Installing driver for Netgear WNA1100 WiFi Adapter - Ubuntu Server 12.04

Question

I recently purchased the WNA1100 WiFi Adapter for my Ubuntu Server 12.04 Box. Since I'm a new to Ubuntu, I'm unable to install the drivers for the WiFi Adapter. I found that the WiFi adapter uses the Atheros AR9271 chipset. I downloaded the htc_9271.fw file from here.

How do install the driver?

Answer 1

I recommend you return the card and purchase something that's already supported:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessCardsSupported

You are probably used to wrestling with driver annoyances in Windows and therefore think it's pretty normal. In Linux, it isn't. If you have to wrestle with drivers, it's because your card isn't actually supported - you may be able to get it to work, but you're usually better off just returning it and getting something that IS supported, which will "just work" without needing to fight with it.

Answer 2

You may need both files there; htc_9271.fw and htc_7010.fw. Both are mentioned in:

    modinfo ath9k_htc

Please open at terminal and do:

    cd Desktop   <--or wherever the downloaded files are
    sudo cp htc_9271.fw /lib/firmware
    sudo cp htc_7010.fw /lib/firmware

Now unload and reload the driver:

    sudo modprobe -r ath9k_htc && sudo modprobe ath9k_htc

Answer 3

Just unplug and plug back your usb adapter.

This worked for me after reconnecting the device!