Wi-Fi - Revision history

Prabuanand: moved Managing wpa_supplicant via sockets to Advanced options fixed wikitags

2026-04-30T17:29:54Z

moved Managing wpa_supplicant via sockets to Advanced options fixed wikitags

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 The [[Configure_Networking#setup-interfaces|setup-interfaces]] script automates the installation and configuration of
 <code>wpa_supplicant</code> daemon to use Wi-Fi.
 [[NetworkManager]] can then be used to manage your Wi-Fi using various gui/tui tools.
@@ Line 83: / Line 68: @@
 To do this automatically, use the `wpa_cli` service included in {{Pkg|wpa_supplicant-openrc}}: {{Cat|/etc/conf.d/wpa_cli|<nowiki>WPACLI_OPTS="-a /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_cli.sh"</nowiki>}}
 Add the service to start at boot: {{Cmd|# rc-update add wpa_cli boot}}
 == Device driver ==

WhyNotHugo: /* User interfaces */ wpa_gui does not support wpa3

2026-04-30T13:50:14Z

User interfaces: wpa_gui does not support wpa3

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 30 April 2026
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	Replace <code>wheel</code> with any group which should have access to controlling wireless networks. Note that <code>wpa_supplicant</code> only manages associations, DHCP needs to be configured separately (see below).		Replace <code>wheel</code> with any group which should have access to controlling wireless networks. Note that <code>wpa_supplicant</code> only manages associations, DHCP needs to be configured separately (see below).

	If a GUI is required to scan and connect to wireless networks, consider using {{Pkg\|wpa_gui}}		If a GUI is required to scan and connect to wireless networks, consider using {{Pkg\|wpa_gui}}. As of April 2026, <code>wpa_gui</code> does not support WPA3 or Opportunistic Wireless Encryption.

	== NetworkManager ==		== NetworkManager ==

WhyNotHugo: /* User interfaces */

2026-04-30T13:28:33Z

User interfaces

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 30 April 2026
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	ctrl_interface=/run/wpa_supplicant		ctrl_interface=/run/wpa_supplicant
	ctrl_interface_group=wheel		ctrl_interface_group=wheel
			# Allow users to save configuration changes (including network passphrases)
			update_config=1

	Replace <code>wheel</code> with any group which should have access to controlling wireless networks. Note that <code>wpa_supplicant</code> only manages associations, DHCP needs to be configured separately (see below).		Replace <code>wheel</code> with any group which should have access to controlling wireless networks. Note that <code>wpa_supplicant</code> only manages associations, DHCP needs to be configured separately (see below).

WhyNotHugo: /* Setup-interfaces */ Explain wpa_gui

2026-04-30T13:10:49Z

Setup-interfaces: Explain wpa_gui

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 The [[Configure_Networking#setup-interfaces|setup-interfaces]] script automates the installation and configuration of
-<code>wpa_supplicant</code> daemon to use Wi-Fi. [[NetworkManager]] can then be used to manage your Wi-Fi  using various gui/tui tools.
+<code>wpa_supplicant</code> daemon to use Wi-Fi.
 == Manual configuration ==

Apropos: link to nonexistent header for aesthetics

2026-04-12T02:21:08Z

link to nonexistent header for aesthetics

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:21, 12 April 2026
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	Alpine Linux has two wireless daemons ([[~~Wi-Fi~~\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]]) and both are fully supported. This page describes how to set up a wireless network connection using the default daemon, {{Pkg\|wpa_supplicant}}. {{Note\|Do not use both wireless daemons ([[~~Wi-Fi~~\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]]) simultaneously, as it leads to conflicts.}}		Alpine Linux has two wireless daemons ([[#wpa_supplicant\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]]) and both are fully supported. This page describes how to set up a wireless network connection using the default daemon, {{Pkg\|wpa_supplicant}}. {{Note\|Do not use both wireless daemons ([[#wpa_supplicant\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]]) simultaneously, as it leads to conflicts.}}

	== Prerequisites ==		== Prerequisites ==

Apropos: minor grammar tweaks, some rewording

2026-04-12T02:18:25Z

minor grammar tweaks, some rewording

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:18, 12 April 2026
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	Alpine Linux has two wireless daemons ~~i.e~~ [[~~#wpa_supplicant~~\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]] and both are fully supported. This page describes how to set up a wireless network connection using the default daemon ~~i.e [[#wpa_supplicant~~\|wpa_supplicant]]. {{Note\|Do not use both wireless daemons ~~i.e~~ [[~~#wpa_supplicant~~\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]] simultaneously, as it leads to conflicts.}}		Alpine Linux has two wireless daemons ([[Wi-Fi\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]]) and both are fully supported. This page describes how to set up a wireless network connection using the default daemon, {{Pkg\|wpa_supplicant}}. {{Note\|Do not use both wireless daemons ([[Wi-Fi\|wpa_supplicant]] and [[iwd]]) simultaneously, as it leads to conflicts.}}

	== Prerequisites ==		== Prerequisites ==

	~~Working~~ wireless [[#Device driver\|device driver]]. Use the commands {{ic\|ip link}} or {{ic\|ip a}} to list your available network interfaces {{Path\|wlan0}}, if you don't see any, refer to [[#Troubleshooting\|Troubleshooting]] section.		A working wireless [[#Device driver\|device driver]]. Use the commands {{ic\|ip link}} or {{ic\|ip a}} to list your available network interfaces {{Path\|wlan0}}, if you don't see any, refer to [[#Troubleshooting\|Troubleshooting]] section.

	== Setup-interfaces ==		== Setup-interfaces ==
Line 28:		Line 28:
	psk=<RandomLettersAndNumbersShouldBeHere>		psk=<RandomLettersAndNumbersShouldBeHere>
	}</nowiki>}}		}</nowiki>}}
	If you ~~dont~~ want your stored ~~password~~ in plain text ~~just~~ delete the line with <code>#psk="<YourPasswordShouldBeHereInPlainText>"</code> on it.		If you don't want your password stored in plain text, delete the line with <code>#psk="<YourPasswordShouldBeHereInPlainText>"</code> on it.

	If all is well, run it as a daemon in the background by setting the {{Path\|-B}} option. {{Cmd\|# wpa_supplicant -B -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf}}		If all is well, run it as a daemon in the background by setting the {{Path\|-B}} option. {{Cmd\|# wpa_supplicant -B -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf}}

Willowwingss: /* wl */ Added additional instructions for successful building of broadcom-wl-alpine APKBUILD.

2026-03-21T03:56:07Z

wl: Added additional instructions for successful building of broadcom-wl-alpine APKBUILD.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:56, 21 March 2026
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	For '''wl''' chipset, you can download the APKBUILD from [https://codeberg.org/NeYurii/broadcom-wl here]. The site has necessary instructions and the it uses [[Alpine kernel module support]] for automatic building and updating driver for new kernel versions.		For '''wl''' chipset, you can download the APKBUILD from [https://codeberg.org/NeYurii/broadcom-wl here]. The site has necessary instructions and the it uses [[Alpine kernel module support]] for automatic building and updating driver for new kernel versions.

			Commonly when building the APK with these instructions, you will get a "Permission denied" error for a specific line in the APKBUILD.

			To fix this, edit the APKBUILD by changing the line: {{Cmd\|ln -s /sys/kernel/btf/vmlinux /usr/src/linux-headers-"$(uname -r)"/}}

			to: {{Cmd\|doas ln -s /sys/kernel/btf/vmlinux /usr/src/linux-headers-"$(uname -r)"/}}

			After that, it should build with no problems.

