In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of installing drivers for your USB Wi-Fi adapter on Ubuntu 18.04. This is a crucial step in setting up your wireless network connection on Ubuntu, and we’ll cover every detail to ensure you have a seamless experience.
To install drivers for a USB Wi-Fi adapter on Ubuntu 18.04, you need to identify the exact model of your adapter and then follow the specific instructions for that model. For ASUS BCM43526 adapters, you can use the broadcom-sta-dkms package. For D-Link DWA-192 adapters, you need to clone the driver from a GitHub repository and install it manually.
Identifying Your USB Wi-Fi Adapter
Before we begin, it’s important to identify the exact model of your USB Wi-Fi adapter. This information is necessary as different models require different drivers. To do this, you can use the lsusb command in the terminal. This command lists USB devices connected to your system.
Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and type the following command:
lsusbThe output will display a list of devices. Look for your Wi-Fi adapter in this list and note down the device ID.
Installing Drivers for ASUS BCM43526 Adapter
If you’re using an ASUS BCM43526 adapter, you can install the necessary drivers using the broadcom-sta-dkms package.
First, update your system’s package list by running:
sudo apt-get updateThe sudo command allows you to run operations that require administrative permissions. The apt-get update command fetches the package lists from the repositories and “updates” them to get information on the newest versions of packages and their dependencies.
Once the package list is updated, install the broadcom-sta-dkms package by running:
sudo apt-get install broadcom-sta-dkmsThe apt-get install command installs new packages (in this case, broadcom-sta-dkms).
Installing Drivers for D-Link DWA-192 Adapter
If you have a D-Link DWA-192 adapter, you’ll need to clone the driver from a GitHub repository and install it manually.
First, install the build-essential and git packages by running:
sudo apt-get install build-essential gitThe build-essential package contains references to all the packages needed to compile a Ubuntu binary package. git is a version control system that lets you manage and keep track of your source code history.
Next, clone the driver repository by running:
git clone https://github.com/zebulon2/rtl8814au.gitThis command creates a copy of the rtl8814au repository on your local machine.
Next, navigate to the rtl8814au directory and create a dkms.conf file. Add the necessary lines to this file, then copy the entire directory to /usr/src/:
sudo cp -r rtl8814au /usr/src/rtl8814au-4.3.21The cp command is used to copy files and directories. The -r option tells cp to copy directories recursively, including their content and sub-directories.
Next, add the driver to the DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) framework:
sudo dkms add rtl8814au/4.3.21Build and install the driver:
sudo dkms build rtl8814au/4.3.21
sudo dkms install rtl8814au/4.3.21Finally, verify the installation by running:
dkms statusThis command displays the status of all DKMS modules on your system.
Conclusion
After following these steps, reboot your system. Your USB Wi-Fi adapter should now be working properly. If you’re still facing issues, consider reaching out to the Ubuntu community or the manufacturer of your USB Wi-Fi adapter for further assistance. Remember, the key to successfully setting up your wireless network connection on Ubuntu is identifying the correct drivers for your USB Wi-Fi adapter and installing them correctly.
To find the device ID of your USB Wi-Fi adapter on Ubuntu 18.04, open a terminal window and type the command lsusb. This command will list all the USB devices connected to your system. Look for your Wi-Fi adapter in the list and note down the device ID.
No, different models of USB Wi-Fi adapters require different drivers. Make sure to identify the exact model of your adapter and install the corresponding drivers.
To update the package list on Ubuntu 18.04, open a terminal window and run the command sudo apt-get update. This command fetches the package lists from the repositories and updates them to get information on the newest versions of packages and their dependencies.
To install packages on Ubuntu 18.04, open a terminal window and use the command sudo apt-get install <package-name>. Replace <package-name> with the name of the package you want to install. The sudo command is used to run operations that require administrative permissions.
Yes, it is recommended to reboot your system after installing the drivers for your USB Wi-Fi adapter. This ensures that the changes take effect and your adapter functions properly.
