Broadcom’s IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n driver can be installed on any Linux disruption including Fedora Linux version 20. This page explains how to enable and install Broadcom b43 driver under a Fedora Linux v29/30/31/32/33/34. The driver (broadcom-wl and kmod-wl) works with the following Wireless chipsets only:
| Tutorial details | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| Root privileges | Yes |
| Requirements | rpmfusion repo and Fedora Linux workstation |
| Est. reading time | 4 mintues |
- BCM4311
- BCM4312
- BCM4313
- BCM4321
- BCM4322
- BCM43224
- BCM43225
- BCM43227
- BCM43228
Fedora Linux Broadcom b43 BCM43228 wl Wireless Driver
Steps to install Broadcom b43 are as follows for Dell/HP/Lenovo Thinkpads:
- Open the terminal application
- Find your wifi chipset on Fedora Linux
- Enable rpmfusion repo using the dnf command
- Install b43 driver firmware by typing sudo dnf install kmod-wl
- Reboot the Fedora laptop to enable Broadcom b43 BCM43228 driver
- Connect to Wifi AP
Let us see all commands and steps in details.
The error message
When you run the dmesg command along with grep command:
dmesg
dmesg | grep -i b43
Sample outputs:
[ 58.738021] Broadcom 43xx driver loaded [ Features: PNLS ] [ 58.738159] b43 bcma0:1: Direct firmware load for b43/ucode30_mimo.fw failed with error -2 [ 58.738213] b43 bcma0:1: Direct firmware load for b43/ucode30_mimo.fw failed with error -2 [ 58.738560] b43 bcma0:1: Direct firmware load for b43-open/ucode30_mimo.fw failed with error -2 [ 58.738608] b43 bcma0:1: Direct firmware load for b43-open/ucode30_mimo.fw failed with error -2 [ 58.738612] b43-phy0 ERROR: Firmware file "b43/ucode30_mimo.fw" not found [ 58.738614] b43-phy0 ERROR: Firmware file "b43-open/ucode30_mimo.fw" not found [ 58.738616] b43-phy0 ERROR: You must go to http://wireless.kernel.org/en/users/Drivers/b43#devicefirmware and download the correct firmware for this driver version. Please carefully read all instructions on this website.
You need to install b43/ucode30_mimo firmware for Fedora Linux 30 to activate your wifi card.
Finding out your chipset / wireless card name on a Fedora Linux
Open the terminal app and type the following lspci command:
$ lspci
$ lspci | grep -i broadcom
Sample outputs:
Fig.01: Fedora Linux Find Supported Broadcom Wireless Devices Name/Chipset
How do I use Broadcom wireless cards in Fedora version 28/29/30/31/32/33/34?
Fedora Linux provides a version of this driver via rpmfusion repo. All you need to do is configure rpmfusion repo and install the driver.
Step 1. Enable rpmfusion repo
Open the Terminal app and type the following command:
$ sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
Step 2. Install Broadcom Wireless b43 Driver firmware on Fedora Linux
Type the following dnf command:
$ sudo dnf search kmod-wl
$ sudo dnf info kmod-wl
## *** update the system *** ##
$ sudo yum update
## *** if a new kernel was installed reboot the system *** ##
$ sudo reboot
## *** Install kmod-wl *** ##
$ sudo dnf install kmod-wl
Sample outputs:
Last metadata expiration check: 0:02:58 ago on Monday 21 October 2019 04:17:08 PM IST. Dependencies resolved. ================================================================================================================================================ Package Architecture Version Repository Size ================================================================================================================================================ Installing: kmod-wl x86_64 6.30.223.271-30.fc30 rpmfusion-nonfree-updates 10 k Installing dependencies: akmods noarch 0.5.6-20.fc30 updates 23 k annobin x86_64 8.71-3.fc30 updates 107 k elfutils-libelf-devel x86_64 0.177-1.fc30 updates 23 k fakeroot x86_64 1.24-2.fc30 updates 91 k fakeroot-libs x86_64 1.24-2.fc30 updates 34 k kernel-devel x86_64 5.3.6-200.fc30 updates 13 M kmodtool noarch 1-34.fc30 updates 13 k nim-srpm-macros noarch 2-1.fc30 updates 8.2 k patch x86_64 2.7.6-11.fc30 updates 126 k qt5-srpm-macros noarch 5.12.5-1.fc30 updates 8.9 k redhat-rpm-config noarch 130-1.fc30 updates 63 k rpm-build x86_64 4.14.2.1-5.fc30 updates 106 k rust-srpm-macros noarch 10-1.fc30 updates 9.5 k zlib-devel x86_64 1.2.11-18.fc30 updates 46 k zstd x86_64 1.4.2-1.fc30 updates 371 k dwz x86_64 0.12-10.fc30 fedora 102 k efi-srpm-macros noarch 4-2.fc30 fedora 23 k fpc-srpm-macros noarch 1.2-1.fc30 fedora 7.5 k ghc-srpm-macros noarch 1.4.2-9.fc30 fedora 7.6 k gnat-srpm-macros noarch 4-9.fc30 fedora 8.5 k go-srpm-macros noarch 2-19.fc30 fedora 11 k ocaml-srpm-macros noarch 5-5.fc30 fedora 7.7 k openblas-srpm-macros noarch 2-5.fc30 fedora 7.3 k perl-srpm-macros noarch 1-29.fc30 fedora 8.2 k python-srpm-macros noarch 3-42.fc30 fedora 11 k rpmdevtools noarch 8.10-8.fc30 fedora 91 k xemacs-filesystem noarch 21.5.34-33.20190323hgc0ed7ef9a5a1.fc30 fedora 10 k akmod-wl x86_64 6.30.223.271-30.fc30 rpmfusion-nonfree-updates 5.5 M broadcom-wl noarch 6.30.223.271-13.fc30 rpmfusion-nonfree-updates 25 k Transaction Summary ================================================================================================================================================ Install 30 Packages Total download size: 20 M Installed size: 63 M Is this ok [y/N]: y
