• MediaTek MT7902 wireless modules are used in many Windows laptops, but so far, Linux drivers have been missing. • This is about to change, as Mediatek has finally committed a patchset for MT7902 to the mainline Linux mailing list. • I bought an ASUS Vivobook 16 in August 2023, and Ubuntu 22.04 worked pretty well out of the box, except for support for the Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth module, detected as “Network controller: MEDIATEK Corp. • Device 7902” with lscpi but without working drivers. • Since then, I’ve been using the laptop connected to the USB dock with Ethernet support when at home, or using USB tethering with my phone when on the road. • I initially thought it might just be a matter of time before drivers are ported, but it took well over two years.
Article Summaries:
- MediaTek has submitted a complete patchset for its MT7902 Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth chipset to the mainline Linux kernel, resolving a long‑standing driver gap that has affected many Windows laptops. The eleven‑patch bundle adds firmware, SDIO and PCIe host support, and is expected to land in kernel 7.1, with backports anticipated for Ubuntu’s hardware enablement stacks. The move follows years of community requests, petitions, and partial driver attempts, and should finally allow Linux users to use the MT7902 natively without external Ethernet or USB tethering.
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