Replace the Wifi Card of a Dell XPS 15
I guys the Wifi card of my laptop works only with proprietary driver, do you know how to replace the Wifi card of such laptop ?
Network controller: Intel Corporation Wireless 7260 (rev 6b)
Most Dell systems don't have whitelist restrictions for WLAN cards so they can be replaced.
First try to disassemble your notebook to see its physical interface, i.e., mini PCI-E or M.2.
For mini PCI-E interface, you have a lot of options, such as AR9380. For M.2 interface, the only ath9k card I know is AR9462 (model QCNFA222).
And if your WLAN card is M.2 interfaced, also pay attention to its "keys". Most notebooks use a-key M.2 WLAN card whereas most mini desktop motherboards use e-key M.2 WLAN card. However, there are such QCNFA222 cards with both a- and e-keys so they can be used on both notebooks and desktops.
Note: AR9462 also integrates a bluetooth controller which requires non-free ath3k firmware. Neglect it and you should have a free/libre system.
> I guys the Wifi card of my laptop works only with proprietary driver, do
> you know how to replace the Wifi card of such laptop ?
It depends on your laptop model.
With some laptops, the proprietary BIOS will refuse to boot if it
detects unauthorized hardware. If there are no BIOS restrictions,
then you can just buy an Atheros WiFi card which supports the free ath9k
firmware, look up a disassembly video for your laptop to learn how to
access your current WiFi card, and replace it.
If there are BIOS restrictions, the ideal solution would be to replace
the BIOS with Libreboot or Coreboot, but this is only an option if your
laptop is supported by Libreboot or Coreboot and if you have the
technical skills required to flash a new BIOS.
If Libreboot and Coreboot are not options, you can try to find out which
WiFi cards your BIOS will accept. If one of these WiFi cards works
without non-free firmware, buy that and replace your current WiFi card.
If your BIOS will not allow you to install any WiFi card which works
without non-free firmware, you can buy a USB WiFi Atheros card like this
one:
https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-wireless-n-usb-adapter-gnu-linux-tpe-n150usb
Thank you very much guys, the laptop was gifted to me and doesn't have a Ethernet port so I'm forced to use the WiFi module in order to connect the device on Internet
> Thank you very much guys, the laptop was gifted to me and doesn't have a
> Ethernet port so I'm forced to use the WiFi module in order to connect
> the device on Internet
Can you give us more information about the laptop (make/model)? That
will help us figure out what your options are as far as replacing the
WiFi card goes.
Dell XPS 15 Model P31F
I am a member!
Here is a video with disassembly of that model:
https://invidio.us/watch?v=Tci75sVFg68
At 3:15, the person removes the Wifi Card.