Note: The directions below are for DISCONTINUED adapters that use the ar9170 USB N chipset
Backtrack r3
Download the following firmware:
http://linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/carl9170/fw1.9.7?action=Attach...
Then move it into the /lib/firmware directory. The card should work after that (just unplug and reconnect). If you have any questions or need further / more detailed instruction contact support.
Mageia
Download and install the carl9170 firmware:
Mageia 1 carl9170 Firmware RPM
Mageia 2 carl9170 Firmware RPM
Fedora 15/16/17/18
Red Hat Enterprise Linux / Scientific Linux Not Recognizing Card
OpenSuSE 11.4 Not Recognizing Card
OpenSuSE 11.4 Bug and Temporary Solution
Flaky Connection
Some routers have flaky implementations of the 802.11N standard. This means not all devices will work flawlessly together. If you are experiencing an inability to connect, dropped connections, sluggish performance, and/or have had other issues there are a number of solutions you can try to get around these problems.
1. Switch your router to "802.11G only" mode. See your router's manual for instructions.
2. Upgrade to the most recent edition of your distribution. See your distribution's manual for instructions.
3. Upgrade the kernel and firmware. See below for instructions on a number major distributions.
If you have any questions regarding the below instructions contact support or call 1-888-39-THINK (84465). Non-Linux drivers are also available here.
Upgrade instructions for Ubuntu 10.04 and 10.10
Upgrading to the carl9170 firmware
Upgrade instructions for Ubuntu 11.04
1. Upgrade to Ubuntu 11.04 and download and install (Natty 11.04) the newer firmware package.
2. Hold down the ALT key and press F2 simultaneously.
3. A Run Application box will appear where you can enter "gksu gedit /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf". Do so without the quotes.
5. Enter "blacklist ar9170usb" at the bottom of the file and hit save. Do not include the quotes when entering.
Now reboot and you will be utilising the new firmware.
Upgrade/Install instructions for Debian 6 Squeeze and derived distributions
Upgrading to the new carl9170 firmware
Installing the older ar9170 firmware
General instructions for other distributions
1. Carl9170 requires a Linux or Linux-based kernel of 2.6.37 or newer. You will need to upgrade to this version.
2. Download the carl9170 firmware (carl9170-1.fw) and place it in the /lib/firmware directory.
3. As root or super user (admin) edit /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf and add "blacklist ar9170usb" to the bottom (without the quotes).