Wireless chipset maker Atheros Communications announced the release of what it calls “the first open source Linux and FreeBSD software drivers” for 802.11b/g and universal 802.11a/b/g products. Created by Open Source developer Sam Leffler, the 802.11a/b/g Linux driver is intended to be used as a building block for creating fully featured Linux-based 802.11b/g and 802.11a/b/g products such as network… adapters, access points, and home gateways, the company said. The new Linux driver reportedly supports three generations of Atheros 802.11b/g and 802.11a/b/g chipsets.

“Open source developers and researchers have been hamstrung by limited access to wireless technology,” commented Leffler (author of the drivers). “Now that these drivers are available, we'll no longer be constrained to use legacy hardware”

“We are committed to making wireless technology more accessible for all developers,” said Craig Barratt, Atheros president and CEO. “Mr. Leffler's recent contribution to the Open Source community empowers Linux users to take advantage of the most advanced 802.11b/g and universal 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN chips available on the market.”

The new wireless device driver for Linux can be downloaded here. The FreeBSD device driver is a standard part of the FreeBSD operating system.

 
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