Installing Headers for Kali 6.1.0-kali5-arm64 on TP-Link Archer T2U Nano (Realtek RTL8811AU)
This article provides a detailed guide on installing headers for Kali Linux 6.1.0-kali5-arm64 on the TP-Link Archer T2U Nano wireless adapter, which utilizes the Realtek RTL8811AU chipset. The primary focus of this article is to elaborate on the key concepts, subtitles, and paragraphs necessary to achieve a successful installation.
Introduction
This article assumes that you have already successfully installed the latest drivers for your TP-Link Archer T2U Nano on your Kali 6.1.0-kali5-arm64 system, and these drivers are functioning without any issues. However, when compiling or installing specific software, you might encounter a requirement to install the headers for your current kernel.
Identifying Your Kernel Version
Begin by identifying the currently installed kernel version, as you will need this information during the header installation process. To determine the version, run the following command:
uname -rThis command will display the output similar to the following:
6.1.0-kali5-arm64Installing the Required Header Packages
To install the needed header files, you must first update the package lists using apt and then install the appropriate header package.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r)
The above command will install the header files for your currently running kernel, which in this example, is 6.1.0-kali5-arm64.
Verifying the Installed Headers
To ensure that the headers are properly installed, verify the installation using the following command:
ls /usr/srcThis should show a directory with the name corresponding to the installed kernel version (for example, linux-headers-6.1.0-kali5-arm64).
Preparing a Custom Kernel Configuration
Suppose you need to build a custom kernel or kernel modules for the TP-Link Archer T2U Nano. In that case, it's crucial to create a proper kernel configuration for the Realtek RTL8811AU chipset.
Copying the Default Configuration
Start by copying the existing kernel default configuration.
cd /usr/src/linux-headers-$(uname -r)/
cp -v arch/arm64/configs/defconfig .config
Enabling RTL8811AU Wireless Driver Support
Next, enable the required RTL8811AU wireless driver support using the menuconfig tool.
make menuconfig
--- Navigate to Device Drivers ---> Network device support ---> Wireless LAN --->
Find RTL8812AU by using the search function (press '/')
Enable it and save your configuration
Exit the menuconfig tool
Building a Custom Kernel or Kernel Module
Now that you have the appropriate headers installed and the correct kernel configuration, you can proceed with building a custom kernel or kernel modules.
Building a Custom Kernel
make -j$(nproc)
make modules_install
make install
reboot
Building a Kernel Module
Alternatively, if you only wish to build a kernel module, you can follow this process. For instance, when building the TP-Link Archer T2U Nano driver:
cd ~/Desktop/
git clone https://github.com/aircrack-ng/rtl8812au
cd rtl8812au
make
make install
- Identify your currently running kernel (
uname -r). - Install header files for the kernel (
sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r)). - Verify that the headers are installed and located in
/usr/src. - Create a kernel configuration for the TP-Link Archer
For further reading and references on customizing kernels or kernel modules, consult the following resources: