How To Install Realtek Wifi Drivers on AlmaLinux 9

In today’s interconnected world, a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for both personal and professional use. However, Linux users, particularly those running AlmaLinux 9, may encounter challenges when it comes to Realtek Wi-Fi drivers. These drivers are often not included in the default kernel, leading to connectivity issues right after installation.

AlmaLinux 9, a robust and enterprise-grade Linux distribution, is an excellent choice for many users. However, like other Linux distributions, it may require additional steps to ensure full hardware compatibility, especially with Realtek Wi-Fi adapters. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of installing Realtek Wi-Fi drivers on AlmaLinux 9, ensuring you can enjoy seamless wireless connectivity.

Understanding Realtek Wi-Fi Drivers

Realtek Semiconductor Corporation is a prominent manufacturer of networking and multimedia ICs. Their Wi-Fi chipsets are widely used in various devices, including laptops, desktops, and USB Wi-Fi adapters. Realtek Wi-Fi drivers are the software components that allow your operating system to communicate with these hardware devices.

Some common Realtek Wi-Fi chipsets include:

• RTL8188EU
• RTL8192CU
• RTL8812AU
• RTL8821CE
• RTL8822BE

While many Linux distributions include drivers for some Realtek chipsets, newer or less common models may require manual installation. This is particularly true for AlmaLinux 9, which prioritizes stability and may not include the latest drivers in its default repositories.

Preparing Your System

Before we begin the installation process, it’s crucial to prepare your AlmaLinux 9 system. This involves updating the system, installing necessary dependencies, and checking for any existing drivers that might conflict with the new installation.

Updating AlmaLinux 9

Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo dnf update
sudo dnf upgrade

This ensures your system is up-to-date with the latest packages and security patches.

Installing Necessary Dependencies

Install the required tools and libraries with this command:

sudo dnf install gcc make kernel-devel kernel-headers dkms git

Checking for Existing Drivers

To check if any Realtek drivers are already installed, use the following command:

lsmod | grep rtl

If you see any output, note the module names as you may need to remove them later to avoid conflicts.

Identifying Your Realtek Wi-Fi Hardware

To install the correct driver, you need to identify your specific Realtek Wi-Fi hardware. There are two main commands you can use for this purpose:

Using lspci

For PCI devices (including most built-in Wi-Fi adapters), use:

lspci -nn | grep Network

Using lsusb

For USB Wi-Fi adapters, use:

lsusb | grep Realtek

The output will include a device ID in the format [XXXX:YYYY]. Note this ID as it will help you find the correct driver.

Downloading Realtek Wi-Fi Drivers

There are two main sources for Realtek Wi-Fi drivers:

Official Realtek Website

Visit the official Realtek website and navigate to the driver download section. Search for your device ID or model number.

Community-Maintained Repositories

For many Realtek chipsets, community-maintained drivers on GitHub provide better compatibility with recent kernels. Some popular repositories include:

• rtlwifi_new for various Realtek chipsets
• rtl8812au for RTL8812AU/21AU chipsets

Choose the appropriate repository based on your chipset.

Installing Realtek Wi-Fi Drivers

There are two main methods to install Realtek Wi-Fi drivers on AlmaLinux 9:

Method 1: Using DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support)

DKMS is preferred as it automatically rebuilds the driver when your kernel is updated.

1. Clone the driver repository:

   git clone https://github.com/example/realtek-driver.git

2. Navigate to the cloned directory:

   cd realtek-driver

3. Install the driver using DKMS:

   sudo ./dkms-install.sh

Method 2: Manual Compilation and Installation

If DKMS is not available or doesn’t work, you can manually compile and install the driver:

1. Clone the driver repository as in Method 1
2. Navigate to the cloned directory
3. Compile the driver:

   make

4. Install the driver:

   sudo make install

Loading the Newly Installed Driver

After installation, you need to load the driver:

sudo modprobe rtl8xxxu

Replace “rtl8xxxu” with the appropriate module name for your driver.

To ensure the driver loads automatically at boot, create a new file:

sudo nano /etc/modules-load.d/realtek-wifi.conf

Add the module name to this file and save it.

Configuring Wi-Fi Connection

Once the driver is installed and loaded, you can configure your Wi-Fi connection:

Using NetworkManager

NetworkManager is the default network configuration tool in AlmaLinux 9. You can use the nmcli command to set up your Wi-Fi:

nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi connect "Your_SSID" password "Your_Password"

GUI Configuration

If you’re using a desktop environment, you can typically configure Wi-Fi through the network settings in your system preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Driver Conflicts

If you experience conflicts with existing drivers, remove them using:

sudo modprobe -r rtl8xxxu

Compilation Errors

Ensure you have all necessary dependencies installed. If errors persist, check for any specific instructions in the driver’s README file.

Wi-Fi Not Detected After Installation

Try rebooting your system. If the issue persists, check if the driver is loaded using lsmod | grep rtl.

Slow or Unstable Connection

Some Realtek drivers have known issues with power management. Try disabling power management for the Wi-Fi adapter:

sudo iw dev wlan0 set power_save off

Keeping Drivers Updated

Regularly updating your Realtek Wi-Fi drivers is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security. Here are some methods to keep your drivers up-to-date:

• If you used a GitHub repository, periodically check for updates and reinstall the driver.
• For drivers installed via DKMS, updates should be handled automatically when you update your kernel.
• Consider setting up a cron job to check for and apply updates automatically.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Realtek drivers. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Realtek wifi driver on the AlmaLinux 9 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the Realtek website.