Is Kernel module is the same as a device driver? Post: 302519073

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Operating Systems Linux Fedora Is Kernel module is the same as a device driver? Post 302519073 by Corona688 on Tuesday 3rd of May 2011 02:00:04 AM

05-03-2011

Registered User

lsmod shows which modules are using what other modules, though not as a tree.

It's not always as simple as one module for one device. USB needs a whole bunch of modules to do anything, plus sometimes device-specific things on top of the generic drivers -- but then again, sometimes the generic ones are enough. Sound also takes a bunch of interdependent modules to work.

There's also modules that don't do anything device-related -- like a module to let the kernel understand ext4 filesystems.

So it's really not the same thing, but often close enough for most purposes.

These modules can also be built right into the kernel, instead of being loaded from a file, too. It's possible to create a kernel that loads no modules for anything, ever. You can even build parts of a set of modules into the kernel and leave part of it out. This is sometimes important for things like ALSA, where you might want to replace some modules with updated ones later, but need certain basic parts built in.

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ipwfw

IPWFW(4)						   BSD Kernel Interfaces Manual 						  IPWFW(4)

NAME

     ipwfw -- Firmware Module for Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 driver

SYNOPSIS

     To compile this module into the kernel, place the following line in your kernel configuration file:

	   device ipwfw

     This will include three firmware images inside the kernel.  If you want to pick only the firmware image for the mode you want to operate your
     network adapter in choose one of the following:

	   device ipwbssfw
	   device ipwibssfw
	   device ipwmonitorfw

     Alternatively, to load the driver as a module at boot time, place the following lines in loader.conf(5):

	   ipw_bss_load="YES"
	   ipw_ibss_load="YES"
	   ipw_monitor_load="YES"

DESCRIPTION

     This module provides access to firmware sets for the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 series of IEEE 802.11 adapters.  It may be statically linked
     into the kernel, or loaded as a module.

     For the loaded firmware to be enabled for use the license at /usr/share/doc/legal/intel_ipw/LICENSE must be agreed to by adding the following
     line to loader.conf(5):

	   legal.intel_ipw.license_ack=1

FILES

     /usr/share/doc/legal/intel_ipw/LICENSE  ipwfw firmware license

SEE ALSO

     ipw(4), firmware(9)

BSD
								 January 14, 2010							       BSD