Wi-Fi Module Driver Issue on Jetson Orin Nano After JetPack 6.1 Upgrade

Issue Overview

The Jetson Orin Nano board is experiencing Wi-Fi connectivity problems after upgrading from JetPack 5 to JetPack 6.1. Specifically, the Intel 8265NGW Wi-Fi module, which was previously functional, has stopped working following the upgrade. This issue is occurring on a system running Ubuntu 22.04.5, indicating a potential compatibility problem between the new JetPack version and the existing Wi-Fi module or its drivers.

Possible Causes

1. Driver Incompatibility: The upgrade to JetPack 6.1 may have introduced changes that are incompatible with the existing Wi-Fi module driver.

2. Kernel Changes: The new JetPack version might include kernel modifications that affect the Wi-Fi module’s functionality.

3. Missing or Outdated Drivers: The upgrade process may have removed or failed to update the necessary drivers for the Intel 8265NGW module.

4. Hardware Compatibility Issues: There could be a hardware-level incompatibility between the Intel 8265NGW module and the new JetPack version.

5. Configuration Changes: The upgrade might have altered system configurations that are crucial for Wi-Fi functionality.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check for Additional Drivers:

   • Investigate if the Intel 8265NGW module requires additional drivers for JetPack 6.1 compatibility.
   • Search for updated drivers specifically designed for use with JetPack 6.1 and Ubuntu 22.04.5.

2. Kernel Customization:

   • Consider customizing the kernel to include support for the Wi-Fi module.
   • Refer to the Jetson/L4T/r36.3.x patches documentation for examples of kernel customization.

3. Manual Kernel Build:

   • If kernel customization is necessary, follow the Kernel Customization guide in the NVIDIA Jetson Linux Developer Guide.
   • Use the following command to build the kernel image:

     sudo ./nvbuild.sh
     

4. Alternative Wi-Fi Module:

   • If the Intel 8265NGW module continues to be problematic, consider using an alternative Wi-Fi module.
   • One user reported success with the aw cb375nf module.

5. Rollback Consideration:

   • If Wi-Fi functionality is critical and cannot be resolved, consider rolling back to JetPack 5 temporarily while seeking a permanent solution.

6. System Update and Upgrade:

   • Ensure your system is fully updated:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt upgrade
     

   • Reboot the system after updates and check if the Wi-Fi module is recognized.

7. Module Status Check:

   • Use the following command to check if the Wi-Fi module is detected:

     lspci | grep Network
     

   • If the module is not listed, it may indicate a hardware detection issue.

8. Driver Reinstallation:

   • Attempt to reinstall the Wi-Fi module driver:

     sudo apt install --reinstall linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r)
     

   • Reboot the system after reinstallation.

9. Firmware Check:

   • Verify if the correct firmware is installed:

     sudo update-initramfs -u
     

   • Look for any error messages related to missing firmware.

10. Community Support:

    • If the issue persists, consider reaching out to the NVIDIA Developer Forums or the Jetson community for more specific assistance.

11. Hardware Inspection:

    • As a last resort, physically inspect the Wi-Fi module connection to ensure it hasn’t been dislodged during the upgrade process.

Remember to document any changes made during troubleshooting and their effects on the system. If a solution is found, consider sharing it with the Jetson community to help others facing similar issues.