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 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.

Supported WiFi adapters¶

More adapters exist that have the AR9271 chipset than are listed below. The listed adapters are the ones that are known to us.

Known to work¶

• Penguin Wireless N USB Adapter for GNU / Linux
• Technoethical N150 Mini Wireless USB Adapter
• Technoethical N150 High Gain Antenna Wireless USB Adapter
• TP-Link TL-WN722N

Should work but not tested¶

• Penguin Wireless N USB Adapter /w External Antenna for GNU / Linux

WiFi adapter usage¶

Using the WiFi adapter with the RepWifi app is the recommended and most convenient way.

It is not possible to configure WiFi connections through the adapter with the pull-down quicksettings or the regular WiFi menu in the settings. These are only meant work with the internal WiFi component of the device.

With the RepWifi app¶

• searching for WiFi access points
• connecting to WPA/WPA2 secured and unsecured networks
• storing network connections (including passwords)
• managing stored network connections (viewing and deleting them)

With the WiFi scripts¶

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)

Known issues for USB networking apply here, too.