On Saturday 16 January 2021 12:25:10 Steven Mainor wrote: > I have a laptop with a QCA9377 Atheros AC wifi card. When I install > debian 10.7 amd64 I get a warning about missing non-free firmware and > the wifi doesn't work. It was my understanding that ath10k was open > source and included in linux. Is this not the case? > > If not is there any wireless AC card that doesn't require binary > drivers? And barring that, what is the best wifi(N?) card I can buy > that doesn't require closed source drivers/firmware?
As has been explained many times, albeit not recently on this list, here in the states and many other places with RF regulating guvmnt agencies, that code for software radios which regulates the power output and channels available has to be a closed src blob that is not readily hackable. Its the only way to control what these radios can do, forcibly keeping them legal according to the region on this ball of rock and water they are to be sold in. Don't like it? Write your congress critter. But don't be surprised if the answering letter doesn't tell you to stuff it. I am a retired BC engineer with the 1st phone fcc license in my billfold that actually makes me responsible for much of that if I am employed. The letter in my office files designating me as the Chief Operator at a broadcast facility is a double edged sword, so I'm well aware of the rules. Cheers, Gene Heskett -- "There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." -Ed Howdershelt (Author) If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable. - Louis D. Brandeis Genes Web page <http://geneslinuxbox.net:6309/gene>
