AIC8800DC Linux Driver (Patched)

Patched out-of-tree Linux kernel driver for the AIC8800DC USB Wi-Fi chipset. Based on upstream version 6.4.3.0 with compatibility fixes.

DKMS is supported. The driver rebuilds automatically after every kernel update.

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Installation

1. Install dependencies

Ubuntu / Debian:

sudo apt install dkms build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r) linux-headers-generic

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S dkms linux-headers base-devel

Fedora:

sudo dnf install dkms kernel-devel kernel-headers

2. Clone and install

git clone https://github.com/Kiborgik/aic8800dc-linux-patched.git
cd aic8800dc-linux-patched

sudo chmod +x install.sh
sudo ./install.sh

3. Verify

sudo chmod +x test.sh
sudo ./test.sh

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Uninstall

sudo chmod +x uninstall.sh
sudo ./uninstall.sh

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Testing

test.sh checks everything without requiring a reboot:

sudo ./test.sh

It verifies:

• DKMS registration status
• .ko files installed for the running kernel
• Module metadata via modinfo
• Whether modules are currently loaded
• Firmware files in /lib/firmware/aic8800DC/
• udev rule and boot auto-load config
• DKMS AUTOINSTALL hook presence

Simulate a kernel upgrade rebuild (no reboot needed):

# Install headers for another kernel version using your distro's package manager,
# then build for that kernel:
sudo dkms build -m aic8800dc -v 6.4.3.0-patched.1 -k <other-version>

# Confirm both kernels show as installed
dkms status

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Manual build (cross-compile / embedded targets)

For Rockchip, Allwinner, Amlogic, or other non-Ubuntu targets, set the platform variables in drivers/aic8800/Makefile and build directly:

cd drivers/aic8800
make
sudo make install
sudo depmod -a
sudo modprobe aic_load_fw
sudo modprobe aic8800_fdrv

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Notes

• After a kernel update, DKMS rebuilds the driver automatically. No manual action needed.
• If the build fails on a new kernel, the driver may need patching for API changes introduced in that kernel. This is a limitation of all out-of-tree drivers.
• Secure Boot users: the kernel module must be signed to load under Secure Boot. See your distro's MOK (Machine Owner Key) documentation for signing instructions.