I run Kanotix (based on Debian unstable), with previous kernel the default 2.6.16 x86. I use a usb wireless card which is supported out of the box by linux_wlan_ng and had no problems.

I downloaded the most recent kernel source, 2.6.17.4, and the most recent (as far as I could find) linux_wlan_ng. I built, installed, and booted into the 2.6.17.4 kernel. I built and installed the linux_wlan_ng module. modprobe prism2_usb worked, the driver was listed when I ran lsmod.

But I couldn't find wlan0 in the /dev or /sys trees. I rebooted once, no dice. I rebooted again, and now I have wlan0 running just fine.

I really want to understand what made it work on the second and subsequent reboots that was missing the first time around. Can anyone explain it or point me to a website that describes the situation and/or how device drivers populate the /dev and /sys trees in the 2.6 kernels?

Thanks,
Mike