Step 3. Reboot the system
Type the following reboot command to reboot the Linux based system:
$ sudo reboot
Step 4. Verify and connect to the Wireless network
Type the following command to verify that wireless interface for Broadcom b43 is up and running using ip command:
$ ifconfig
$ ip a s
$ iwconfig
$ sudo lshw -C network -short
$ nmcli -f GENERAL,WIFI-PROPERTIES dev show wlp1s0
Step 5. How to connect to Wi-Fi network
Now that fimrware installed and wifi card activated, we can connect to our wireless network using Network Manager (top right side) > Select Wi-Fi > Select Network > Select a network > Connect > Enter password for wireless network:
Fig.02: Fedora Linux Wireless Connection for bc43
Conclusion
You learned how to install Broadcom’s proprietary drivers and firmware (bc43) under Fedora 28/29/30/31 using the command line. If possible, always get an Intel-based wifi card for Linux laptop.
- Linux b43 and b43legacy are fimrware and drivers for the 802.11b/g/n family of wireless chips from Broadcom.
🐧 29 comments so far... add one ↓
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Hello, thank you for the amazing guide. I am having an issue with step #2
I am entering # yum search kmod-wl —–and getting
[root@localhost ~]# yum search kmod-wl Loaded plugins: langpacks, refresh-packagekit ============================= N/S matched: kmod-wl ============================= akmod-wl.x86_64 : Akmod package for wl kernel module(s) kmod-wl.x86_64 : Metapackage which tracks in wl kernel module for newest kernel kmod-wl-3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.12.10-300.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.12.10-300.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.12.5-302.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.12.5-302.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.12.6-300.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.12.6-300.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.12.7-300.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.12.7-300.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.12.8-300.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.12.8-300.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.12.9-300.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.12.9-300.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.12.9-301.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.12.9-301.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.10-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.10-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.3-201.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.3-201.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.4-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.4-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.5-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.5-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.6-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.6-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.7-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.7-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.8-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.8-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.13.9-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.13.9-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.14.1-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.14.1-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.14.2-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.14.2-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.14.3-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.14.3-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.14.4-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.14.4-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.14.5-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.14.5-200.fc20.x86_64 kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 : wl kernel module(s) for : 3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64Name and summary matches only, use “search all” for everything.
