Install Realtek WiFi Driver On Ubuntu 20.10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey everyone! Got a Realtek 8812AU or 8821AU USB WiFi dongle and struggling to get it working on your Ubuntu 20.10 system? Don't worry, you're not alone! This can be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to Linux. But fear not, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We'll break it down in a way that's easy to understand, even if you're a Linux newbie. So, let's ditch that tethered connection and get your WiFi up and running!

Why You Might Need a Manual Driver Installation

Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly talk about why you might need to install the driver manually. Ubuntu, like many Linux distributions, comes with a collection of drivers for common hardware. However, sometimes the drivers for newer or less common devices, like the Realtek 8812AU/8821AU, aren't included out-of-the-box. This is where manual installation comes in.

• Kernel Compatibility: The Linux kernel is constantly evolving, and drivers need to be compatible with the specific kernel version you're running. If the driver in the Ubuntu repositories is outdated, it might not work correctly with your kernel.
• Proprietary vs. Open Source: Some hardware manufacturers, like Realtek, provide proprietary drivers for their devices. These drivers might offer better performance or support for specific features compared to open-source alternatives. However, they often need to be installed manually.
• Bug Fixes and Updates: Manual installation allows you to use the latest driver version, which might include bug fixes and performance improvements that haven't yet made their way into the official Ubuntu repositories.

In essence, manually installing the driver ensures you have the most up-to-date and compatible software for your Realtek WiFi adapter, leading to a smoother and more reliable wireless experience. This is super important for maintaining a stable connection and getting the best performance out of your hardware. Now, let's jump into the actual installation process.

Prerequisites

Okay, before we get our hands dirty with the installation, let's make sure we have everything we need. Think of this as gathering your tools before starting a DIY project. Here's what you'll want to have in place:

• An Ubuntu 20.10 System: Obviously, you'll need a computer running Ubuntu 20.10. This guide is specifically tailored for this version, although the general steps might be similar for other Ubuntu releases.
• A Realtek 8812AU or 8821AU USB WiFi Adapter: This guide is for these specific WiFi dongles. If you have a different adapter, the driver installation process might be different.
• A Working Internet Connection (at least temporarily): You'll need an internet connection to download the driver files and any necessary dependencies. If your WiFi isn't working, you can temporarily use a wired connection (Ethernet) or tether your phone's internet connection via USB.
• Basic Familiarity with the Linux Terminal: We'll be using the terminal to execute commands, so having some basic familiarity with it is helpful. Don't worry if you're a complete newbie; we'll provide clear instructions for each command.
• git Installed: Git is a version control system that we'll use to download the driver source code. Most Ubuntu systems have it pre-installed, but if not, you can install it using the command sudo apt update && sudo apt install git.
• dkms Installed: DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) is a framework that allows drivers to be automatically rebuilt when the kernel is updated. This is crucial for ensuring your WiFi driver continues to work after kernel updates. Install it with sudo apt update && sudo apt install dkms.

Having these prerequisites in place will make the installation process much smoother. Trust me, taking a few minutes to check these off the list will save you headaches later on. Think of it as laying the foundation for a solid WiFi connection. Now, let's get started with the actual installation!

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Alright, let's get down to business! This is where we'll walk through the actual steps of installing the Realtek 8812AU/8821AU WiFi driver on your Ubuntu 20.10 system. Don't worry, we'll take it slow and explain each step along the way. Just follow along, and you'll be surfing the web wirelessly in no time.

Step 1: Identify Your Kernel Version

First things first, we need to know what kernel version you're running. The kernel is the core of the operating system, and drivers need to be compiled specifically for your kernel version. To find out your kernel version, open a terminal and type the following command:

uname -r

This command will output something like 5.8.0-59-generic. The important part is the version number (e.g., 5.8.0-59). Write this down or keep it in mind, as we'll need it later.

Step 2: Download the Driver Source Code

Next, we need to download the driver source code. The most reliable way to do this is to clone the driver repository from GitHub. There are several repositories available, but we recommend using one that's actively maintained. A popular option is the one by morrownr. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

cd ~/
git clone https://github.com/morrownr/8821au-20210708.git
cd 8821au-20210708

Let's break down what these commands do:

• cd ~/: This command changes the directory to your home directory.
• git clone https://github.com/morrownr/8821au-20210708.git: This command clones the driver repository from GitHub to your computer. It downloads all the source code and related files.
• cd 8821au-20210708: This command changes the directory into the newly created driver directory.

It's crucial to use git clone as it ensures you get the latest version of the driver and can easily update it in the future.

Step 3: Build and Install the Driver

Now comes the exciting part – building and installing the driver! This involves compiling the source code into a kernel module and installing it on your system. DKMS makes this process much easier. Run the following commands in the terminal (while still in the 8821au-20210708 directory):

sudo ./dkms-install.sh

This script automates the build and installation process using DKMS. It will compile the driver for your specific kernel version and register it with DKMS. This ensures that the driver will be automatically rebuilt whenever your kernel is updated. You may see a bunch of output in the terminal as the driver is compiled; this is normal.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

After the installation script finishes, it's a good idea to verify that the driver was installed correctly. You can do this by running the following command:

dkms status

This command will show you a list of DKMS modules installed on your system. You should see an entry for 8821au, indicating that the driver is installed. The output will also show the version of the driver and the kernel it's built for.

Step 5: Connect to Your WiFi Network

Now for the moment of truth! If everything went smoothly, your WiFi adapter should now be recognized by Ubuntu. You should see your WiFi network in the network manager. Click on your network and enter the password to connect. If you don't see your network, you might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. A simple sudo reboot in the terminal will do the trick.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, so you've followed the steps, but your WiFi still isn't working? Don't panic! Driver installation can sometimes be a bit finicky, and there are a few common issues you might encounter. Let's troubleshoot some of them.

Issue 1: Driver Not Loading

• Symptom: You've installed the driver, but your WiFi adapter isn't recognized, and you can't see any networks.
• Possible Causes:
  • The driver module isn't loaded into the kernel.
  • There might be a conflict with another driver.
• Solutions:

  • Manually Load the Module: Try loading the driver module manually using the command sudo modprobe 8821au. If this works, you can add 8821au to the /etc/modules file to make the module load automatically on boot.

  • Blacklist Conflicting Drivers: If there's a conflict with another driver, you might need to blacklist it. Create a file named /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-realtek.conf with the following content:

    blacklist rtl8xxxu
    blacklist rtl8821au
    

    Then, reboot your system.

Issue 2: Slow or Unstable Connection

• Symptom: You can connect to your WiFi network, but the connection is slow or frequently drops.
• Possible Causes:
  • Interference from other wireless devices.
  • Incorrect WiFi channel.
  • Driver issues.
• Solutions:
  • Check for Interference: Try moving your computer closer to the router or away from other electronic devices that might cause interference.
  • Change WiFi Channel: Use a WiFi analyzer app (there are many free ones available for your phone) to find the least congested channel and configure your router to use that channel.
  • Update Driver: Make sure you're using the latest version of the driver. You can update the driver by going back to the driver directory and running sudo git pull && sudo ./dkms-install.sh.

Issue 3: Driver Fails to Compile

• Symptom: The dkms-install.sh script fails with an error during compilation.
• Possible Causes:
  • Missing dependencies.
  • Incorrect kernel headers.
• Solutions:
  • Install Dependencies: Make sure you have the necessary build tools installed. Run the command sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r).
  • Check Kernel Headers: Ensure that the correct kernel headers are installed for your kernel version. You can try reinstalling them using the command sudo apt install --reinstall linux-headers-$(uname -r).

Remember, troubleshooting can be a process of trial and error. Don't get discouraged if you don't find a solution immediately. Search online forums and communities for similar issues, and you'll likely find helpful tips and solutions.

Keeping Your Driver Up-to-Date

One of the great things about using DKMS is that it makes keeping your driver up-to-date a breeze. Whenever you update your kernel, DKMS will automatically rebuild the driver for the new kernel. However, you should also periodically check for updates to the driver source code itself. Here's how:

1. Navigate to the Driver Directory: Open a terminal and go to the directory where you cloned the driver repository (e.g., cd ~/8821au-20210708).
2. Pull the Latest Changes: Run the command git pull. This will download any new commits from the repository.
3. Rebuild and Install the Driver: Run the sudo ./dkms-install.sh script again to rebuild and reinstall the driver with the latest changes.

By regularly updating your driver, you'll ensure that you have the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility with newer kernel versions. It's a small effort that can make a big difference in the stability and performance of your WiFi connection.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to installing the Realtek 8812AU/8821AU WiFi driver on Ubuntu 20.10. We've covered everything from the prerequisites to the installation steps, troubleshooting common issues, and keeping your driver up-to-date. I know it might seem like a lot at first, but by following these steps carefully, you can get your WiFi adapter working smoothly. Remember, the Linux community is a fantastic resource, so don't hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck. Happy surfing!