How To Install Realtek Wifi Drivers on AlmaLinux 10

AlmaLinux 10 represents the latest evolution in enterprise-grade Linux distributions, offering robust stability and enterprise-level support for production environments. However, wireless connectivity challenges persist, particularly with Realtek WiFi adapters that require specialized driver installation procedures.

Realtek WiFi chipsets are ubiquitous in modern computing devices, from budget laptops to high-end workstations. Yet their proprietary nature often creates connectivity roadblocks for Linux users. Unlike plug-and-play Windows experiences, Linux systems frequently require manual driver installation for optimal Realtek WiFi performance.

This comprehensive guide addresses the complete process of installing Realtek WiFi drivers on AlmaLinux 10. You’ll discover multiple installation methods, troubleshooting techniques, and optimization strategies. Whether you’re a system administrator managing enterprise deployments or a Linux enthusiast transitioning to AlmaLinux, this tutorial provides the essential knowledge for seamless wireless connectivity.

The installation process involves identifying your specific Realtek chipset, selecting appropriate drivers, and implementing proper configuration procedures. Success depends on understanding your hardware specifications and following systematic installation protocols.

Understanding Realtek WiFi Drivers and AlmaLinux 10

About Realtek WiFi Chipsets

Realtek Semiconductor Corporation dominates the consumer networking hardware market, producing cost-effective WiFi solutions for manufacturers worldwide. Their chipsets power wireless connectivity in millions of devices, spanning entry-level laptops to premium gaming systems.

Common Realtek WiFi chipsets include RTL8188EU, RTL8192CU, RTL8812AU, RTL8821CE, and RTL8822BE. Each chipset requires specific driver implementations optimized for its particular hardware architecture. The RTL8821CE chipset appears frequently in modern laptops, while RTL8812AU serves USB WiFi dongles and PCIe cards.

Realtek drivers aren’t always included in the Linux kernel by default due to proprietary licensing restrictions and rapid hardware iteration cycles. Manufacturers often release Windows-specific drivers while community developers create Linux-compatible alternatives. This disparity necessitates manual installation procedures for optimal functionality.

The open-source nature of Linux means driver development relies heavily on community contributions and reverse-engineering efforts. Dedicated developers maintain repositories containing drivers for various Realtek chipsets, ensuring compatibility across different Linux distributions.

AlmaLinux 10 Network Management

AlmaLinux 10 implements NetworkManager as the default network configuration tool, streamlining wireless connectivity management through unified interfaces. NetworkManager provides consistent behavior across different network types, simplifying administration tasks for system administrators.

Available configuration methods include nmcli command-line interface, nmtui text-based interface, and direct configuration file editing. The nmcli tool offers comprehensive wireless management capabilities, enabling script-friendly automation and advanced configuration options.

AlmaLinux 10 introduces several improvements over previous versions, including enhanced hardware detection capabilities and streamlined driver installation procedures. The distribution’s RHEL compatibility ensures enterprise-grade stability while maintaining modern hardware support.

Network configuration in AlmaLinux 10 follows systemd networking principles, integrating seamlessly with modern Linux service management frameworks. This architecture provides robust networking capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility with traditional network administration tools.

Prerequisites and System Preparation

System Requirements

Before beginning driver installation, verify your hardware configuration and system specifications. Proper hardware identification prevents compatibility issues and ensures successful driver deployment.

Execute the following commands to identify your wireless hardware:

lspci | grep -i network
lshw -class network
inxi -Nn

These commands reveal detailed information about your network controllers, including manufacturer details, model numbers, and current driver assignments. The lspci output specifically identifies PCIe-connected WiFi adapters, while lshw provides comprehensive hardware descriptions.

Check your current WiFi adapter status using iwconfig or ip commands:

iwconfig
ip link show

Verify your AlmaLinux 10 installation and kernel version:

uname -r
cat /etc/os-release

Current kernel version information is crucial for driver compatibility verification and successful compilation procedures.

Essential Package Installation

AlmaLinux 10 requires specific development tools and dependencies for successful driver compilation. Install essential packages using the DNF package manager:

sudo dnf update
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
sudo dnf install dkms git kernel-headers kernel-devel

DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) provides automatic kernel module rebuilding capabilities, ensuring driver compatibility across kernel updates. This framework eliminates manual recompilation requirements when the system kernel changes.

Install additional dependencies for driver compilation:

sudo dnf install gcc gcc-c++ make cmake
sudo dnf install elfutils-libelf-devel openssl-devel

Git installation enables access to community-maintained driver repositories hosted on platforms like GitHub. These repositories contain the latest driver versions and community-contributed improvements.

