Linux 7.4 To Support Realtek RTL8127atf RTL8116af Networking
Curated from Phoronix
Kernel networking drivers often lag behind silicon releases, creating friction for teams deploying new hardware in production environments. The addition of Realtek RTL8127atf and RTL8116af support to the net-next tree signals that upstream development is catching up with modern server and workstation components. This is critical for SREs who rely on stable, mainline drivers to avoid the security and maintenance overhead of proprietary or out-of-tree modules. By waiting for these chips to be integrated into the mainline kernel, you ensure better long-term stability and reduced risk of regressions during future kernel upgrades. Takeaway: If your infrastructure roadmap includes hardware with these Realtek controllers, plan your kernel upgrades to include the latest stable release to leverage native driver support rather than maintaining custom patches.
Queued this past week into the net-next development tree of the latest networking additions for the Linux kernel is enabling support for Realtek's newer RTL8127atf and RTL8116af wired networking ASICs...
— Phoronix