	Alternately, install the software to build a driver: {{Cmd\|apk add git alpine-sdk linux-headers linux-lts-dev}}		Alternately, install the software to build a driver: {{Cmd\|apk add git alpine-sdk linux-headers linux-lts-dev}}

Prabuanand: added section Realtek wireless devices

2026-01-10T18:17:09Z

added section Realtek wireless devices

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:17, 10 January 2026
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	== Device driver ==		== Device driver ==

	Wireless networking devices require device drivers and some chipsets also require firmware, in addition to a corresponding driver. In most cases the packaged [[Kernels#Firmware\|firmware]] should get you the required drivers.		Wireless networking devices require device drivers and some chipsets also require firmware, in addition to a corresponding driver. In most cases the packaged [[Kernels#Firmware\|firmware]] should get you the required drivers. The following section provides more information for various chipsets like [[#Broadcom_Wi-Fi_Chipset_Users\|'''Broadcom''']] and some of these out-of-tree kernel drivers use [[Alpine kernel module support]].

	~~A number~~ of out-of-tree kernel drivers ~~for '''Realtek chipset''' are packaged using~~ [[Alpine kernel module support~~]]. If you are using a '''Broadcom chipset''', see the [[#Broadcom_Wi-Fi_Chipset_Users\|Broadcom Wi-Fi section~~]].

	=== Intel wireless devices ===		=== Intel wireless devices ===
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	Intel wireless users seeking a minimal set of firmware packages need to ensure that the following firmware packages are installed: the {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-none}} meta package and {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}. Additionally, the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command is provided by a further package beginning from Alpine Linux v3.23 and Edge: such installations will [https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/alpine/aports/-/merge_requests/65712 also require] {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-intel}}, which now supplies {{Path\|iwlwifi*.ucode.zst}}. Earlier supported versions of Alpine Linux had the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command bundled in {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}.{{Pill\|\|text=v3.23.x}}		Intel wireless users seeking a minimal set of firmware packages need to ensure that the following firmware packages are installed: the {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-none}} meta package and {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}. Additionally, the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command is provided by a further package beginning from Alpine Linux v3.23 and Edge: such installations will [https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/alpine/aports/-/merge_requests/65712 also require] {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-intel}}, which now supplies {{Path\|iwlwifi*.ucode.zst}}. Earlier supported versions of Alpine Linux had the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command bundled in {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}.{{Pill\|\|text=v3.23.x}}

	=== Broadcom Wi-Fi Chipset ~~Users~~ ===		=== Broadcom Wi-Fi Chipset ===

	The Broadcom chipset is quite popular among older computers. The b43 driver is included in the default kernel packages. However, you might need to compile the firmware manually for this chipset as it is not included in {{pkg\|linux-firmware}} for some cards. To check what broadcom chip you have using lspci: {{Cmd\|$ lspci -nn -d 14e4:}}		The Broadcom chipset is quite popular among older computers. The b43 driver is included in the default kernel packages. However, you might need to compile the firmware manually for this chipset as it is not included in {{pkg\|linux-firmware}} for some cards. To check what broadcom chip you have using lspci: {{Cmd\|$ lspci -nn -d 14e4:}}
Line 115:		Line 113:

	Reboot and you have a working wl driver. Now continue with the normal instructions.		Reboot and you have a working wl driver. Now continue with the normal instructions.

			=== Realtek wireless devices ===

			A number of out-of-tree kernel drivers for '''Realtek chipset''' are packaged and found here '''{{pkg\|rtlsrc}}'''. These drivers can be installed using [[Alpine kernel module support]].

	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==

Prabuanand: added section for Device driver

2025-12-31T04:05:38Z

added section for Device driver

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:05, 31 December 2025
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	== Prerequisites ==		== Prerequisites ==

	Working wireless ~~drivers~~. ~~To list your available network interfaces use~~ the commands {{ic\|ip link}} or {{ic\|ip a}}~~. Refer~~ to ~~[[#Troubleshooting~~\|~~Troubleshooting]] section~~ if you don't see any ~~wireless interfaces (e.g. {{Path\|wlan0}}).~~		Working wireless [[#Device driver\|device driver]]. Use the commands {{ic\|ip link}} or {{ic\|ip a}} to list your available network interfaces {{Path\|wlan0}}, if you don't see any, refer to [[#Troubleshooting\|Troubleshooting]] section.

