2024 Kali WiFi adapter recommendation

[JoeyHarley]

@morrownr Hi, I have a question regarding a suitable WiFi adapter for 2024 version of Kali linux. Most of the ones I find on amazon are only compatible with 2017 to 2023 versions. Do you have any suggestions for a mid tier one? Preferably PnP.

[bjlockie]

Wifi 5 or 6?
What country are you in?
Something with a Mediatek chip.
Do you need it to run as an AP?

[JoeyHarley]

@bjlockie i'm unsure what you mean by AP. Preferably something I can just plug in and it will work after configuring kali settings. I'm in Canada. I was looking at these 3. It will be for VM. It needs the ability to send packets

https://www.amazon.ca/BrosTrend-600Mbps-Wireless-Internet-AC2/dp/B01GC8XH0S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=26JX80KULQO5F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xhqpDQzLRN30ZCM7sDogIRDSEiPKiLvEzAfZpKhs-c0t2Em-P1dlOELM65kqLNJYqyUiMKwuq4MxxtANCXa2tuHEE3blCME-vwgoau8rAjkYWYnfn4DrNnkNrjMfE8SObTlfUJDOHVHaA30yJ1YxTyHCFKkgCQMdRvSepJ9n-Ko5aedSAn5kH6anOuTx5zV01urTxHlXVio3XuX-7mzWjg.ov_Us4j3tX_IA6n20rO14101MhzoQAZLT91vM7ZxHuc&dib_tag=se&keywords=linux+kali+wifi+adapter+2024&qid=1711530552&sprefix=linux+kaliwifi+adapter+2024%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-3

Or this
https://www.amazon.ca/BrosTrend-1200Mbps-Linux-Adapter-Wi-Fi/dp/B07FCN6WGX/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xhqpDQzLRN30ZCM7sDogIRDSEiPKiLvEzAfZpKhs-c0t2Em-P1dlOELM65kqLNJYqyUiMKwuq4MxxtANCXa2tuVUXmlvDtjUtiQZVqow2fONQJaMIiByKm6a2hffUhuQ1xezLJhUVM_8ih6Jzg9MtCHCFKkgCQMdRvSepJ9n-KpzW6oPd833tv4Q-ZhOGhvJIrJrCJ33C509YybDwWRgwg.p867zwnURp3VI8uuMpM3qXe_uK5w_-g-pId2q7xHyrM&dib_tag=se&keywords=linux+kali+wifi+adapter+2024&qid=1711544484&sr=8-5

Or this
https://www.amazon.ca/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-Wireless-External/dp/B00VEEBOPG/ref=mp_s_a_1_19?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tz7UpXVJtMPlQJOuNb-JiX3FUiryOfFMnyrp13cYPqOzgLkyf-3oe1rbvz2Yhn_woo8jSeouFrRtr5mr8VWmV0WcyKgB3iwed6j6eZ5vdbwaQgoxmPBdCS4KW-5RqIE4tnbX1Pzfubzdu28aTjM6oGFfczOZZmheGclqnerVywoecP4pdM1L88X9p5Cgd5Ob04XWPYLWoZ8cDIHHKrgTVg.RHdvwI8AyRECb27LGce7wuKbo9AUTC5ZPOyhYnR28F8&dib_tag=se&keywords=linux+kali+wifi+adapter+2024&qid=1711544513&sr=8-19

They say Kali 2023, I just wanted to ensure it works for 2024 too. **Edit: WiFi versions 802.11n, g, b, ac, n, a

[bjlockie]

https://www.amazon.ca/Alfa-Long-Range-Dual-Band-External-Antennas/dp/B08BJS8FXD

Brostrend usually uses Realtek.

[bjlockie]

I bought that one from the same seller.

It should work with any Linux as long as Linux has wifi. :-)
I can't say enough good things about Mediatek and Alfa.

It has a mt7612u chipset.

[morrownr]

@bjlockie

That Alfa adapter is the ACH. It uses a Realtek 8812au chipset. It is a good adapter but he probably won't be happy using it with Kali.

I'd recommend the Alfa ACHM as the primary choice for Kali.

@JoeyHarley

The README in this repo shows many adapters that will work with Kali. Look at adapters with the following chipsets:

mt7610u
mt7612u
mt7921au

Pick some adapters from that list and come back here with your specific questions.

[bjlockie]

The link I sent says "Alfa AWUS036ACM".