But when I use # yum install kmod-wl —- I am getting
Loaded plugins: langpacks, refresh-packagekit
Resolving Dependencies
–> Running transaction check
—> Package kmod-wl.x86_64 0:6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24 will be installed
–> Processing Dependency: kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64 >= 6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24 for package: kmod-wl-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24.x86_64
–> Running transaction check
—> Package kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 0:6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24 will be installed
–> Processing Dependency: kernel-uname-r = 3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64 for package: kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24.x86_64
–> Processing Dependency: wl-kmod-common >= 6.30.223.141 for package: kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24.x86_64
–> Running transaction check
—> Package broadcom-wl.noarch 0:6.30.223.141-2.fc20 will be installed
—> Package kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 0:6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24 will be installed
–> Processing Dependency: kernel-uname-r = 3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64 for package: kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24.x86_64
–> Finished Dependency Resolution
Error: Package: kmod-wl-3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.24.x86_64 (rpmfusion-nonfree-updates)
Requires: kernel-uname-r = 3.14.6-200.fc20.x86_64
Installed: kernel-3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 (@koji-override-0/$releasever)
kernel-uname-r = 3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64
Installed: kernel-3.14.7-200.fc20.x86_64 (@updates)
kernel-uname-r = 3.14.7-200.fc20.x86_64
Available: kernel-debug-3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 (fedora)
kernel-uname-r = 3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64+debug
Available: kernel-debug-3.14.7-200.fc20.x86_64 (updates)
kernel-uname-r = 3.14.7-200.fc20.x86_64+debug
You could try using –skip-broken to work around the problem
You could try running: rpm -Va –nofiles –nodigest
I am a complete Linux noob, please help
First, run:
And try again:
Hello, I have the same problem after the last system update…
Have any Linux drivers been released for the BCM5787M chipset?
I could not install kmod-wl .The following error occurs during the installation.
[root@localhost ~]# yum install kmod-wlAnd it said:
Loaded plugins: langpacks, refresh-packagekit Resolving Dependencies --> Running transaction check ---> Package kmod-wl.x86_64 0:6.30.223.141-5.fc20.26 will be installed --> Processing Dependency: kmod-wl-3.14.8-200.fc20.x86_64 >= 6.30.223.141-5.fc20.26 for package: kmod-wl-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.26.x86_64 --> Running transaction check ---> Package kmod-wl-3.14.8-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 0:6.30.223.141-5.fc20.26 will be installed --> Processing Dependency: kernel-uname-r = 3.14.8-200.fc20.x86_64 for package: kmod-wl-3.14.8-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.26.x86_64 --> Finished Dependency Resolution Error: Package: kmod-wl-3.14.8-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.141-5.fc20.26.x86_64 (rpmfusion-nonfree-updates) Requires: kernel-uname-r = 3.14.8-200.fc20.x86_64 Installed: kernel-3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 (@koji-override-0/$releasever) kernel-uname-r = 3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 Installed: kernel-3.14.9-200.fc20.x86_64 (@updates) kernel-uname-r = 3.14.9-200.fc20.x86_64 Available: kernel-debug-3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 (fedora) kernel-uname-r = 3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64+debug Available: kernel-debug-3.14.9-200.fc20.x86_64 (updates) kernel-uname-r = 3.14.9-200.fc20.x86_64+debug You could try using --skip-broken to work around the problem You could try running: rpm -Va --nofiles --nodigest [root@localhost ~]#Any reply to this for a fix? I’m having the same problem with my hp dv6000? I’d appreciate any assistance I can get because I need this running for a class I’m taking. Thanks!!!!!
after running lspci | grep -i broadcom command i get the output as follow
Network controller: Broadcom Corporation BCM43142 802.11b/g/n (rev 01)
Subsystem: Lenovo Device 0611
Kernel driver in use: bcma-pci-bridge
Kernel modules: bcma
the chipset is not listed above..any way by which i can install,wifi drivers onnn my laptop
thank u it worked for me in my dell pc
I got problem in 1st step. Can you please help?
here is output….
Loaded plugins: langpacks, refresh-packagekit
Cannot open: http://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-20.noarch.rpm. Skipping.
Skipping: yum, filename does not end in .rpm.
Skipping: localinstall, filename does not end in .rpm.
Cannot open: http://download1.rpmfusion.org/nofree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-20.noarch.rpm. Skipping.
Nothing to do
Thanks a million. Instructions worked perfectly!
Thanks!!
I was searching for hours how to solve it. I followed your steps and in 5 minutes I completed it!
Wifi is now working. Thanks a lot!
THANKS MAN… great guide and 100% working!
