Install TP-Link TL-WN823N Wifi Adapter On Ubuntu 16.04: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jul 16, 2025 by ADMIN 77 views

Install USB Wifi Card TL-WN823N in Ubuntu 16.04: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Hey guys! Having trouble getting your TL-WN823N USB wifi card up and running on Ubuntu 16.04? You're not alone! This is a common issue, and I'm here to walk you through the process step-by-step. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive solution to the common problem of installing the TL-WN823N USB wifi adapter on Ubuntu 16.04. We'll address the common "NO SKRC" error and provide a detailed, user-friendly approach to getting your wifi card working perfectly. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Linux user, this article will provide you with the knowledge and steps necessary to successfully install your TL-WN823N adapter and enjoy a stable wireless connection. We'll cover everything from identifying the issue to downloading the correct drivers, compiling them, and finally, installing them on your system. So, let's dive in and get your TL-WN823N working seamlessly on your Ubuntu 16.04 system. Get ready to unleash the full potential of your wireless network with this simple yet effective guide!

Understanding the Problem

Many users encounter the dreaded "NO SKRC" error when trying to compile the drivers for the TL-WN823N on Ubuntu 16.04. This error typically indicates that the kernel headers are either missing or not correctly linked, preventing the driver from being built properly. Before we jump into solutions, it’s essential to understand why this error occurs. The “NO SKRC” message usually means that the makefile, which is a set of instructions for compiling the driver, can’t find the kernel headers. Kernel headers are crucial because they contain information about the Linux kernel's internal structures and functions. Drivers need these headers to interface correctly with the kernel. When you try to compile the driver without the correct headers, the compilation process fails, resulting in the “NO SKRC” error. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re new to Linux, but don’t worry, it’s a common issue with a straightforward solution. Ensuring that your system has the necessary kernel headers is the first step to resolving this problem. We’ll cover how to install these headers and link them correctly in the following sections. By understanding the root cause of the error, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot any similar issues in the future. So, let’s move on to the solutions and get your TL-WN823N working in no time!

Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you have the following:

A stable internet connection (you might need to use a wired connection temporarily).
The TL-WN823N USB wifi adapter.
Ubuntu 16.04 installed on your system.
Basic knowledge of using the terminal.

Having a stable internet connection is crucial because you’ll need to download some packages and drivers. If your wifi isn’t working, you’ll need to use a wired connection to get started. Make sure your TL-WN823N adapter is plugged into your computer. This will allow the system to recognize it once the drivers are installed. Ubuntu 16.04 should already be installed on your system. If not, you’ll need to install it before proceeding. Lastly, having some basic knowledge of using the terminal will be beneficial as we’ll be using command-line instructions to install the drivers. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert; I’ll guide you through each step. Being comfortable with basic terminal commands like cd, ls, sudo, and make will make the process smoother. If you’re new to the terminal, there are plenty of online resources and tutorials to help you get started. The key is to be patient and follow the instructions carefully. Once you have these prerequisites in place, you’ll be well-prepared to install the TL-WN823N drivers successfully. So, let’s move on to the next step and start installing the necessary packages.

Step 1: Installing Required Packages

First, you need to ensure that your system has the necessary build tools and kernel headers. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)

The sudo apt-get update command refreshes the package lists, ensuring you have the latest information about available software. This is always a good practice before installing new packages. Next, sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r) installs the essential build tools and kernel headers. The build-essential package includes the GNU compiler collection (GCC), make, and other tools necessary for compiling software. The linux-headers-$(uname -r) package provides the kernel headers that match your currently running kernel. The $(uname -r) part of the command automatically determines your kernel version, ensuring you install the correct headers. These headers are critical for building the driver for your TL-WN823N adapter. Without them, the compilation will fail. This step is crucial for resolving the “NO SKRC” error we discussed earlier. Once these packages are installed, your system will have the necessary tools and information to build the driver. So, make sure you complete this step before moving on. Now that we have the prerequisites covered, let’s proceed to the next step and download the driver for your TL-WN823N adapter.

Step 2: Downloading the Driver

Now, let's download the driver. You'll need to find the correct driver for your TL-WN823N version. TP-Link's website is usually the best place to start. Go to the TP-Link support page and search for TL-WN823N. Then, download the Linux driver corresponding to your hardware version. Once you're on the TP-Link support page, you'll see different versions of the TL-WN823N. It's crucial to download the driver that matches your adapter's hardware version. You can find the hardware version printed on the adapter itself. Downloading the wrong driver can lead to compatibility issues, so double-check the version before proceeding. After finding the correct driver, download the zip file to your computer. It's a good idea to create a dedicated directory for the driver files to keep things organized. For example, you can create a directory named “TL-WN823N_driver” in your home directory. Once the download is complete, move the zip file to this directory. This will make it easier to navigate and extract the files in the next step. Downloading the driver is a critical step in the installation process. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and download the correct version to avoid any issues later on. Now that we have the driver downloaded, let’s move on to extracting it and preparing for compilation.

