Ubuntu
gnome-nettool package

Dell Latitude D620 Laptop, Broadcom Wireless Will Not Work

Asked by coljohnhannibalsmith

I have a Dell Latitude D620 Laptop and am running Ubuntu 9.10, which I believe is called Jaunty Jacalope and I can't get the Broadcom Wireless working.

This laptop is an Intel Core Duo, which I believe uses 64bit architecture.

Since this is an Intel Machine I first tried to install the i386.deb version of "fwcutter." I received an error message complaining that the .deb file was the wrong achitecture, so I tried the AMDx64.deb version and it accepted and installed it without complaint. I then tried to install "wl_apsta.o," which is the binary file containing the firmware for the Broadcom chip. This appeared to work, but when I rebooted, the WiFi still was not working. I then navigated to the "Hardware Drivers" menu and it stated that "fwcutter" was properly installed and provided an "Activate" buttun for me to press, which I did, but I received an error message stating that I needed an Internet connection.

I'm not going to be able to get an Internet connection on this machine until I can get the Broadcom chip to work, so this is kind of a vicious circle. I can connect to the Internet on another machine to retrieve the correct binary file, but I don't know what the correct command line is to load the binary file with fwcutter.

*What is the correct binary file to use with fwcutter for this machine and what is the correct command line?
*Also, will I have to write a script to get this to load everytime on boot or will it do this automatically?
*Will I have to "modprobe" and if so what is the command line?

Thanks, John

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WifiDocs/Driver/Broadcom43xx

There is a 64bit fwcutter available on the repo, i suggest you use a wired connection to install it.

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coljohnhannibalsmith (johnw54321) said : 		#2

Actually, I was able to download fwcutter on my first laptop then transfer the .deb file to the Dell, where it installed successfully, so I no longer need to install it. When I go to the Hardware Drivers menu it tells me it wants me to push the activate button to activate the driver, but since I don't have a wired Internet connection this doesn't work.

I think all I need is the correct binary file and the correct command line to install and activate it without going on the Internet first. Getting a wired connection is going to be problematic, which is why I need to do this mannually.

Thanks, John

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#3

I strongly suggest you use a wired connection til you get on your feet. It will make the whole thing faster.

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