Thank you again.
Martin
Thanks a lot!!!
thanks … :) working fine ..
Thanks Thanks Thanks
Is there any way could install kmod-wl for CentOS 6 machine?
Hello. I’m relatively new at Fedora but i am loving it. My DELL Vostro 1710 had the same problem after installing Fedora 20. Your tutorial saved my day. After that everything work fine, until the last update. 3.14.8. If i open with version 3.14.7 wireless is working, but the new one doesn’t. I’ve tried ti repeat the steps but no luck… Anyone has any idea what is the problem?? Thanks…
Hi there, I’m receiving this error and needed urgent assistance so that I can use my computer for class. Any and all help is appreciated. I’m using Fedora 20 on an HP dv6000.
Error:
[root@localhost khunt]# yum install kmod-wl
Loaded plugins: langpacks, refresh-packagekit rpmfusion-free-updates | 3.3 kB 00:00 rpmfusion-nonfree-updates | 3.3 kB 00:00 updates/20/x86_64/metalink | 17 kB 00:00 Resolving Dependencies --> Running transaction check ---> Package kmod-wl.x86_64 0:6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6 will be installed --> Processing Dependency: kmod-wl-3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64 >= 6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6 for package: kmod-wl-6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6.x86_64 --> Running transaction check ---> Package kmod-wl-3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 0:6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6 will be installed --> Processing Dependency: kernel-uname-r = 3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64 for package: kmod-wl-3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6.x86_64 --> Processing Dependency: wl-kmod-common >= 6.30.223.248 for package: kmod-wl-3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6.x86_64 --> Running transaction check ---> Package broadcom-wl.noarch 0:6.30.223.248-1.fc20 will be installed ---> Package kmod-wl-3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64.x86_64 0:6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6 will be installed --> Processing Dependency: kernel-uname-r = 3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64 for package: kmod-wl-3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6.x86_64 --> Finished Dependency Resolution Error: Package: kmod-wl-3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64-6.30.223.248-4.fc20.6.x86_64 (rpmfusion-nonfree-updates) Requires: kernel-uname-r = 3.17.7-200.fc20.x86_64 Installed: kernel-3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 (@koji-override-0/$releasever) kernel-uname-r = 3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 Installed: kernel-3.17.8-200.fc20.x86_64 (@updates) kernel-uname-r = 3.17.8-200.fc20.x86_64 Available: kernel-debug-3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64 (fedora) kernel-uname-r = 3.11.10-301.fc20.x86_64+debug Available: kernel-debug-3.17.8-200.fc20.x86_64 (updates) kernel-uname-r = 3.17.8-200.fc20.x86_64+debug You could try using --skip-broken to work around the problem You could try running: rpm -Va --nofiles --nodigestthank a lot ^_^
Bhai nitesh …my chipset is also same as like your BCM43142
SO you found any solution to install driver for this
If you found it than pls help me
Thank you so much!
Thank you very much. I was getting very frustrated trying to have Fedora on my laptop with Windows 10 and having no wireless with linux. This worked great with the Broadcom BCM43142 controller on a HP Pavilion .
works perfect on my Dell Latitude E6530 with
Network controller: Broadcom Corporation BCM43228 802.11a/b/g/n.
Thank you very much !
Thank you! I tried the official fedoraproject forum and stackexchange unix forum but yours finally did it.
hi,
it’s work for me,
thank you very much.
work’s for me …….. tnx man
I appreciate the good instructions, but it did not work for me :( Can someone please help? Please. I am trying to learn Linux. Used to be an Apple fan boy, but now a Linux fan (but it is confusing at times)
I am running a fresh install of Fedora 33 on a 2012 Apple Mac Pro desktop. I carefully followed your instructions. And I cut and pasted the commands to make sure I did not screw any of it up. When I used the lspci command above, it identified my wireless card as “Broadcom Inc. and subsidiaries BCM4322 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Controller (rev 01).”
The commands in the instructions often returned feedback I thought was good, but in the end I was surprised to see all my efforts did not pay off. Why?
Thank you so much!
My 2009 MacBook Pro’s WiFi card was never recognized at first (I’ve tried 4 or 5 different distros).
Fedora was the hardest to troubleshoot. I really wanted it to work because it is the distro I liked the most.
Thanks to this “How To” I was able to make it work!
Happy to help!