Verify successful package installation:

which gcc make git
dkms status

Identifying Your Realtek WiFi Chipset

Hardware Detection Methods

Accurate chipset identification is fundamental for successful driver installation. Linux provides multiple tools for comprehensive hardware detection and analysis.

Use the lspci command to identify network controllers:

lspci -v | grep -i network -A 10

This command displays detailed information about PCIe-connected network devices, including vendor IDs, device IDs, and current driver assignments. Realtek devices typically display “Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd.” as the manufacturer.

Alternative detection methods include:

hwinfo --pci | grep -i network
lshw -class network -short
usb-devices | grep -i realtek

The hwinfo command provides extensive hardware information, while lshw offers structured network device listings. USB-connected Realtek adapters require usb-devices for proper identification.

Interpret lspci output carefully, noting specific model numbers and revision information. For example, “RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Wireless Network Adapter” indicates an RTL8821CE chipset requiring specific driver installation procedures.

Determining Driver Requirements

Match your identified chipset to appropriate driver repositories using the following common mappings:

Check for existing driver conflicts:

lsmod | grep -i rtl
modinfo rtl8821ce

Existing drivers may conflict with new installations, requiring removal before proceeding with custom driver installation.

Method 1: Installing Realtek Drivers Using DKMS

DKMS Installation Process

DKMS provides automated kernel module management, ensuring driver compatibility across kernel updates without manual intervention. This method offers superior long-term stability and maintenance convenience.

Begin by cloning the appropriate driver repository for your specific chipset:

cd /tmp
git clone https://github.com/tomaspinho/rtl8821ce.git
cd rtl8821ce

Verify repository contents and driver version:

ls -la
cat README.md

Add the driver to DKMS management:

sudo dkms add .

Build the kernel module for your current kernel version:

sudo dkms build 8821ce/5.6.4

Install the compiled module:

sudo dkms install 8821ce/5.6.4

Load the newly installed module:

sudo modprobe 8821ce

The DKMS framework automatically rebuilds kernel modules during kernel updates, eliminating manual recompilation requirements. This automation ensures consistent wireless connectivity across system updates.

Popular Driver Repositories

Several community-maintained repositories provide Realtek driver support for various chipsets:

rtlwifi_new supports multiple Realtek chipsets including RTL8723BE, RTL8723DE, and RTL8821AE. This repository offers comprehensive driver support with regular updates and community contributions.

rtl8812au specifically targets RTL8812AU and RTL8821AU chipsets commonly found in USB WiFi adapters. The repository maintains compatibility with modern kernel versions and provides monitor mode support.

rtl8188eu focuses on RTL8188EU chipsets popular in budget USB WiFi dongles. Community developers actively maintain this repository with regular bug fixes and feature enhancements.

Clone repositories using appropriate URLs:

git clone https://github.com/lwfinger/rtlwifi_new.git
git clone https://github.com/morrownr/8812au-20210629.git

Verifying DKMS Installation

Confirm successful DKMS installation using status commands:

dkms status
lsmod | grep rtl

The dkms status command displays all managed modules, including version information and installation status. Successful installations appear as “installed” with corresponding kernel versions.

Test wireless functionality:

iwconfig
nmcli device wifi list

Successful driver installation enables wireless interface detection and network scanning capabilities. The iwconfig command displays wireless interface information, while nmcli provides network management functionality.

Method 2: Manual Driver Compilation and Installation

Manual Compilation Process

Manual compilation offers maximum control over driver installation but requires more technical expertise and ongoing maintenance. This method suits advanced users requiring custom configurations or troubleshooting specific issues.

Download driver source code from appropriate repositories:

cd /tmp
wget https://github.com/tomaspinho/rtl8821ce/archive/main.zip
unzip main.zip
cd rtl8821ce-main

Review compilation requirements:

cat README.md
make help

Compile the driver using make:

make clean
make

Install compiled modules:

sudo make install

The compilation process generates kernel modules optimized for your specific system configuration. Custom compilation enables advanced optimization flags and debugging capabilities.

Handle compilation errors by installing missing dependencies:

sudo dnf install kernel-headers-$(uname -r)
sudo dnf install gcc-c++ make cmake

Loading and Configuring Modules

Load compiled modules manually:

sudo modprobe 8821ce

Create persistent module loading configuration:

echo '8821ce' | sudo tee /etc/modules-load.d/rtl8821ce.conf

Verify module loading:

lsmod | grep 8821ce
modinfo 8821ce

Configure module parameters for optimal performance:

echo 'options 8821ce power_save=0' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/rtl8821ce.conf

Post-Installation Configuration

Network Interface Configuration

NetworkManager provides comprehensive wireless configuration capabilities through multiple interfaces. Configure WiFi connections using nmcli commands:

nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi connect "NetworkName" password "NetworkPassword"

Create persistent network profiles:

nmcli connection add type wifi con-name "MyWiFi" ifname wlan0 ssid "NetworkName"
nmcli connection modify "MyWiFi" wifi-sec.key-mgmt wpa-psk
nmcli connection modify "MyWiFi" wifi-sec.psk "NetworkPassword"

GUI configuration options include GNOME Settings, KDE Network Manager, and dedicated network configuration tools. Desktop environments provide intuitive wireless management interfaces for non-technical users.

