Fedora for my old laptop Lenovo e460

Ask Fedora
1

Hello, I’m currently installed Fedora to my old laptop, previously the wifi is working fine in windows 10, now after the Fedora installation, I’ve got problem with the wifi connections.

back in 2016, I was able to download and use the laptop with Ubuntu, that was using kernel 4.X and when I try to download the Fedora 26 the problem with the wifi is completely gone.

however using old kernel make my environment for coding experience became old artifact that could not install any new version. also maybe some other disadvantages that I can’t list.

is there any solution for me to use the latest version of fedora ? so I don’t have to worry about my wifi connection ?

2

Have you tried this older laptop with a newer kernel - quite often the older kit is as well (or more) supported as modern hardware (and often the modern stuff is a pain).

Maybe download a newer ISO, put it onto a USB stick and try it as a live image. If it works, you’re pretty much good to go.

3

yes i’m currently using the fedora that uses kernel 6.x kernel versions. but the wifi is not working

4

post the inxi -ezxx output for your kit. There is bound to be someone using the same chipset and has it working,.

5

hmm wait is kinda pain cuz i’m using my pc to post this, I could post the photo of the output, please be patient :smiley:

6

hmm inxi -ezxx the output is inxi command not found

7

yup - it’s not installed by default. Pulls in too many deps apparently. You’ll need to install it.

8

oh my goodness…

9

Maybe the fastest solutions are using LAN cable or buy new wifi adapter

10

Your choice. Either way, have fun. I personally don’t use wifi, and use ethernet via poweplugs. You do you.

11

Thinkpad e460 normally comes with https://linux-hardware.org/?id=pci:8086-24f3-8086-0130, but it is a card that can be replaced, so you need to check what is actually installed and you have the option to upgrade.

Given all the security issues being fixed these days, if you want the system exposed to the internet you should install a current Fedora spin and update regularly. You can try one of the recent Live USB installers — with luck wifi will work. If not, consider adding a USB dongle or a newer internal card.

12

oh btw do you guys know which USB dongle should I buy ? which chipset does the kernel support

13

Perhaps using this chipset will work out of the box mt7601

14

I use this one and another similar that does not have the external antennas.

15

https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WIFI has recommendations for Linux USB WiFI dongles with in-kernel drivers.

16

thank you so much guyss :+1: :+1: :+1: :+1: .. have a great weekend :smiley:

17

I’m surprised the latest Fedora release isn’t compatible with your Wi-Fi card being that it’s quite a few years old?

I haven’t had any issues using any of the USB dongles I’ve purchased. I’ve bought ones off ebay, JB-Hi-Fi, Officeworks (here in Oz - they’re probably TP-Link or Netgear ones). They’ve all worked on Linux out of the box (which is more than I could say for Windows). I just try and find ones that are at least AC or AX. Forget about anything older. If you buy one from a retailer, if it doesn’t work you can always return it (even if it is a little more expensive).