# When and what kexts to use
# Broadcom
# AirportBrcmFixup
This is needed to fix wifi on many Broadcom cards, while not all of them need them it's generally required when using non-apple manufactured wireless cards. This also has the added functionality of injecting old Broadcom kexts into newer versions of macOS.
Note:
- Apple Airport and Fenvi cards do not need this kext
# BrcmPatchRAM
Required for all non-apple manufactured wireless cards due to how Firmware is handled. This is actually a bundle of multiple kexts:
- BrcmBluetoothInjector
- BrcmFirmwareData
- BrcmPatchRAM fix:
- BrcmPatchRAM3 for 10.14+ (must be paired with BrcmBluetoothInjector)
- BrcmPatchRAM2 for 10.11-10.14
- BrcmPatchRAM for 10.10 or older
Note:
- Apple Airport and Fenvi cards do not need these kexts
- OpenCore order is alphabetical: Injector -> Data -> RAM
# Intel
# itlwm
Currently does connect and even support Apple's own IO80211 framework(via AirportItlwm), unfortunately doesn't support Airdrop, see here for features and limitations: OpenIntelWireless
# IntelBluetoothFirmware
Adds Bluetooth support to macOS when paired with an Intel wireless card
# Atheros
# AirPortAtheros40
This kext is required for all Atheros chipsets that had support dropped in Mojave, these include:
- AR9285
- AR9287
- AR9280
- AR9380
To install the AirPortAtheros40, you have 2 methods:
- Kext injection via bootloader
- Installation into macOS(Library/Extensions)
The first method is recommended, the second should be avoided but may work better for some users. Test injection first
For macOS installation:
You'll need to copy it to Library/Extensions(NOT System/Library/Extensions) and then run the following command:
sudo chown -R root:wheel /L*/E*; sudo chmod -R 755 /L*/E*; sudo kextcache -i /
Catalina users note: These methods no longer works without backporting the entire IO80211 framework, this is not ideal for stability reasons
# ATH9KFixup
To be paired with AirPortAtheros40 to fix support for many Atheros cards, similar idea to AirportBrcmFixup
# AthBluetoothFirmware
Required to ensure Bluetooth firmware is loaded correctly in macOS