ChristopherPrice.net

Linux’s Big Problem: Wi-Fi

LinuxDevices.com said over two years ago “The day when WiFi cards “just work” under Linux may be fast approaching.”

Sorry, hasn’t happened yet. This is one of those things that hardcore Linux users scoff at, and everyone else says “exactly!”

I have never been able to make a secure Wi-Fi connection (WPA or WPA2) on Linux. It’s still that bad.

Part of the problem is a lack of cooperation; the lack of a holistic view to making a Wi-Fi stack come to life. The other problem is buggy code. Routinely when I try to get Wi-Fi to work, the status app locks up, doesn’t report correct information, or just plain dies.

My advice to Linux: Take charge at the kernel level, or make a new foundation. In a world where Wi-Fi keeps trying to get itself embedded, and Linux being the primary FOSS embedded platform, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Wi-Fi Alliance wouldn’t be willing to pony up the cost to get the job done… once and for all.

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