Sub-$20 802.11n USB WiFi Adapter That's Linux Friendly

[phoronix]

Phoronix: Sub-$20 802.11n USB WiFi Adapter That's Linux Friendly

As a quick Friday note, if you're looking for a 802.11n/g USB WiFi adapter that's very affordable and will work great with Linux, here's one of my recent purchases. After being pleased with one of them, I've since ordered a few more of these Wireless-N adapters for Linux usage.

http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=21647

[Calinou]

Does it work without proprietary firmware? That is, can it work with Linux-libre and Debian kernels?

[speculatrix]

given that Ralink are now owned by Mediatek, I wouldn't expect decent drivers for linux to be a deliberate choice by Mediatek!!

[AndyChow]

Does it work without proprietary firmware? That is, can it work with Linux-libre and Debian kernels?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say no. The RT5370 chip (this device has the RT5372) requires proprietary firmware, so it's a semi-educated guess.

[gQuigs]

Does it work without proprietary firmware? That is, can it work with Linux-libre and Debian kernels?

According to this wikipedia page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compar...reless_drivers
(searching for RT53) I don't think so.

@Michael, Happy to see you're using the amazon referral links there . If I pick one up I'll make sure to do it from the link.

[profoundWHALE]

Welp, it's $60 CAD for me, so I'll sit this one out.

[plasmasnake]

The 5dBi antenna led to a great range and better than some of the other WiFi USB adapters I've used that have the antenna built into the housing.

That's the part that I found most intriguing. I wonder if a raspberry pi can power it.

[Sonadow]

According to this wikipedia page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compar...reless_drivers
(searching for RT53) I don't think so.

@Michael, Happy to see you're using the amazon referral links there . If I pick one up I'll make sure to do it from the link.

Debian's stupid decision is the reason I perform a weekly clone of the linux firmware git repository to a thumbdrive that I keep with me at all times.

[AllLinux]

Welp, it's $60 CAD for me, so I'll sit this one out.

I went through the exercise to find a local (canada) Linux USB Network adaptor recently.
I went to the local FS/BB and picked up a hand full of adaptors for an embedded project.
In the end I settled on a DLink DWA-130 for $30, I had to make one kernel change that is already up-streamed, so it should be in the latest kernel.
Very frustrating.
To make it worse, some WiFi vendors change the whole inside of the device (switch chip-sets) and give the version a minor bump, so if you do not get exactly the same version as someone else recommend, it will not work.

[adept]

If you want Wireless N USB Adapter you can support fsf by getting this one:

https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-wireless-n-usb-adapter-gnu-linux-tpe-n150usb