	~~=== Intel - minimal installation ===~~
	~~Intel users seeking a minimal set of firmware packages need~~ to ~~ensure that the following firmware packages are installed: the {{Pkg~~\|linux-firmware-none}} meta package and {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}. Additionally, the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command is provided by a further package beginning from Alpine Linux v3.23 and Edge: such installations will [https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/alpine/aports/-/merge_requests/65712 also require] {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-intel}}, which now supplies {{Path\|iwlwifi*.ucode.zst}}. Earlier supported versions of Alpine Linux had the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command bundled in {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}.{{Pill\|\|text=v3.~~23.x}}~~

	== Setup-interfaces ==		== Setup-interfaces ==
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	Add the service to start at boot: {{Cmd\|# rc-update add wpa_cli boot}}		Add the service to start at boot: {{Cmd\|# rc-update add wpa_cli boot}}

	== ~~Troubleshooting~~ ==		== Device driver ==

	~~In most cases the packaged [[Kernels#Firmware\|firmware]] should get you the required drivers. Bring up the desired interface: {{Cmd\|# ip link set wlan0 up}}~~

	If the commands {{ic\|ip link}} or {{ic\|ip a}} do not show any {{Path\|wlan0}} interface, you probably need to load and/or install out-of-tree kernel drivers packaged using [[Alpine kernel module support]]. If you are using a '''Broadcom chipset''', see the [[#Broadcom_Wi-Fi_Chipset_Users\|Broadcom Wi-Fi section]].

	~~=== Check dmesg ===~~

	~~Run dmesg and check for errors related to the wireless interface. Usually, dmesg gives maximum information related to network and all other hardware.~~
	~~{{Cmd\|# dmesg}}~~

	~~=== checking network cards ===~~		Wireless networking devices require device drivers and some chipsets also require firmware, in addition to a corresponding driver. In most cases the packaged [[Kernels#Firmware\|firmware]] should get you the required drivers.

	~~{{Cmd\|$ cat /proc/net/dev }} lists the network interfaces that~~ are ~~detected~~. If ~~the expected interfaces~~ are ~~not available~~, ~~Check what network hardware chip you have using lspci or lsusb:~~		A number of out-of-tree kernel drivers for '''Realtek chipset''' are packaged using [[Alpine kernel module support]]. If you are using a '''Broadcom chipset''', see the [[#Broadcom_Wi-Fi_Chipset_Users\|Broadcom Wi-Fi section]].

	~~{{Cmd\|$ lspci -nn }}~~		=== Intel wireless devices ===
	~~{{Cmd\|$ lsusb }}~~

	~~Refer [[How~~ to ~~get regular stuff working#Hardware_Management~~\|~~hardware management]] to install additional packages~~, if the ~~above output lacks sufficient information~~. ~~Check what driver the card uses~~ and ~~modprobe it~~. ~~Check that~~ the ~~card is~~ in ~~master mode~~.		Intel wireless users seeking a minimal set of firmware packages need to ensure that the following firmware packages are installed: the {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-none}} meta package and {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}. Additionally, the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command is provided by a further package beginning from Alpine Linux v3.23 and Edge: such installations will [https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/alpine/aports/-/merge_requests/65712 also require] {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-intel}}, which now supplies {{Path\|iwlwifi*.ucode.zst}}. Earlier supported versions of Alpine Linux had the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command bundled in {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}.{{Pill\|\|text=v3.23.x}}

