Compiling and installing the driver
This is straightforward :# tar xvjf p54u-xx.tar.bz2
# cd p54u-xx
# make
# make install
Installing the firmware
Download firmwares for USB version 1 and USB version 2 devices, and name them respectively /usr/local/lib/p54u/isl3886_usb.arm and /usr/local/lib/p54u/gw3887.arm.Setting up your adapter
First, load the previously installed p54u module :# kldload /usr/local/lib/p54u/p54u.ko
Then, plug your USB device. If everything goes well, you will have this kind of message in the kernel log :
p54u0: Siemens Gigaset USB Adapter 54
Load the firmware with this command :
# p54ctl -i /dev/p54u0 -1 /usr/local/lib/p54u/isl3886_usb.arm -2 /usr/local/lib/p54u/gw3887.arm
Shortly, this message should appear in the kernel log :
p54u0: Ethernet address: xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
A new network interface has been created :
# ifconfig
[...]
p54u0: flags=8843<BROADCAST,SIMPLEX,MULTICAST> mtu 1500
ether xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
media: IEEE 802.11 Wireless Ethernet autoselect (OFDM/54Mbps)
status: no carrier
ssid ""
channel -1 authmode OPEN powersavemode OFF powersavesleep 100
rtsthreshold 2312 protmode CTS txpower 100
Bring it up :
# ifconfig p54u0 up
The LED on your device should blink, while your device scans for networks. Your wireless device is ready to use.
If you want to automate the module and firmware loading process, instructions are in the README file in the archive.
Using the wireless network
To view available networks :# wicontrol p54u0 -l
To join a specific network :
# ifconfig p54u0 ssid your_network
Once your device is associated, you can set an IP address and manipulate routing tables like with any other network interface. DHCP also works.
To enter monitor mode :
# ifconfig p54u0 mediaopt monitor
To change channels in monitor mode :
# ifconfig p54u0 channel xx
See the wicontrol(8), ifconfig(8) and route(8) manual pages for more information.
Advanced features
The p54ctl and p54term utilities come along with the driver, and allows you to deal with Prism54-specific stuff.See their manpage for more information (installed with the driver).