[morrownr]

Here is the link to the Plug and Play List:

https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/USB_WiFi_Adapters_that_are_supported_with_Linux_in-kernel_drivers.md

[JoeyHarley]

I wasnt sure which one I needed from that list. Thank you! I went with the ACM one @bjlockie suggested. It arrives tomorrow, I shall see!

[morrownr]

@bjlockie

The link I sent says "Alfa AWUS036ACM".

My bad.

The Alfa Alfa AWUS036ACM and Alfa Alfa AWUS036ACHM are both really good choices with Kali. The ACHM will have longer range. The Panda PAU0B is a good choice also.

[morrownr]

@JoeyHarley

If it is okay with you, I have reopened this dicussion as it contains information that others might be looking for.

what is the issue with realtek drivers? Why are they so problematic with linux? Also, does it qualify as linux if im using kali as a VM on win 11? or windows?

Realtek does not seem to be serious about producing drivers that work well for Linux users for USB WiFi adapters. What they currently supply are drivers that are partly based on an old depreciated technology that does not meet current Linux Wireless Standards. If fact, the Linux kernel devs have had to add code to the Linux kernel to prevent Realtek from continuing to do with WiFi 7 and later. Additionally, the driver work only as out-of-kernel drivers that users have to compile and the drivers are not maintained, available to the public nor does Realtek take bug reports or feature request. Overall, it is a bad situation for Linux users and Realtek.

Also, does it qualify as linux if im using kali as a VM on win 11? or windows?

Linux is what has to have the good driver. You also need to know how to make a VM work with usb adapters. I am working on a guide currently for using VirtualBox and Kali. You really need to read my guide. Do you want me to post it here or would you like to start a new issue in Issues?

[JoeyHarley]

Sure, no problem. Thank you! That would be great. I gave up on trying to make VMware work, so I'm using virtual box this time as well along with my google cybersecurity certificate. I'm following the video tutorial David Bombal on YT showed and its helping. I'm out of date on a lot, the last time I used Kali was when it was Root and Toor for Kali pass

[morrownr]

@JoeyHarley

My intent is to post this guide on the site under the menu item for monitor mode when it is ready. I borrowed this from someone else. I know there is a need but it is a challenge for me to do the guide as I don't run Windows. I can test it with Kali in VirtualBox but VB will be on Linux. Please keep notes and edit all that you think needs to be edited and get it to me. Thanks.

USB WiFi Adapter with VirtualBox

Borrowed from Josh, an Amazon Customer that bought a Panda USB WiFi
adapter that uses an mt7612u chipset.

This guide is intended for those who are facing issues when using the
adapter with Kali, or those who are considering purchasing it despite
negative reviews. The adapter is advertised as Plug and Play (PnP) which
is correct. However, if you are running Kali on VirtualBox from a
Windows host and experiencing problems, here are some troubleshooting
steps to help you out:

1. Make sure you have the latest VirtualBox and Extension Pack installed
before proceeding.

2. Configure USB settings:

- Plug the adapter into your Windows host.
- In your Kali VM settings, go to Settings > USB.
- Check "Enable USB Controller."
- Select "USB 3.0 (xHCI) Controller" from the list.
- Under "USB Device Filters," add a new USB filter and choose the
adapter (at the time of this written review the PAU0D, should appear as
"MediaTek Inc. Wireless").
- Click OK to apply the changes.

3. Verify the adapter connection:

- Start Kali and run "ip addr" from the terminal.
- You should see the adapter listed as "wlan0." Keep in mind that your
adapter may be assigned a different number than 0.

4. Further troubleshooting (if necessary):

- If the adapter still doesn't appear, follow these additional steps:
- Shutdown Kali and press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Press the ALT + D shortcut and go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
- Use the Ctrl + F shortcut to search for "vbox.sys."
- If you find the five "vbox.sys" drivers with dates older than the
current year, uninstall VirtualBox. Note that updating the VirtualBox
doesn't always update these drivers. Your configured VMs should remain
intact.
- After uninstalling, delete the old "vbox.sys" drivers from the
mentioned directory.
- Install the latest version of VirtualBox and the Extension Pack.
- Repeat the USB settings configuration mentioned earlier, if necessary.
- Launch Kali, and the adapter should now function correctly.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve any issues with
the adapter's compatibility with Kali on VirtualBox. Also, you're
welcome for the shortcuts ;)