	=== Broadcom Wi-Fi Chipset Users ===		=== Broadcom Wi-Fi Chipset Users ===

	The Broadcom chipset is quite popular among older computers. The b43 driver is included in the default kernel packages. However, you might need to compile the firmware manually for this chipset as it is not included in {{pkg\|linux-firmware}} for some cards.		The Broadcom chipset is quite popular among older computers. The b43 driver is included in the default kernel packages. However, you might need to compile the firmware manually for this chipset as it is not included in {{pkg\|linux-firmware}} for some cards. To check what broadcom chip you have using lspci: {{Cmd\|$ lspci -nn -d 14e4:}}

	To check what broadcom chip you have using lspci: {{Cmd\|$ lspci -nn -d 14e4:}}

	Check what driver you need on the [https://wireless.docs.kernel.org/en/latest/en/users/drivers/b43.html#list-of-hardware b43 compatibility page].		Check what driver you need on the [https://wireless.docs.kernel.org/en/latest/en/users/drivers/b43.html#list-of-hardware b43 compatibility page].
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	Reboot and you have a working wl driver. Now continue with the normal instructions.		Reboot and you have a working wl driver. Now continue with the normal instructions.

			== Troubleshooting ==

			In most cases the packaged [[Kernels#Firmware\|firmware]] should get you the required drivers. To list your available network interfaces use the commands: {{Cmd\|$ ip link}} or {{Cmd\|$ ip a}}

			If the above command shows {{Path\|wlan0}} interface, proceed to bring it up using the command: {{Codeline\|# ip link set wlan0 up}}. '''If no network interface is displayed, you probably need to load and/or install a [[#Device driver\|device driver]]'''.

			=== checking network cards ===

			{{Cmd\|$ cat /proc/net/dev }} lists the network interfaces that are detected. If the expected interfaces are not available, check what network hardware chip you have using builtin {{ic\|lsusb}} command. If the output lacks sufficient information, install additional packages referred in [[How to get regular stuff working#Hardware_Management\| hardware management]] to use below commands:
			{{Cmd\|$ lspci -nn }}
			{{Cmd\|$ lsusb}}

			Check what [[#Device driver\|device driver]] the card uses and modprobe it. Check that the card is in master mode.

			=== Check dmesg ===

			Run dmesg and check for errors related to the wireless interface. Usually, dmesg gives maximum information related to network and all other hardware.
			{{Cmd\|# dmesg}}

	=== Rfkill ===		=== Rfkill ===

John3-16: /* Prerequisites */ Intel - minimal installation firmware requirements further to Alpine 3.23 firmware update

2025-12-29T18:56:23Z

Prerequisites: Intel - minimal installation firmware requirements further to Alpine 3.23 firmware update

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:56, 29 December 2025
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	== Prerequisites ==		== Prerequisites ==

	Working wireless drivers. To list your available network interfaces use the commands {{ic\|ip link}} or {{ic\|ip a}}. Refer to [[#Troubleshooting\|Troubleshooting]] section if you don't see any wireless interfaces (e.g. {{Path\|wlan0}}).		Working wireless drivers. To list your available network interfaces use the commands {{ic\|ip link}} or {{ic\|ip a}}. Refer to [[#Troubleshooting\|Troubleshooting]] section if you don't see any wireless interfaces (e.g. {{Path\|wlan0}}).

			=== Intel - minimal installation ===
			Intel users seeking a minimal set of firmware packages need to ensure that the following firmware packages are installed: the {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-none}} meta package and {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}. Additionally, the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command is provided by a further package beginning from Alpine Linux v3.23 and Edge: such installations will [https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/alpine/aports/-/merge_requests/65712 also require] {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-intel}}, which now supplies {{Path\|iwlwifi*.ucode.zst}}. Earlier supported versions of Alpine Linux had the {{ic\|iwlwifi}} command bundled in {{Pkg\|linux-firmware-other}}.{{Pill\|\|text=v3.23.x}}

	== Setup-interfaces ==		== Setup-interfaces ==