After years of user frustration, Mediatek has submitted open-source Linux driver patches for the MT7902 WiFi 6/Bluetooth chipset, potentially enabling native support in the Linux 7.1 kernel.
For Linux users with laptops containing Mediatek's MT7902 WiFi 6 chipset, the persistent driver gap has been a source of ongoing frustration. Searches for "MT7902 Linux" yield countless forum threads detailing failed workarounds and compatibility issues. This week brings significant progress: Mediatek engineer Sean Wang submitted 11 patches to the Linux Wireless mailing list, proposing mainline integration of MT7902 support within the existing MT76 driver stack.
The MT7902 combines 802.11ax WiFi 6 (2x2 MIMO, 80MHz channels) and Bluetooth 5.2 functionality in a single chip. Common in mid-range laptops since 2023, its absence from Linux's mainline kernel forced users to rely on unstable out-of-tree drivers or hardware replacement. Wang's patches introduce core PCIe/USB interface handling, MAC/BBP initialization routines, and Bluetooth HCI protocols specifically for the MT7902 ASIC. Crucially, they leverage Mediatek's shared MT76 driver architecture, ensuring feature parity with existing supported chips like the MT7921.
Technical Implementation Highlights:
- Unified driver structure minimizing code duplication
- Firmware loading mechanism via Mediatek's proprietary blob (required for full functionality)
- Initial power management states targeting common laptop sleep/resume scenarios
- Basic RF calibration routines for signal stability
Assuming timely review, this support could land in Linux kernel 7.1 during April's merge window. Performance metrics remain theoretical until wider testing, but expectations align with similar MT79xx hardware:
| Feature | MT7902 (Projected Linux) | MT7921 (Linux 6.8 Baseline) |
|---|---|---|
| Max PHY Rate (5GHz) | 1.2 Gbps | 1.2 Gbps |
| RSSI Sensitivity | -75 dBm ±2dB | -77 dBm |
| Idle Power Draw | ~450mW (estimated) | 410mW |
| Bluetooth Coexistence | Yes (HCI over SDIO) | Yes |
For homelab builders and Linux laptop users, the path forward is clear:
- Immediate Testing: Track patch status via Linux Wireless Patchwork
- Kernel Preparation: Plan for kernel 7.1+ adoption; consider LTS backports if critical
- Firmware Acquisition: Source
mt7902_rom.bin/mt7902.binfirmware files from Windows drivers (required for full functionality) - Hardware Validation: Verify antenna configurations match Mediatek's 2x2 MIMO reference design
Once merged, comprehensive benchmarks will follow – including throughput under iperf3, latency via ping, and power consumption profiling using powertop. This development significantly improves Linux hardware compatibility for millions of devices shipping with Mediatek's cost-effective WiFi solution.
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion