Matt QuickMar 13
I just realized that the 6.17.0-14 kernel on my Mac Mini running #LinuxMint must have removed the WiFI driver. How do I get a bug report filed for that? #Linux
Show threadSebastiaanMar 13

@MattTheQuick wifi drivers on macs is a mess, thanks to the crappy support of Realtek drivers. This is a very known issue with the wifi cards used in *all* macs. Blame Realtek.

As was pointed out, the driver code provided by Realtek isn't compatible anymore with the new(er) kernel(s), so that doesn't get built or used by the kernel anymore, so the "driver disappears".

Show threadMatt Quick
@sebastiaanfranken So then is the fix to just use the older kernel even though it's end of life?
Mar 14 at 12:06pmWeb
Show threadSebastiaanMar 14

@MattTheQuick Pretty much, or see if you can swap out the wifi card in a mac mini for a Intel one.

Broadcom and Realtek are horrible with driver support. They provide drivers for a very limited kernel subset (so their stuff works on Android) and you *maybe* get one or two versions after that, but that's it. That's why I avoid them both like the plague

Show threadMatt QuickMar 14
@sebastiaanfranken I wonder if it would just be easier to get a USB WiFI dongle for this machine. Unfortunately it’s not in a spot where I can easily hardwire it.
Show threadSebastiaanMar 14
@MattTheQuick Most USB wifi dongles are Realtek/Broadcom. Though if it's a mac mini, is wired ethernet not a option?
Show threadMatt QuickMar 14
@sebastiaanfranken Unfortunately not because of the physical location where it sits.