h1. Enabling WiFi with an USB WiFi adapter

All Replicant-supported devices need non-free firmware to be loaded to make the internal WiFi component work. See the [[Wifi|WiFi research page]] for more information. Free replacements for these non-free firmwares do not yet exist.

However, free firmware does exist for WiFi adapters with the AR9271 chipset. Such adapters can be used with a device running Replicant 6.0. A USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable is needed to connect the WiFi adapter to the phone.

h2. Supported WiFi adapters

link to some external resources that explain how the chipset can be identified on a GNU/Linux system

link to useful online hardware databases

h3. Known to work

* "Penguin Wireless N USB Adapter for GNU / Linux (TPE-N150USB)":https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-wireless-n-usb-adapter-gnu-linux-tpe-n150usb
* "Technoethical N150 Mini Wireless USB Adapter":https://tehnoetic.com/adapters/tehnoetic-wireless-adapter-gnu-linux-libre-tet-n150
* "Technoethical N150 High Gain Antenna Wireless USB Adapter":https://tehnoetic.com/adapters/tet-n150hga
* TP-Link TL-WN722N

h3. Should work but not tested

* "Penguin Wireless N USB Adapter /w External Antenna for GNU / Linux (TPE-N150USBL)":https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-wireless-n-usb-adapter-w-external-antenna-gnu-linux-tpe-n150usbl

h2. Using the WiFi adapter with the RepWifi app

preferred

h2. Using the WiFi adapter with the WiFi scripts

h2. Known issues

high battery drain, possible battery damage or shortened lifecycle for batteries

adapter is not powered when low battery charge

Displayed battery charge level may not be accurate (likely lower because of quick drain)

which devices work best? Note 2 (big battery) -> Galaxy S 3 -> Galaxy S 2 (instabilities, battery issues, see #1791)

[[ReplicantUSBNetworking#Known-issues|Known issues for USB networking]] apply here, too.