
  rtl8723be.ko driver file right now for your system,
  follow the steps as shown.
  The process detailed in my last post was easy and actually completed
 in less than five minutes.
...
...
============
? Where to fetch these files?
?Perhaps <repository> ?
? Search HOW2s for "repo" ?
=> See RepoBrowser http://packages.tinycorelinux.net/

=> Paste URL: <//packages> to on-line IE
 & try to fetch 4 packages listed above.
 == "COMMING SOON"
 => where:URL did I fetch previously?
 http://tinycorelinux.net/7.x/x86_64/tcz
 == BIG alphabetic list: no apparent <hot links>
  scroll dow == NO rtl*
=> try to follow preiously logged fetches ?
/mc.tcz.dep
=> NB <alphaListing> has <firmware*rtl*wifi*>

Perhaps the TC system is OOO ?


Offline coreplayer2

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2017, 01:26:30 PM »
? Where to fetch these files?
?Perhaps <repository> ?
? Search HOW2s for "repo" ?
=> See RepoBrowser http://packages.tinycorelinux.net/

=> Paste URL: <//packages> to on-line IE
 & try to fetch 4 packages listed above.
 == "COMMING SOON"
 => where:URL did I fetch previously?
 http://tinycorelinux.net/7.x/x86_64/tcz
 == BIG alphabetic list: no apparent <hot links>
  scroll dow == NO rtl*
=> try to follow preiously logged fetches ?
/mc.tcz.dep
=> NB <alphaListing> has <firmware*rtl*wifi*>

Perhaps the TC system is OOO ?
How do you mean??


Please use one of these methods
Use the APPS graphical application to install from repo
Or use tce-ab
Or use tce-load -iw

firmware-rtlwifi.tcz
wireless-4.2.9-tinycore64.tcz
wifi.tcz

then use wifi to connect

Offline labeas

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #9 on: February 02, 2017, 09:00:26 PM »
Re: Need WiFi connection
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2016, 03:12:59 PM »
]Quote
]Ok Please install
]Code: [Select]
]firmware-rtlwifi.tcz <-try:http://tinycorelinux.net/7.x/x86_64/tcz/firmware-rtlwifi.tcz
]wireless-4.2.9-tinycore64.tcz
]wifi.tcz
]
]then use wifi to connect

==> M$ Fetched above 3 files to TCusb:\4tcz
==> Find & read instructions: HOW2 install
=> FAQ:HOW2 install assumes a live inet connection for existing/running TC;
 which is *NOT* the case for a user needing to install WiFi for TC,
 because no direct inet is available YET under TC.
 
I could <decode> the probable script which does:
  d/l & install <extentions> and simulate it manually;
  but I've got enough problems already.
 
Also:
]dCore Wiki
] A Tiny Core variant that imports packages from Debian or Ubuntu
] repositories to create mountable SCEs (self-contained extensions):
could be of interest, since I've got a Debian7 DVD;
which may be less problematic than REPEATEDLY:
 booting M$:Win to d/l files;
 booting TC to manually install new files.
 

Offline Juanito

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #10 on: February 02, 2017, 11:14:02 PM »
As mentioned earlier in the thread, to avoid having to go back and forth between m$ and tc to download extensions, take a look at the *tree files in a browser in m$.

For example: http://www.tinycorelinux.net/7.x/x86_64/tcz/wifi.tcz.tree

Code: [Select]
wifi.tcz
   wireless_tools.tcz
      wireless-4.2.7-tinycore64.tcz
      libiw.tcz
   wpa_supplicant.tcz
      openssl.tcz
      libnl.tcz
      wireless_tools.tcz
         wireless-4.2.7-tinycore64.tcz
         libiw.tcz

..and remember to download the *tcz, *dep and *md5.txt files for each extension.

Offline Misalf

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #11 on: February 02, 2017, 11:35:01 PM »
Note, the .tree files do not list the currently used kernel version.
So when this file is used for reference to download extension manually, substitute
wireless-4.2.7-tinycore64.tcz
with
wireless-4.2.9-tinycore64.tcz
Download a copy and keep it handy: Core book ;)

Offline coreplayer2

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2017, 02:38:28 AM »
Sorry, I always assume an Ethernet connection available nearby to use.  Temporarily at least for downloading of WiFi drivers and tools.  Where there's WiFi there's typically an Ethernet port as well, didn't say readily available but nearby.
:)
« Last Edit: February 03, 2017, 02:45:16 AM by coreplayer2 »

Offline labeas

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #13 on: February 03, 2017, 11:30:40 PM »
>As mentioned earlier in the thread, to avoid having to go back and forth between m$ >and tc to download extensions, take a look at the *tree files in a browser in m$.

>For example: http://www.tinycorelinux.net/7.x/x86_64/tcz/wifi.tcz.tree

Now in M$:WiFi that fetched 3 files.

OMG I didn't know that klik-on M$:FarManager [similar to Linux:mc] opens
*tcz files.  So I don't need to re-boot to TC to inspect the newly fetched
dir-trees.  BTW. the tree/S look excessively deep.

I'll report back if/how I finally got TC:WiFi working.

Thanks.


Offline Juanito

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Re: Need WiFi connection.
« Reply #14 on: February 04, 2017, 09:01:14 PM »
BTW. the tree/S look excessively deep.

What do you mean by this?