How to Install and Enable AIC8800 chipset Wi-Fi Driver for Linux

This guide outlines the technical process of installing and enabling the AIC8800 Wi-Fi driver on a Linux system using the DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) framework. The AIC8800 chipset, known for being a cost-effective Wi-Fi 6 solution, offers high-speed wireless connectivity at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who still want the latest wireless technology.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure that you have the necessary dependencies:

1. DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support), which will handle automatic module rebuilds after kernel updates. You can install it by running: sudo apt-get install dkms

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Clone the AIC8800-DKMS Repository

First, clone the AIC8800-DKMS repository from GitHub to your local machine:

git clone https://github.com/geniuskidkanyi/aic8800

Navigate to the downloaded directory:

cd aic8800

2. Copy Source Files to /usr/src/

Next, copy the source code to the /usr/src/ directory so that DKMS can track and manage the module:

sudo cp -r src /usr/src/aic8800-1.0.5

The 1.0.5 reflects the version number of the module. Ensure this is correct.

3. Copy Firmware Blobs

Firmware blobs are essential for the module to work properly. Copy these to the /usr/lib/firmware/ directory:

sudo cp -r blobs/* /usr/lib/firmware/

4. Install the AIC8800 Wi-Fi Module with DKMS

Now that the files are in place, use DKMS to install the module:

dkms install aic8800/1.0.5

This command will add the AIC8800 module to DKMS, allowing it to automatically manage it during kernel upgrades.

5. Load the AIC8800 Driver

Once installed, load the driver with the following command:

sudo modprobe aic8800_fdrv

This command activates the module and ensures that your system recognizes the wireless chipset supported by AIC8800.

6. Verify the Installation and Driver Activation

To confirm the installation, check the status of the DKMS module by running:

dkms status

This will display the AIC8800 module version and confirm whether it is associated with the current kernel.

You can also confirm that the driver is loaded with:

lsmod | grep aic8800_fdrv

If successful, this command will display information about the loaded module.

7. Reboot the System

For all changes to take effect, reboot your system:

sudo reboot

This will ensure that the AIC8800 Wi-Fi driver is fully integrated and working as expected after the restart.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ve successfully installed and enabled the AIC8800 Wi-Fi driver for Linux using DKMS. The module will automatically rebuild itself after any kernel upgrades, ensuring continued support for your wireless device.

For further troubleshooting or assistance, refer to the official AIC8800 GitHub repository.