brektrou/rtl8821CU
FreeRealtek RTL8811CU/RTL8821CU USB Wi-Fi adapter driver for Linux
FreeFree tier
About brektrou/rtl8821CU
This is an open-source driver for Realtek RTL8811CU and RTL8821CU USB Wi-Fi adapters for Linux. It supports kernel versions from 4.4.x up to 5.x. The driver can be installed with DKMS for automatic recompilation after kernel updates, or manually via make. It includes instructions for handling USB mode switching using usb_modeswitch, and provides scripts for easy installation and removal. The repository contains the driver source code, build configuration, and sample network configuration files.
Key Features
Supports Realtek RTL8811CU and RTL8821CU chipsets
Compatible with Linux kernels 4.4.x up to 5.x
DKMS integration for automatic recompilation on kernel updates
Includes installation and removal scripts
Provides instructions for USB mode switching with usb_modeswitch
Open-source with source code available on GitHub
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source software
- DKMS support ensures driver stays compatible with kernel updates
- Works across a wide range of Linux kernel versions
- Detailed instructions for handling device mode switching
- Active community and maintenance via GitHub
Cons
- May require manual USB mode switching for some adapter variants
- Not a plug-and-play solution; users need compilation tools and kernel headers
- No pre-compiled binary packages; must be built from source
Best For
Enabling Wi-Fi connectivity on Linux systems using RTL8811CU or RTL8821CU USB adaptersBuilding custom Linux distributions that need driver support for these chipsetsEmbedded Linux projects requiring Wi-Fi via USB dongles
FAQ
What kernel versions are supported?
The driver supports Linux kernels from 4.4.x up to 5.x.
How do I install the driver with DKMS?
Clone the repository, then run the provided 'dkms-install.sh' script. To remove, run 'dkms-remove.sh'.
What if my Wi-Fi adapter is not detected after installation?
You may need to switch the USB mode using usb_modeswitch. Use 'lsusb' to find your device ID, then run 'sudo usb_modeswitch -KW -v 0bda -p 1a2b' (replace with your IDs).
What tools are required to build the driver?
You need make, gcc, linux-headers/kernel-devel, bc, and git installed.