Arch Linux

yu_raider

Member

Registered: 2009-09-14

Posts: 7

No Broadcom wireless driver in net install ISO?

I downloaded the net install ISO and booted only to find that there's no driver for my wireless adapter? A NET INSTALL ISO without a driver for a very FREQUENT wireless device in a lot of laptops (Broadcom BCM4312)? Come on!
Don't get me wrong, this is not just a rant, nor a flame, I've been using Arch for a couple of months on my desktop and it's great. But, it's really disappointing to find that I can't even install it on my laptop.
Considering it's a net install image, I really think you should include network drivers for at least the more popular adapters, my Broadcom certainly isn't anything esoteric.

Last edited by yu_raider (2009-10-31 21:42:23)

tomk

Forum Fellow

From: Ireland

Registered: 2004-07-21

Posts: 9,839

Re: No Broadcom wireless driver in net install ISO?

There is no official Arch package for the wl driver, therfore there is no package to include on the ISO. If you want the devs to change this, post a feature request in the bugtracker - they generally don't read forum posts.

While you're waiting... you mentioned a desktop. Why not reach around the back of it, unplug the network cable, stick it into your laptop, do the net install, and the broadcom-wl install. Then unplug the cable, put it back in the desktop where it belongs.... and be happy.

Dheart

Member

From: Sofia, Bulgaria

Registered: 2006-10-26

Posts: 956

Re: No Broadcom wireless driver in net install ISO?

Also since kernel 2.6.32 b43 will support BCM4312. Furthermore I don't know if broadcom-wl license allows packaging.

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My victim you are meant to be
No, you cannot hide nor flee
You know what I'm looking for
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wonder

Developer

From: Bucharest, Romania

Registered: 2006-07-05

Posts: 5,941

Website

Re: No Broadcom wireless driver in net install ISO?

b43 needs firmware which the license doesn't allow us to redistribute and that's why never will be on the iso.

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Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.

tomk

Forum Fellow

From: Ireland

Registered: 2004-07-21

Posts: 9,839

Re: No Broadcom wireless driver in net install ISO?

True - but we do provide b43-fwcutter on the iso.