Testing and Verification

Verify successful driver installation:

lsmod | grep rtl
iwconfig
ip link show

Test wireless interface functionality:

iwlist scan | grep -i essid
ping -c 4 google.com

Perform speed and stability testing:

speedtest-cli
iperf3 -c speedtest.net

Monitor connection stability using continuous ping tests and network monitoring tools.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Driver Conflicts and Resolution

Identify conflicting drivers using lsmod and modinfo commands:

lsmod | grep -i rtl
modinfo rtl8821ce

Remove conflicting drivers:

sudo modprobe -r rtl8821ce_old
sudo rmmod conflicting_driver

Blacklist problematic drivers by creating blacklist files:

echo 'blacklist rtl8821ce_old' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-rtl.conf

Update initramfs to apply changes:

sudo dracut --force

Compilation and Build Errors

Common compilation errors include missing dependencies and kernel header mismatches. Install required development packages:

sudo dnf install kernel-devel-$(uname -r)
sudo dnf install elfutils-libelf-devel

Resolve kernel header compatibility issues:

sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel
sudo reboot

Address specific error messages:

• “No such file or directory” indicates missing header files
• “Permission denied” suggests insufficient privileges
• “Unknown symbol” implies missing kernel symbols

Connection Problems

WiFi adapter detection failures often result from incorrect driver loading or hardware conflicts. Verify hardware recognition:

lspci | grep -i network
dmesg | grep -i wifi

Resolve slow or unstable connections by adjusting power management settings:

sudo iw dev wlan0 set power_save off
echo 'options 8821ce power_save=0' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/rtl8821ce.conf

Advanced Configuration and Optimization

Power Management Settings

Disable WiFi power saving mode for improved stability:

sudo iw dev wlan0 set power_save off

Create persistent power management configuration:

echo '#!/bin/bash' | sudo tee /etc/NetworkManager/dispatcher.d/02-wifi-powersave
echo 'if [ "$1" = "wlan0" ] && [ "$2" = "up" ]; then' | sudo tee -a /etc/NetworkManager/dispatcher.d/02-wifi-powersave
echo '    iw dev wlan0 set power_save off' | sudo tee -a /etc/NetworkManager/dispatcher.d/02-wifi-powersave
echo 'fi' | sudo tee -a /etc/NetworkManager/dispatcher.d/02-wifi-powersave
sudo chmod +x /etc/NetworkManager/dispatcher.d/02-wifi-powersave

Performance Optimization

Optimize WiFi channel selection and interference mitigation:

iwlist scan | grep -i frequency
sudo iw dev wlan0 set channel 6

Monitor signal strength and connection quality:

watch -n 1 'iwconfig wlan0 | grep -i signal'
wavemon

Implement Quality of Service (QoS) configurations for improved network performance.

Security Considerations

Secure Boot Compatibility

UEFI Secure Boot restricts unsigned kernel module loading, potentially preventing custom driver installation. Check Secure Boot status:

mokutil --sb-state

Disable Secure Boot temporarily for driver installation:

sudo mokutil --disable-validation

Alternatively, sign kernel modules using Machine Owner Keys (MOK):

sudo kmodgenca -a
sudo kmodsign sha256 /root/signing_key.priv /root/signing_key.der module_name.ko

Driver Source Verification

Verify driver authenticity using GPG signatures and checksum validation:

gpg --verify driver_package.tar.gz.sig
sha256sum -c driver_package.tar.gz.sha256

Use trusted repositories and official sources whenever possible. Community-maintained repositories like GitHub provide transparency and peer review.

Maintenance and Updates

Keeping Drivers Updated

Monitor driver repositories for updates and security patches:

cd /path/to/driver/repository
git pull origin main

DKMS automatically rebuilds drivers during kernel updates, maintaining compatibility across system upgrades. Manual installations require periodic maintenance and recompilation.

Kernel Update Considerations

Kernel updates may break custom driver installations. Prepare for kernel updates by:

1. Backing up working driver configurations
2. Documenting successful installation procedures
3. Maintaining driver source code copies
4. Testing drivers after kernel updates

Rebuild drivers after kernel updates:

sudo dkms remove 8821ce/5.6.4 --all
sudo dkms install 8821ce/5.6.4

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Realtek drivers. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Realtek wifi driver on the AlmaLinux OS 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the Realtek website.