Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 AR9002WB-1NG Lite-On 661311AD Wi-Fi Adapter PCI ID Details

User question

PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_002B&SUBSYS_661311AD&REV_01

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• Your PCI ID PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_002B&SUBSYS_661311AD&REV_01 is a Qualcomm Atheros AR9285–based 802.11b/g/n PCIe half‑mini wireless adapter, typically shipped as the AR9002WB‑1NG Wi‑Fi + Bluetooth combo module (AR9285 Wi‑Fi + AR3011 BT). The subsystem vendor 11AD indicates a Lite‑On–manufactured/OEM assembly, commonly used in Toshiba laptops. (devicehunt.com)
• Key points:
  • Single‑band 2.4 GHz, 1×1 802.11n (up to 150 Mb/s PHY). (wireless.docs.kernel.org)
  • Wi‑Fi driver on Linux: ath9k (in‑kernel). (wireless.docs.kernel.org)
  • Windows drivers are available via Microsoft Update Catalog (e.g., 10.0.0.355 from 2017 for AR9002WB‑1NG). (catalog.update.microsoft.com)

Detailed problem analysis

• Identifier breakdown:
  • VEN_168C → Qualcomm Atheros (Wi‑Fi vendor). DEV_002B → AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter (PCI‑Express). (devicehunt.com)
  • SUBSYS_6613:11AD → OEM/assembly by Lite‑On Communications Inc (11AD). The exact “6613” subdevice typically maps to a specific laptop SKU or board spin. (wiki.debian.org)
  • REV_01 → silicon/board revision.
• Module lineage:
  • Many OEM cards labeled AR9002WB‑1NG are combo modules containing AR9285 (Wi‑Fi) plus AR3011 (Bluetooth 3.0+HS). Atheros AR5B195 is a well‑known reference card for this module family. (deviwiki.com)
• Capabilities and constraints:
  • 2.4 GHz only; no 5 GHz. Single spatial stream (1×1) 802.11n; real throughput typically tens of Mb/s in good RF conditions. ath9k fully supports AR9285 on Linux. (wireless.docs.kernel.org)

Current information and trends

• Driver availability today (December 9, 2025):
  • Windows: Microsoft Update Catalog still hosts AR9002WB‑1NG packages (e.g., Net/WLAN entries dated 2012–2017; version 10.0.0.355 is commonly delivered by Windows 10/11 via Windows Update). (catalog.update.microsoft.com)
  • Linux: Native support continues via the upstream ath9k driver; no external firmware needed for Wi‑Fi (Bluetooth side requires standard ath3k firmware when present). (wireless.docs.kernel.org)
• Industry direction: legacy 2.4‑GHz 11n NICs like AR9285 are being phased out in favor of dual‑band 802.11ac/ax. Expect limited support for newer security (e.g., WPA3) and features such as MU‑MIMO on this hardware.

Supporting explanations and details

• Why your SUBSYS matters: Windows uses the full hardware ID (including SUBSYS) to match the correct INF section. A package that lists PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_002B&SUBSYS_661311AD (or a compatible include) will install seamlessly; otherwise use a vendor‑agnostic AR9285/AR9002WB‑1NG INF. (catalog.update.microsoft.com)
• Bluetooth note: If your board is the “WB” combo, Windows may need both the WLAN driver and a separate BT stack for AR3011; Linux handles BT via ath3k/BT stack while Wi‑Fi uses ath9k. (deviwiki.com)

Ethical and legal aspects

• Use drivers from trusted sources (OEM support pages, Microsoft Update Catalog, your Linux distribution). Avoid repackaged drivers from unknown sites to reduce malware risk. (catalog.update.microsoft.com)
• RF compliance: operate within your region’s allowed 2.4‑GHz channels; ensure regulatory domain settings are correct on Linux to avoid transmitting on disallowed channels.

Practical guidelines

• Windows 10/11:
  • Easiest: let Windows Update install the “Qualcomm Atheros AR9002WB‑1NG” driver (10.0.0.355 or similar). If Device Manager shows an unknown network controller, use “Update driver → Search automatically.” If needed, manually install a Catalog package via “Have Disk…”. (catalog.update.microsoft.com)
• Windows 7 (legacy):
  • Use an AR9285/AR9002WB‑1NG package that lists your SUBSYS. After install, disable overly aggressive power saving in Advanced adapter settings if you see drops.
• Linux:
  • Module loads automatically: ath9k. Verify with lspci -nn | grep 168c:002b and lsmod | grep ath9k. For Bluetooth on combo boards, ensure the “linux-firmware” package (ath3k firmware) is present. (wireless.docs.kernel.org)
• Optimization tips:
  • Set the AP to 20 MHz channel width on crowded 2.4‑GHz bands for stability; prefer WPA2‑AES (WPA3 is not supported on this NIC). Place antennas correctly; these 1×1 cards typically use a single “MAIN” antenna lead.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• Performance is limited by hardware (1×1 11n, 2.4 GHz only). In dense RF environments, consider upgrading to a dual‑band 802.11ac/ax half‑mini or M.2 module compatible with your system (watch for BIOS whitelists on older laptops).

Suggestions for further research

• Check your laptop OEM’s support page for a driver tailored to your exact model/SUBSYS.
• If you need long‑term stability on Linux, review ath9k documentation and device lists for tuning and known behaviors. (wireless.docs.kernel.org)

Brief summary

• Your ID maps to a Lite‑On–assembled Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 Wi‑Fi adapter, commonly packaged as the AR9002WB‑1NG Wi‑Fi+BT module. Use Windows Update/Microsoft Update Catalog on Windows or the in‑kernel ath9k driver on Linux; expect 2.4‑GHz 11n‑class performance only. (devicehunt.com)

If you tell me your operating system and laptop/PC model, I can point you to the exact driver package (or commands) that matches SUBSYS_6613:11AD for a one‑shot install.

Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.