Where /lib/modules/2.6.24-16-generic/kernel/wireless/ is the patch where I copied the built drivers.
Then they load on starting up the wlan0, so thanks to the config in /etc/network/interfaces if I understand it correctly. So they load when the wireless interface starts.
One amendment:
The hidden SSID is not working yet, but I get connected when broadcasting so far.
Additionally, I had to place the following line (removing any other entries for rtl8180 drivers) in modules.dep:
/lib/modules/ 2.6.24- 16-generic/ kernel/ wireless/ r8180.ko: /lib/modules/ 2.6.24- 16-generic/ kernel/ wireless/ ieee80211- rtl.ko /lib/modules/ 2.6.24- 16-generic/ kernel/ wireless/ ieee80211_ crypt_ccmp- rtl.ko /lib/modules/ 2.6.24- 16-generic/ kernel/ wireless/ ieee80211_ crypt_tkip- rtl.ko /lib/modules/ 2.6.24- 16-generic/ kernel/ wireless/ ieee80211_ crypt_wep- rtl.ko /lib/modules/ 2.6.24- 16-generic/ kernel/ wireless/ ieee80211_ crypt-rtl. ko
Where /lib/modules/ 2.6.24- 16-generic/ kernel/ wireless/ is the patch where I copied the built drivers.
Then they load on starting up the wlan0, so thanks to the config in /etc/network/ interfaces if I understand it correctly. So they load when the wireless interface starts.