After research, I recognized a lot of Wireless Adapters marketed as being Linux compatible were made by Brothers Trend.
As is repeated in the email exchange:
Currently, Linux distros with kernel 6.2 and above already have built-in drivers, allowing our (or other) AC series network adapters to be plug-and-play without the need for additional driver installation. We believe that future kernels will offer even more compatibility, reducing the hassle for users.
Best regards,
Christina |Tech Support Team
If any of you feel that, 'all drivers are already installed"
is not correct. Please let brostrend know.
The original exchange being somewhat different:
I wrote them:
Email:
Message:
I use Linux, I would prefer to have a geater range of wirelesss cards available to use, also -that I do not have to fight to install Linux modules, (Windows speak - Driver).
I hope to persuade you to build, sell me a plastic box that attaches to USB cable, that I can open and swap wireless adapters.
Connect by USB port would be acceptable.
I want an external box, that I can attach antennas to, or has antennas, and I can open the external box and swap out the wireless chip. Allowing me to keep up with ever changing standards in Wireless adapters.
Also allowing me to change MAC address at will, without spoofing it. .
If I were going to do this for my own build. the box with 3D printer —
I can not find the part that connects the Wireless adapter to a USB cable.
Cheers
This email exchange morphed into;
We appreciate the constructive suggestions you have provided.
We fully understand the inconvenience of updating drivers on Linux to keep up with the constantly changing versions. Your idea could potentially help Linux users by reducing the hassle of installing drivers. We are grateful for you sharing your thoughts with us.
However, the development and design of a new device require consideration of many factors, such as technical feasibility, development costs, development timelines, market acceptance, device compatibility, and more. This process could take a considerable amount of time and carries the risk of not being cost-effective. Therefore, I am afraid we will not be able to implement such a device. Hope you kindly understand.
Currently, Linux distros with kernel 6.2 and above already have built-in drivers, allowing our (or other) AC series network adapters to be plug-and-play without the need for additional driver installation. We believe that future kernels will offer even more compatibility, reducing the hassle for users.
Best regards,
Christina |Tech Support Team
------------------ Original ------------------
From: "greenish_cloud"greenish_cloud@protonmail.com;
Date: Wed, Jun 12, 2024 06:10 PM
To: "Technical support from BrosTrend"support@brostrend.com;
Subject: Re:New customer message on June 11, 2024 at 8:30 am
from you:
“Regarding your mention of “replacing different chips,” we would like to clarify that each of our USB adapters comes with a fixed chipset. At this time, we do not have the plans or resources to offer a chip replacement option, as this process would be quite challenging for most users.”
focusing on:
“as this process would be quite challenging for most users.”
What is really challenging, is the difficulty of installing the Module (Windows speak - Driver) for some Linux Distros. as it changes not only by wireless Adapter (the little card inside the device) but also install instructions vary by which Kernel level is used.
Asking on the Debian forum about topics such as, getting xxx network module installed leads to links of a bunch of different install methods, which habitually do not work. an attitude – like getting an answer from a 13 year old. “Nah. Nah. Nah. I can do that you can’t” Ask you tech people if you don’t get what I am talking about.
Involved in this discussion is not just the Speed, ability of the Wireless Adapter chip to talk to routers, but also Security (some users insist on FOSS, FOSS, Free software, no blobs - hidden information from manufacturer) right now, as I can see the only FOSS chip is from 2012 and incredibly slow.
Technology companies choosing to back “Surveillance Capitalism” Operating Systems of Windows, Mac OS, and trying to accomodate Google, Google like information gathering. All of which plays into the use of “Authoritarian governments.” AND Big technology companies that want to control and mine all of us.
Think how one could approach this problem, if one lived in a totalitarian country where the casual use of the wrong verb could end in torture, prison. Even to not wearing a scarf on the hair. Hijab.
If you will not sell the optional install of “Wireless Adapter” (and there are several designs, full height, half height, different size connections for Antenna Cable connection) then I need the part that allows me to install a “Wireless Adapter” and on the other side, plugs into USB.
I am guessing it would not work to try and collect that part by purchasing an already working USB Wireless Adapter, cracking off the plastic cover, to harvest one.
Trying to first find a suitable Wireless Adapter for Linux using a particular distro. Then sifting through the maze of offerings by companies that sell USB wireless adapters. Then spending hours trying to install it, while not having a usable internet connection.
Consider trying to sell a USB Wireless Adapter that is already installed in the Kernel. last several Kernels. The phrase, works with Linux, is not always helpful.
Best regards.
On Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 at 1:34 AM, Technical support from BrosTrend support@brostrend.com wrote:
Hi Michael,
Thank you very much for your inquiry and for sharing your thoughts with us. We appreciate your interest in our products.
Regarding your mention of “replacing different chips,” we would like to clarify that each of our USB adapters comes with a fixed chipset. At this time, we do not have the plans or resources to offer a chip replacement option, as this process would be quite challenging for most users.
For your reference, here is a list of our current Linux-compatible WiFi adapters: Linux WiFi Adapter – BrosTrend Direct
Please let us know if you have any other questions or need further assistance:)
Best Regards,
Becky | Tech Support Team
------------------ Original ------------------
From: "BrosTrend Direct (Shopify)"mailer@shopify.com;
Date: Tue, Jun 11, 2024 11:30 PM
To: "support"support@brostrend.com;
Subject: New customer message on June 11, 2024 at 8:30 am
Some very knowledgeable folks have suggested something about editing this.
I tried to include information from a manufacturer, as I did not think I should alter what their spokes person said. But yes, it is a bit weird in extraneous detail.
I am not sure what they are thinking. and I think they have editing privileges in the forum.
I had hoped someone would suggest a means for me to personally build, or purchase a box that would allow me to put my own choice of WiFi chip that would connect antenna thru WiFi chip to USB.