Choosing the modern wireless adapter

[Nickolai]

What is the recommended wireless adapter for use in a ThinkPad (X200 or newer) and a router like PC Engines APU series? I suppose the logic in choosing a wireless adapter for laptop and router is the same?

Firstly, can I install just any card or not? I'm worried about multiple antennas these newfangled models seem to boast.

I need a model that would run fast and stable on Linux and FreeBSD. I'm not using FreeBSD on my computer; just a FreeFAS-derivative pfSense on my router, and FreeBSD doesn't support 802.11ac at all yet, but I guess I should choose the most modern version of the standard, which is 802,11ac, just in case.

On Linux I hear Atheros-based cards being universally advised; 802.11 cards specifically are being supported by ath10k driver. Of those I could only find Compex WLE900VX. Would you recommend it?

Admin note: Locked and moved duplicate post in X2xx/X3xx forum. Please do not cross-post.

[sysiphus]

You can't just install any card you like; most ThinkPads have a "whitelist" of cards that the BIOS will accept. This can extend beyond just the particular model of card to being one flashed with a ROM to label it as a Lenovo product. Check the service manual for your model (available online from Lenovo as a PDF) for details.

So far as picking a card that plays nicely with Linux, I strongly recommend an Intel card. I've had good experiences with the 6205 and 6300 models. I suspect any recent modern T/X/W Thinkpad will have the appropriate antennae for at least a 2x2 card, if not a 3x3 card like the 6300. Check the tabook guide for your model to find out what's in it. Hope this helps.

[brchan]

I agree with using intel cards. Most Linux distributions have the intel firmware wireless, and I have not had any problems with Linux using any of the intel cards in my T60, T61, T41, and W530.