Step 3: Extracting the Driver

Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the driver (e.g., ~/TL-WN823N_driver) using the cd command in the terminal. Then, extract the driver files using the unzip command. For example:

cd ~/TL-WN823N_driver
unzip [driver_file_name].zip

Replace [driver_file_name].zip with the actual name of the downloaded zip file. Once you’ve navigated to the directory where you downloaded the driver, the next step is to extract the files. The unzip command is used to decompress the zip file, making the driver files accessible. Make sure you replace [driver_file_name].zip with the actual name of the zip file you downloaded from the TP-Link website. After running the unzip command, a new directory will be created containing the driver files. You can use the ls command to list the contents of the directory and verify that the files have been extracted successfully. The extracted files typically include the source code for the driver, a makefile, and other necessary files. The makefile is a crucial component as it contains the instructions for compiling the driver. If you don’t see a makefile, it could indicate that the extraction didn’t complete correctly, or you might have downloaded the wrong driver version. Once the files are extracted, it’s a good idea to review the contents and make sure everything looks as expected. This will help you avoid potential issues later on. Now that we have the driver files extracted, let’s move on to the next step and compile the driver.

Step 4: Compiling the Driver

Now, navigate into the extracted directory. Inside, you should find a Makefile. Use the make command to compile the driver:

cd [extracted_directory]
sudo make

Replace [extracted_directory] with the name of the directory you just extracted. Compiling the driver is a crucial step in the installation process. The make command uses the instructions in the Makefile to build the driver from the source code. Before running the make command, make sure you navigate into the directory where the extracted files are located. This ensures that the make command can find the Makefile and other necessary files. If the compilation process is successful, you’ll see a series of messages in the terminal indicating that the driver is being built. It’s normal to see some warnings during the compilation, but errors are a sign that something went wrong. If you encounter errors, double-check that you’ve installed the necessary packages and that you’re using the correct driver version. The sudo command is used to run make with administrative privileges, which is often required to compile drivers. After the compilation is complete, the driver modules will be created. These modules are the files that will be loaded into the kernel to enable your TL-WN823N adapter. Now that we have successfully compiled the driver, let’s move on to the next step and install it on your system.

Step 5: Installing the Driver

After compiling, install the driver using the sudo make install command:

sudo make install

The sudo make install command installs the compiled driver modules into the appropriate directories in your system. This step is crucial for making the driver available to the kernel. The install target in the Makefile typically handles copying the driver modules to the correct locations and updating the system’s module configuration. Running this command with sudo ensures that you have the necessary permissions to modify system files. If the installation is successful, you’ll see messages indicating that the driver modules have been copied and the module configuration has been updated. After the installation, the driver should be ready to be loaded into the kernel. However, sometimes you might need to take additional steps to ensure that the driver is loaded correctly. We’ll cover these steps in the next section. Make sure you run the sudo make install command without any errors before proceeding. This will ensure that the driver is properly installed and ready to use. Now that we’ve installed the driver, let’s move on to the next step and load the driver module.

Step 6: Loading the Driver Module

Now, load the driver module using the insmod command. You'll need to find the module file (usually a .ko file) in the directory where you compiled the driver. The name might vary, but it's often something like 8192fu.ko or similar. Use ls to find it. Then:

sudo insmod [module_name].ko

Replace [module_name].ko with the actual name of the module file. Loading the driver module into the kernel is a critical step in activating the driver. The insmod command inserts the module into the currently running kernel, making the driver’s functionality available. Before running insmod, you need to locate the driver module file, which typically has a .ko extension. This file is usually found in the same directory where you compiled the driver. Use the ls command to list the files in the directory and identify the module file. The module name can vary depending on the driver, but it often includes the chipset number, such as 8192fu.ko. After identifying the module file, use the sudo insmod [module_name].ko command to load it into the kernel. The sudo command is necessary because loading kernel modules requires administrative privileges. If the command is successful, you won’t see any output. However, if there are any issues, you’ll see error messages that can help you troubleshoot the problem. Once the module is loaded, the driver should be active, and your TL-WN823N adapter should start working. However, to make the driver load automatically on boot, we need to take an additional step. So, let’s move on to the next step and configure the driver to load on startup.

Step 7: Configuring the Driver to Load on Startup

To make the driver load automatically on boot, you need to add it to the /etc/modules file. Open the file with administrative privileges using a text editor like nano:

sudo nano /etc/modules

Add the module name (e.g., 8192fu) to the end of the file, save, and exit. Configuring the driver to load on startup ensures that your TL-WN823N adapter will work automatically every time you boot your system. This step involves adding the module name to the /etc/modules file, which is a list of modules that the kernel should load during startup. To edit this file, you’ll need administrative privileges, so we use the sudo nano /etc/modules command. This command opens the file in the nano text editor. If you’re not familiar with nano, it’s a simple and user-friendly text editor that you can use in the terminal. Once the file is open, add the module name (e.g., 8192fu) to the end of the file. Make sure you only add the module name without the .ko extension. After adding the module name, save the file by pressing Ctrl+O, then press Enter to confirm the filename, and finally, exit nano by pressing Ctrl+X. With this configuration, the kernel will automatically load the driver module during startup, and your TL-WN823N adapter should be ready to use without any manual intervention. Now that we’ve configured the driver to load on startup, let’s move on to the final step and verify that everything is working correctly.

