How do I install Atheros AR9271 wifi drivers on Debian?

Question

I am trying to use a USB connected device (a used wlan adapter, that I got without any docs or CD). When I plug it and run lsusb I see it gets recognized as plugged. What do I do to use it?

The line is:

Bus 001 Device 021: ID 0cf3:9271 Atheros Communications, Inc. AR9271 802.11n

Solution 1

You need to add a non-free repository to your sources.list then install the firmware-atheros , plug in your device it will be loaded automatically.

1) Edit your sources.list:

apt edit-sources

Choose your favorite text editor ( e,g: 1=nano). Add the following line:

deb http://httpredir.debian.org/debian/ jessie main contrib non-free

2) install the firmware-atheros package:

apt-get update && apt-get install firmware-atheros

3) Connect your device

Solution 2

With the output of lsusb you can use $SEARCH_ENGINE for "AR9271", which then leads you to a guide how to apt-get install firmware-atheros, which luckily lists your devices ID (-:

Comments

[Eamonn Kenny]

How do you apt-get when you have no network?

[eco]

You missed this: 1.- The Repo should be https 2-When you do apt-get update the system will complain if keys aren't present, add them using instructions here: answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/118944

[GAD3R]

@eco this Debian not Ubuntu.

[eco]

@GAD3R Correct, but ubuntu is based of of Debian so I was piggy bagging of of your post and forgot to delete mine. Btw, consider this for both: askubuntu.com/questions/799104/…