I'm the script maintainer for this
page. It contains a graphical installer (Python-based) for
detection and installation of the appropriate drivers. If you're looking
for Linux drivers for the following Broadcom Wireless chipsets:
- *Broadcom bcm4303
- *Broadcom bcm4306
- Broadcom bcm4309
- *Broadcom bcm4311
- *Broadcom bcm4312
- Broadcom bcm4318
- Broadcom bcm4319
- *Broadcom bcm43XG
Then you've come to the right place. You'll need the python-gtk2
package for Debian-based systems (such as Ubuntu). Chances are, if
you've updated your system packages since you installed your OS, you
already have it.
Packages marked with an asterisk (*) are supported by the bcm43xx kernel
module and firmware. More information about the firmware can be found
here. Other chipsets should use
the Windows driver and ndiswrapper.
Recently, I've been dedicating a lot of my time in an attempt to get
wireless chipsets to play nicely with Linux in general and Ubuntu in
particular. I've come to the following realizations:
-
Disabling WEP encryption does very little to help if your devices is
detected but you can't connect to your access point. Restarting your
router is more likely to solve the problem.
-
Many people are convinced that when Windows updates their wireless
drivers, their WiFi stops working in Ubuntu. If the firmware is modified
by the upgrade, this could be the case. Users have solved this problem
by rolling back their Windows XP or Vista drivers. If you dual boot and
your WiFi suddenly stops working, it's probably a good idea to try
rolling back your wireless driver. The firmware may be more immune to
this hazard. I'm not making any claims either way on this issue; I'm
simply relying on what other people have said.
-
Feisty Fawn has serious issues with wireless connectivity. While other
distros have their issues, many of them have better support for WiFi (in
general) than Ubuntu does. If you simply can't get it working, try
PCLinuxOS or Sabayon or some other distro.
-
There is no "easy fix" for people whose WiFi device is detected but
won't connect. I've looked through hundreds of pages today. A fresh
reinstall might help; running Linux only might help; using a different
OS might help. Sometimes it's just a matter of time until it seems to
magically work out of nowhere.