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By Zayden R., June 25, 2026
The Realtek RTL8723BS WiFi driver continues its journey toward kernel integration with ongoing cleanups in Linux 7.2. Despite being introduced in 2017, it remains in the staging area.
The Linux 7.2 kernel release is once again focusing attention on the Realtek RTL8723BS WiFi driver, a piece of code that has been in the staging area since its introduction back in 2017. The driver has been under continuous cleanup efforts to meet the stringent requirements of the mainline kernel's networking subsystem. This ongoing saga highlights the challenges of integrating complex drivers into the Linux kernel, which is known for its rigorous standards.
The RTL8723BS driver was initially brought into the kernel's staging area with the release of Linux 4.12. Since then, it has been a long road of incremental improvements and refinements. Staging drivers are often in a state of flux, serving as a proving ground where they can be refined before potentially being promoted to the main kernel. The Realtek driver, in particular, has been described as a 'beast' due to its complexity and the extensive work required to bring it up to par.
For Linux 7.2, the staging pull request is heavily focused on this driver. Developers are continuing to streamline the code, cleaning up inconsistencies and ensuring it adheres to the kernel's high standards. The goal is to eventually graduate the driver from staging, making it a fully supported component of the kernel's networking stack. However, this is no small task, as it involves meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of both the hardware and the kernel's architecture.
For sysadmins and users who rely on Realtek hardware, these ongoing improvements are crucial. A well-integrated driver means better stability, performance, and support for a wider range of devices. While the process may seem slow, it's a testament to the open-source community's commitment to quality and reliability.
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