Linux (Ubuntu 12.04) driver for Broadcom Corp BCM 4352 Wireless Network Adapter

Question

I've recently purchased a Dell Alienware 17 laptop (http://www.dell.com/de/p/alienware-17/pd.aspx#overrides=n00aw758:6~GTX780;8~75080N) and I've installed Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (kernel = 3.11.0-15) on it. I absolutely need Linux for work (so had to delete the Windows OS that it came with; I tried to do a dual boot, but gave up, but that's another story). The problem is that the wireless card (Broadcom Corporation BCM4352 802.11ac Wireless Network Adapter (rev 03)) doesn't work in my Linux installation. I see that the drivers Dell offers on its website (http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/driverdetails?driverid=W49DT) are all for Windows. Broadcom's Linux drivers (http://www.broadcom.com/support/802.11/linux_sta.php) are only for the BCM4311-, BCM4312-, BCM4313-, BCM4321-, BCM4322-, BCM43224-, and BCM43225-, BCM43227- and BCM43228-based hardware (and not for the BCM4352 hardware that I have) and supported till kernel 3.8.x (mine is 3.11.0.15). I notice that Dell now sells Alienware machines with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS on them and must have a driver for this card. Where can I access that and how do I go about installing it?

theflash1932 · Answer

'I notice that Dell now sells Alienware machines with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS on them and must have a driver for this card. Where can I access that and how do I go about installing it?' It probably isn't the same model of networking device.  Which Alienware are you seeing with Ubuntu? Could you run Ubuntu in a virtual machine?

Evinyatar_ · Answer

If you're using the saucy kernel, try downloading the saucy version of the bcmwl-kernel-source package (http://nl.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/pool/restricted/b/bcmwl/bcmwl-kernel-source_6.30.223.141+bdcom-0ubuntu1_amd64.deb ) and installing that. Works somewhat for me on my M6800, although it's not very stable (you may have to rmmod wl && modprobe wl a couple of times after every reboot before it'll connect to your AP).

Dell supplies drivers for the M6800 including the BCM4352 on the website, but they're for use with Dell's custom Ubuntu 12.04 image and I couldn't get them to work on the saucy kernel.

Orkun · Answer

yes.. I've download dell's ubuntu 12.04.2 image too and create a live USB. it's booting and dell recovery page coming to the screen after selecting one of option that it shows only black screen. I've download M4800_M6300_driver_package but it is not installing on ubuntu 12.04.4 or which kernel is newer than 3.5.x.x. I've tried to install kernel files at the driver package but nothing else... this is really bad

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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