[regression] Realtek 8187L does not work

[OliFre]

Binary package hint: linux-image-2.6.24-18-generic

The kernel module RTL8187 fails to load (not sure since which kernel).

Loading with sudo modprobe rtl8187 returns:

FATAL: Error inserting rtl8187 (/lib/modules/2.6.24-18-generic/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/rtl8187.ko): Unknown symbol in module, or unknown parameter (see dmesg)

dmesg gives me:

ieee80211_init: failed to initialize WME (err=-17)
[ 5084.020441] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_free_hw
[ 5084.020534] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_alloc_hw
[ 5084.020587] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_register_hw
[ 5084.020666] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_tx_status_irqsafe
[ 5084.021049] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_unregister_hw
[ 5084.021160] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_register_hwmode
[ 5084.021213] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_rx_irqsafe
[ 5084.021284] rtl8187: Unknown symbol ieee80211_rts_duration

I just compiled r8187 based on the older ieee80211 and it works fine. However, rtl8187 which should work with mac80211 (or am I missing something?) does not work.

I am using an RTL8187L-Device which should work fine out of the box.

These errors also occur WHEN THE DEVICE IS NOT CONNECTED (if I manually do a modprobe then).

[OliFre (freyermuth)]

Seems to be connected to https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-meta/+bug/200953 somehow?

[OliFre (freyermuth)]

Just realised this bug is a duplicate. Would like to see it fixed in backports, though.

[Gabrielix (gabrielix)]

this error is because the driver does not have a proper detection mechanism and can't fall back if the device is not present.

[OliFre (freyermuth)]

Well, now, after my iwlwifi-modules are unloaded, the module loads fine. That's after I realized that this one is a duplicate.
Module loads even when device not connected - the errors reported here even kept it from loading at all.