RTL88X1

Realtek Linux driver for USB AX900 Wifi 6 devices 8851bu and 8831bu

This is for generic USB AX900 realtek devices that use the Realtek 8851bu or 8831bu chipsets.

Examples include: pTIME AX900UA Comfast AX900 CF-943F

This includes unbranded AX900 USB WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Adapters sold on AliExpress and Amazon Example: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807263559115.html

To install:

$make

To compile for ARM64

If you want to compile the driver for ARM64 architecture, you need to modify the Makefile by changing the following lines:

CONFIG_PLATFORM_I386_PC = n
CONFIG_PLATFORM_ARM64_PC = y

This will instruct the build process to target ARM64 architecture instead of the default x86 architecture.

Dkms install:

sudo dkms install .

Manually install:

make

sudo make install

You will have to reinstall for any kernel updates.

$make clean

make clean

make

sudo make install

Switch the USB Dongle Mode

By default, USB Wi-Fi dongles are in Driver CDROM Mode, which is incorrect for proper Wi-Fi usage. You need to switch the device to Wi-Fi Mode using usb-modeswitch.

Install usb-modeswitch:

sudo apt-get install usb-modeswitch

Use lsusb to find the Vendor ID and Product ID of your wireless dongle:

lsusb

Example output:

Bus 002 Device 003: ID 0bda:1a2b Realtek Semiconductor Corp. RTL8188GU 802.11n WLAN Adapter (Driver CDROM Mode)

In this example: Vendor ID: 0bda Product ID: 1a2b Use usb-modeswitch to switch the device mode. Replace 0bda and 1a2b with your specific Vendor ID and Product ID:

sudo usb_modeswitch -K -v 0bda -p 1a2b

Reload the Driver

After switching the mode, reload the driver with:

sudo modprobe 8851bu

Verify Wi-Fi Device is Active

Check if the Wi-Fi interface is recognized:

iwconfig

If the device is still not active, check the kernel logs for any errors related to the driver:

sudo dmesg | grep 8851bu