Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Mid 2012 model, A1278 / 2.5 GHz i5 or 2.9 GHz i7 processor.

1623 Questions View all

Options

Can I replace the Broadcom AirPort card with another vendor's 802.11?

This specific model has a Broadcom AirPort card.

I’ll be brief and just say I have lost a lot of time trying to get this device working on a linux distro I’m running on the MacBook. I can use a USB Dongle to connect to the Internet but I’d really prefer having all my USB ports spare.

Considering that:

  1. I don’t mind not having Bluetooth on the card since it’s useless to me and most importantly,
  2. I’m not planning on using Mac OS X in the far future

Can I replace the AirPort card of Broadcom with any other 802.11 mini PCIe wireless card, like an Atheros/Intel/Realtek one?

Thank you.

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

1 Answer

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest

Options

Others have managed to get linux to work without going that far. What is the distro you are trying to install?

Are you sure your board or the cable isn’t bad?

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0

2 Comments:

The board and the cable are both fine and working properly, I was able to configure the card in various distros such as Fedora and Debian.

The distro I’m struggling with though is a not really popular one, it’s called Qubes OS. It’s very picky with the hardware it uses and it is hard to get Broadcom devices working with it. I’ve asked many people online how to do that and it just won’t work. I’m sure I’m following the instructions properly.

Although you are correct that it’s kind of extreme to change the card if you can’t install drivers, I don’t how much more time I’m willing to waste on this. I guess I’ll try once more but as a last resort can I really replace the card with one made by someone else other than Broadcom?

by

Your on uncharted territory! I have never tried using a non BroadCom board. I'm not even sure you could get it to work while its a PCI interface the pinouts are not standardized.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Macbook User will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 1

Past 30 Days: 6

All Time: 178