Get Wi-Fi Working on Linux MacBook Pro 14,3 with Broadcom BCM43602 [14e4:43ba] Network Controller?

Having issues connecting to a wireless network on your Linux MacBook Pro 14,3 can be frustrating. This article aims to provide a step-by-step solution for users facing this problem, particularly those using the Broadcom BCM43602 [14e4:43ba] network controller.

Identifying the Wireless Interface

The wireless interface for your Broadcom BCM43602 network controller might be identified as wlan0. You can check this using the following command:

Updating the Kernel

An outdated kernel might not have the necessary drivers required for connecting to a wireless network. Here's how to update your kernel:

1. Check the current kernel version:

   uname -r

2. Search for the latest kernel version:

   uname -r || sudo apt-get install ubuntu-kernel-dev--deb

3. Install the updated kernel:

   sudo dpkg -i /path/to/package.deb

4. Reboot your system:

   sudo reboot

Installing Broadcom Wireless Drivers

If updating the kernel doesn't work, you may need to install the Broadcom wireless drivers. Here's how:

1. Install the broadcom-wl-dkms package:

   sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install broadcom-wl-dkms

Loading the Wireless Module

Once the drivers are installed, load the wireless module using the following command:

Configuring Network Manager

Ensure that Network Manager is configured to handle the wireless interface. If not, you can do this by editing the Network Manager configuration file:

Add the following line under the [main] section:

Then restart Network Manager:

Connecting to a Wireless Network

You can now connect to a wireless network using the Network Manager GUI or the following command:

• Identify your wireless interface
• Update your kernel
• Install Broadcom wireless drivers
• Load the wireless module
• Configure Network Manager
• Connect to a wireless network

References

• Ubuntu Kernel LTS Enablement Stack

• Debian Wiki - BCM4312 Wireless

• Broadcom Wireless Solutions