Tiny Core Linux

Tiny Core Base => TCB Bugs => Topic started by: Linuxis on September 29, 2011, 05:47:47 PM

Title: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: Linuxis on September 29, 2011, 05:47:47 PM

I jumped for joy at the release of Multicore 4.0 and the prospects that it presented. My thoughts had zero reservations about any connection issues concerning the newest version as I'd had no problem connecting to wifi in 3.8 and earlier.  However the situation remains that Multicore 4.0 will not detect my wireless adapter.

Here is the read out of Lsmod:

ar9170usb              42262  0
mac80211               99898  1 ar9170usb
led_class               1733  1 ar9170usb
ath                     6106  1 ar9170usb
cfg80211               90319  3 ar9170usb,mac80211,ath
usb_storage            29717  0
usbhid                 18009  0
usbcore                91279  6 ar9170usb,usb_storage,usbhid,uhci_hcd,ehci_hcd

I looked through the wireless drivers included with the newest release and ar9170 was one of them.  However I paid a visit to Linux wireless and learned that Ar9170 is no longer supported by Linux kernel 3.0.  The most update and functioning driver for Ath9170 cards is Carl9170.  That was the error that I thought I'd bring to all of your attention.  Unfortunately until a carl9170 driver module is built for the next update of Tiny Core, I'm locked out from using it.  :(

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: gerald_clark on September 29, 2011, 05:56:17 PM

Linux Wireless indicates that this interface will probably never work properly.
Throw it away and get a USB nic that is supported.

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: coreplayer2 on September 29, 2011, 06:23:32 PM

No support for the rtl8712, 8188, 8191, 8192SU  USB wireless either.  Had to compile my own for the 2.6.33.3 kernel  with the help of some great guys from this forum.   Am in the process of doing the same for the 3.0.3 kernel of tc4.x..

Maybe there is more to this in your case but can't you compile a driver/extension for the new tc?

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: gerald_clark on September 29, 2011, 06:32:07 PM

http://linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/carl9170 (http://linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/carl9170)

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: Linuxis on September 29, 2011, 07:30:10 PM

I would like to compile my own but I'm not a coder.  I probably wouldn't know how. 

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: roberts on October 03, 2011, 10:55:32 AM

Trying to support every wireless device is like trying to catch the last train from Philadelphia. There is one leaving every hour or so. As the Tiny Core community contributes extensions for particular wireless devices, they can be added to the networking collection in Multicore. Extensions are primarily the efforts of the community and not part of the base. Multicore's only goal is provide easy access to often needed extensions which may be difficult to initially access from the repository.

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: coreplayer2 on October 03, 2011, 03:31:04 PM

Roberts, that's very interesting.   While there are frequent new wireless devices coming to market,  isn't it also true that  most new devices are based on only a few designs,  for example  the wireless driver compiled for my usb/wireless device is compatible with several realtek chips used in various branded usb/wireless devices. 

Anyhow speaking of community support,  I take it that anyone having compiled and packaged a wireless extension, may also  submit to be included in the repository?   Are the submitting policies for either repository and multicore  based on this    http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php/topic,330.0/topicseen.html (http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php/topic,330.0/topicseen.html) ?  Somehow I figured firmware for hardware devices much closer to the core than say a spreadsheet app and would perhaps be under much tighter control for compatibility and performance. 

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: gerald_clark on October 03, 2011, 03:45:02 PM

Many firmware packages and some drivers are not redistributable.

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: coreplayer2 on October 03, 2011, 03:48:23 PM

Well no wonder there are so few additions in this much needed area.

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: floppy on October 03, 2011, 03:50:32 PM

Quote from: Linuxis on September 29, 2011, 05:47:47 PM

  However I paid a visit to Linux wireless and learned that Ar9170 is no longer supported by Linux kernel 3.0. 

use window files and ndiswrapper? (you can find diverse Information and how to in this forum).
not beautifull. but who cares? then you can save few Euros and keep your crazy usb?

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: coreplayer2 on October 03, 2011, 04:01:50 PM

OMG the wrapper!   isn't that more a proof of concept?  like to test the device works?  it's just too bloated and resource hungry for continued use.

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: floppy on October 04, 2011, 03:49:04 PM

ok ok.. i know.. big.. fat.. I had a stick (Fritz USB WLAN) and used it with the "OMG Wrapper", till I changed to "Ethernet Home Adapters". These proposals are workarounds.

Title: Re: Multi Core 4.0 and no Wifi
Post by: coreplayer2 on October 04, 2011, 11:10:06 PM

lol   I hear you,  looks like it's either the fat wrapper (which I have to admit to have helped me in my time of dire need) or a new wireless card