Hey everyone! I'm new to Linux and I'm having a tough time getting my Dell Latitude E5400 online after installing Xubuntu. I think it has a Broadcom NetXtream 57XX Gigabit Controller. I don't have any onboard internet access or an Ethernet adapter, so I'm a bit stuck. I was prompted to insert a media with b43/ucode16_mimo.fw during installation, but I don't think that firmware works with my chip based on what I've found online. It mostly lists different Broadcom models used in Macs.
I found out that I could try using a USB to install the firmware-b43-installer, but it seems like I'd need internet access to download the right firmware anyway. I'm wondering if this chipset is compatible with Linux and what's the easiest way to transfer the necessary firmware to my machine via USB. Also, any tips on how to better format my question when seeking help in the Linux community would be hugely appreciated! Thanks!
1 Answer
Broadcom can be a real headache for Linux users. If you can, I’d recommend switching to an Intel or Atheros card—they’re usually much easier to deal with. Usually, you can find an Intel WiFi card on Amazon for around $20 and they tend to work seamlessly with Linux. Trust me, I switched years ago after struggling with Broadcom and haven’t looked back since.
Thanks for the heads-up! I didn't realize Broadcom was such a hassle. I'll definitely keep this in mind for future purchases. Do I just need to ensure the new card fits? I believe the laptop uses a mini-PCIe format.