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Asked: 2024-09-25T14:44:27+05:30 In:

How can I install and configure drivers for the Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS?

I’ve been diving headfirst into the world of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS since I decided to change from Windows, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride! I thought I had it all figured out until I realized I need to get my Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 card up and running. The problem is, I have no idea how to install and configure the drivers for it on my setup.

I’ve tried scouring forums, and while I’ve found some bits and pieces of information, it feels a bit scattered, and I’m just not sure I’m piecing it all together correctly. I mean, I have this shiny new card that promises lightning-fast internet, but right now I’m stuck using an Ethernet cable, which is not ideal for my setup.

I’d really appreciate a bit of a step-by-step guide, or even a few tips from anyone who’s gone through the same struggle. Do I need to download specific drivers, or are they included with Ubuntu? I’ve seen mention of the Linux kernel and something about backported drivers, but to be honest, that just confuses me more. And should I be doing this in the terminal? I’m getting more comfortable with it, but sometimes I still feel like I’m walking on eggshells.

Also, if it helps, I’m using a laptop, so I want to make sure that once I do get this Wi-Fi sorted, it doesn’t mess with my battery life or anything like that. Another thing on my mind is the configuration—do I need to change anything in the network settings once I install the drivers?

If anyone’s successfully navigated this minefield and could share their wisdom, I would be super grateful. Thanks in advance for even just pointing me in the right direction!

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    2 Answers

    1. To get your Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 card up and running on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, you first need to ensure that your system is fully updated and that the appropriate drivers are installed. Most modern Intel wireless drivers are included in the Linux kernel, and the AX210 card is supported starting from kernel version 5.10. Since Ubuntu 20.04 LTS initially comes with an older kernel, you may need to update your kernel to the latest version available for Ubuntu, or alternatively, use the backport package containing newer drivers. You can achieve this by running the terminal commands: sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade to update your current packages, followed by sudo apt install linux-generic-hwe-20.04 to install the hardware enablement stack that includes a newer kernel version suitable for your Wi-Fi card.

      After updating the kernel, reboot your laptop. The system should automatically detect your Intel Wi-Fi card, and you should see available Wi-Fi networks in your network settings. If, for some reason, your Wi-Fi doesn’t work immediately, you can further troubleshoot using terminal commands like lspci | grep Network to verify that the card is being recognized. Regarding battery life concerns, most recent drivers are optimized for energy efficiency, but you can manage your power settings in the system settings if needed. Normally, once the drivers are installed, no further configuration should be necessary in the network settings, but keep an eye on your connectivity and performance after everything is set up.






    2. Installing Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 on Ubuntu 20.04

      Getting Your Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 to Work on Ubuntu 20.04

      Sounds like you’re on quite the adventure switching to Ubuntu! Don’t worry, getting your Wi-Fi card up and running can definitely be figured out.

      Step-by-Step Guide

      1. Check If It’s Already Supported:

        First, let’s see if your card is supported out-of-the-box. Open a terminal and type:

        lspci -nn | grep Network

        This command shows the network devices. If you see your Intel AX210 listed, it might just need a few tweaks.

      2. Update Your System:

        Before diving into installations, ensure your system is up to date. Run:

        sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
      3. Install Backported Drivers:

        Intel’s drivers might not come by default in the kernel you’re using, so installing backported drivers might do the trick.

        Run the following command:

        sudo apt install linux-firmware

        This will give you the latest firmware that might help your card.

      4. Reboot Your System:

        After installing, restart your laptop:

        sudo reboot
      5. Check Wi-Fi Configuration:

        Once you’re back, click on the network icon in the top-right of your screen. See if your Wi-Fi network appears. If it does, click on it and you should be good to go!

      Additional Tips

      • If your Wi-Fi doesn’t show up, you might try disconnecting the Ethernet cable and rebooting again.
      • In terms of battery life, typically using Wi-Fi is better than Ethernet for laptops, but keep an eye on battery usage.
      • If you do experience issues, the terminal is indeed your friend! You can check connection status and logs by using commands like:
        • nmcli general status

      Final Thoughts

      Every setup can be a bit different, so if something doesn’t work as expected, don’t hesitate to search more or ask for help in forums like Ask Ubuntu or Ubuntu Forums. You’ve got this!


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