I recently installed Linux Mint Cinnamon 22.3, but Wi‑Fi is not working. My computer uses a Qualcomm QCA9377 Wi‑Fi 6-capable card. I'm considering buying a USB Wi‑Fi adapter, but I would also need a USB hub because one port is occupied by my mouse and another is needed for the USB drive I currently have to keep attached in order to run Linux. Before spending the money, I'd like to know whether this setup is likely to work reliably, or whether I should try installing the proper driver or firmware for the internal card first. Is any particular USB adapter recommended?
3 Answers
There’s no way to promise that every adapter or hub will work, but Linux-compatible models are usually fine. The Panda Wireless PAU0A nano adapter is a commonly recommended budget option. Check that the exact model has Linux drivers before buying, since different revisions can use different chipsets.
Before buying anything, identify the exact Wi‑Fi chipset and check whether Mint has the needed firmware or a proprietary driver available. The QCA9377 is often supported, but missing firmware, an older kernel, or a disabled driver can prevent it from working. A USB adapter shouldn’t be your first solution if the built-in card only needs the correct software.
Since the hardware is Qualcomm rather than Broadcom, checking the installed firmware and kernel support is more useful than looking specifically for Broadcom drivers.
A USB hub can handle a mouse and Wi‑Fi adapter, but it isn’t guaranteed. A powered hub is the safer choice, especially if you later connect other devices. Also, if Linux is running from a live USB, consider installing it to the computer’s internal drive or setting up persistent storage; normally you shouldn’t need the boot USB connected every time after a proper installation.
That model is fairly inexpensive, so it may be worth trying if the internal card can’t be made to work.