Step 8: Verifying the Installation

Finally, reboot your system to apply the changes:

sudo reboot

After rebooting, check if your wifi adapter is recognized. You can use the iwconfig command in the terminal. If you see wlan0 or a similar interface listed, your adapter is likely working correctly. Rebooting your system is an essential step to ensure that all the changes you’ve made are applied correctly. This allows the kernel to load the driver module during the startup process, as we configured in the previous step. After the reboot, you need to verify that your TL-WN823N adapter is recognized and working correctly. The iwconfig command is a useful tool for checking wireless interfaces. When you run iwconfig in the terminal, it displays information about the wireless interfaces on your system. If you see an interface listed as wlan0 or something similar, it indicates that your wireless adapter is recognized. This is a good sign that the driver installation was successful. However, just because the adapter is recognized doesn’t necessarily mean it’s working perfectly. You should also try connecting to a wifi network to ensure that the adapter can establish a connection. If you can successfully connect to a wifi network and browse the internet, then your TL-WN823N adapter is working correctly. If you still encounter issues, double-check the steps in this guide and make sure you haven’t missed anything. You can also consult the troubleshooting tips in the next section. Now that we’ve verified the installation, let’s move on to some troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any issues.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you still get the "NO SKRC" error: Double-check that you have installed the correct kernel headers using sudo apt-get install linux-headers-$(uname -r). Also, ensure that the kernel headers version matches your kernel version (uname -r).
If the wifi adapter is not recognized: Make sure the module is loaded (lsmod | grep 8192fu) and that it's listed in /etc/modules. If not, repeat Step 6 and 7.
If you can't connect to wifi: Check your wifi password and ensure that the network is in range. You might also need to configure your network settings using the Network Manager.

Let's dive into some more detailed troubleshooting to ensure your TL-WN823N is working flawlessly. If you're still seeing that pesky “NO SKRC” error, it’s like the system isn’t finding the right map to build the driver. The first thing to double-check is that you've installed the exact kernel headers for your system. Use the command sudo apt-get install linux-headers-$(uname -r) to get the right ones. The $(uname -r) part is crucial because it tells the system to grab the headers that match your current kernel version. Think of it as making sure you have the right key for the lock. To be absolutely sure, run uname -r and compare the output with the version of the headers you've installed. They should match perfectly. If your wifi adapter isn't showing up, it’s like it's invisible to your system. First, make sure the driver module is loaded. You can check this by running lsmod | grep 8192fu. If you see something like 8192fu listed, the module is loaded. If not, go back to Step 6 and make sure you’ve loaded the module using sudo insmod. Also, double-check that the module is listed in /etc/modules. If it's not there, the driver won't load automatically when you boot up. Revisit Step 7 to add it. If you can see the wifi networks but can’t connect, it might be a simple issue like a wrong password. Double-check that you’re entering the correct password. Also, make sure your network is within range. Sometimes, the issue might be with the network settings. You can configure these settings using the Network Manager, which is the graphical interface for managing network connections. If you're still scratching your head, don't worry! Linux can be a bit quirky sometimes. The key is to take things one step at a time and double-check each step in the guide. And remember, the Linux community is super helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for help on forums or other online resources.

Conclusion

Installing the TL-WN823N USB wifi card on Ubuntu 16.04 can be a bit tricky, but with this guide, you should be able to get it working. Remember to follow each step carefully, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck. You've got this! In conclusion, getting your TL-WN823N USB wifi card to work on Ubuntu 16.04 might seem like a puzzle at first, but armed with this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to tackle the challenge. We've walked through each step, from understanding the common “NO SKRC” error to installing the necessary packages, downloading and compiling the driver, and configuring it to load on startup. Remember, the key to success is following each step meticulously and not hesitating to double-check if something doesn’t seem right. Linux can be a bit finicky, but with patience and attention to detail, you can overcome most issues. If you do run into roadblocks, the troubleshooting tips we've provided should help you diagnose and resolve the problem. And if you’re still stuck, remember that the Linux community is incredibly supportive. There are countless forums, online resources, and helpful individuals who are willing to lend a hand. So, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. With your TL-WN823N adapter now up and running, you can enjoy a stable and reliable wireless connection on your Ubuntu 16.04 system. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on important projects, a properly installed wifi adapter is essential. Congratulations on taking the time to set up your system correctly! You’ve not only gained a working wifi connection but also valuable experience in troubleshooting and configuring Linux systems. Keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun with your newly connected Ubuntu system!