In this article, we will explore a common issue faced by Ubuntu users, specifically those using the Realtek rtl8188ftv USB Wifi adapter. This adapter has been known to disconnect frequently, causing a lot of inconvenience. However, don’t worry! I am here to guide you through the process of solving this problem. Let’s dive in!
To fix the Realtek rtl8188ftv USB Wifi disconnecting issue on Ubuntu, you need to install the correct driver, disable power-saving mode, and reload the driver. Follow the steps outlined in the article for a detailed guide.
Identifying the Problem
The first step in resolving any technical issue is identifying the problem. In this case, you might notice that your Wifi connection is unstable, disconnecting frequently or immediately after being connected. This is a common issue with the Realtek rtl8188ftv USB Wifi adapter when used on an Ubuntu system.
Installing the Correct Driver
The first step in resolving this issue is to ensure that you have the correct driver installed for your Wifi adapter. The driver repository for the Realtek rtl8188ftv USB Wifi adapter can be found on GitHub here.
To install the drivers, open your terminal and run the following commands:
git clone https://github.com/kelebek333/rtl8188fu
sudo dkms add ./rtl8188fu
sudo dkms build rtl8188fu/1.0
sudo dkms install rtl8188fu/1.0
sudo cp ./rtl8188fu/firmware/rtl8188fufw.bin /lib/firmware/rtlwifi/Each command serves a specific purpose:
git clone https://github.com/kelebek333/rtl8188fuis used to clone the driver repository to your local system.sudo dkms add ./rtl8188fuadds the driver to the DKMS tree, which is a framework that helps manage kernel module drivers.sudo dkms build rtl8188fu/1.0andsudo dkms install rtl8188fu/1.0are used to build and install the driver.sudo cp ./rtl8188fu/firmware/rtl8188fufw.bin /lib/firmware/rtlwifi/copies the firmware file to the appropriate directory.
Checking the Driver Installation
After installing the drivers, you should check if the driver is recognized by your system. Run the command modinfo rtl8188fu in your terminal. This command provides information about a specific module; in this case, the rtl8188fu module.
Fixing the Disconnection Issue
To fix the issue of immediate disconnection, you need to disable the power-saving mode for the Wifi adapter. This can be done by running the following command in your terminal:
echo "options rtl8188fu rtw_ips_mode=0" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/rtl8188fu.confHere, echo "options rtl8188fu rtw_ips_mode=0" is used to create a new option line for the rtl8188fu module, setting rtw_ips_mode to 0 (which disables power-saving mode). The | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/rtl8188fu.conf part of the command writes the output to the rtl8188fu.conf file.
Reloading the Driver
After disabling the power-saving mode, you need to reload the driver. This can be done using the following command:
sudo modprobe -rv rtl8188fu && sudo modprobe -v rtl8188fuThe sudo modprobe -rv rtl8188fu command removes the rtl8188fu module, and the sudo modprobe -v rtl8188fu command inserts it back. This process of removing and inserting the module is known as reloading the driver.
Testing the Solution
Once you have completed the above steps, reboot your system and try to connect to a Wifi network again. If the steps were followed correctly, the issue of immediate disconnection should be resolved.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered how to fix the Realtek rtl8188ftv USB Wifi disconnecting issue on Ubuntu. We hope this guide has been helpful. If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to the Ubuntu community or the manufacturer’s support for further assistance.
This fix can be applied to any version of Ubuntu that supports the Realtek rtl8188ftv USB Wifi adapter. However, it is always recommended to check for specific driver updates or compatibility issues with your Ubuntu version.
If you encounter any errors while running the commands, make sure to double-check the commands for any typos or missing characters. If the issue persists, try searching for the specific error message online or consider seeking assistance from the Ubuntu community or the manufacturer’s support.
Yes, you can revert the changes by removing the driver and deleting the configuration file. To remove the driver, run the command sudo dkms remove rtl8188fu/1.0 --all. To delete the configuration file, run the command sudo rm /etc/modprobe.d/rtl8188fu.conf. After removing the driver and deleting the configuration file, you can reboot your system to restore the previous state.
Yes, there might be alternative solutions to fixing the disconnection issue. One possible solution is to try updating your Ubuntu system to the latest version, as newer versions often come with improved driver support. You can also try using a different USB Wifi adapter or contacting the manufacturer for any available firmware updates or troubleshooting steps.
This fix is specifically tailored for the Realtek rtl8188ftv USB Wifi adapter. While it might work for other Realtek adapters with similar issues, it may not be applicable to USB Wifi adapters from different manufacturers. It is always recommended to search for specific fixes or solutions for your particular adapter model.
