The Linux kernel is preparing to remove support for ARCnet hardware, a network technology from the 1980s, in its version 7.2. Drivers for ISA and PCMCIA adapters, totaling around 5,200 lines of code, will be removed as they are considered obsolete for modern systems. Those who still depend on this hardware can resort to LTS versions of the kernel.
Driver deprecation, a trend in the kernel 🛠️
The decision follows the cleanup line that the Linux development team has maintained in recent years. Removing old code reduces the maintenance burden and improves security by preventing unnecessary patches from affecting active components. ARCnet, which used coaxial cable and a star topology, was relegated by technologies like Ethernet. Drivers for ISA and PCMCIA no longer have practical use in modern kernels, and their removal simplifies the code tree.
Goodbye to your last century network card 🖼️
If you still keep an ARCnet card in your closet, maybe it's time to frame it. Linux 7.2 won't recognize it, but you can always install an LTS kernel and keep using that PC with 4 MB of RAM. Of course, don't expect the rest of the modern software to work. Perhaps it's easier to send the data by carrier pigeon, which at least doesn't need drivers.