docs: kernel upgrade roadmap

docs/KERNEL_UPGRADE_ROADMAP.md

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+# Alfred Linux — Kernel Upgrade Roadmap
+
+## Executive Summary
+Alfred Linux currently runs on Debian Bookworm with kernel 6.1.0-44 (LTS). This roadmap evaluates upgrading to kernel 6.12 LTS for improved hardware support (WiFi 6E/7, GPU, NVMe, USB4/Thunderbolt). Recommended approach: phased testing starting with backports, followed by selective custom builds if needed.
+
+---
+
+## 1. Current 6.1 LTS Timeline & EOL
+
+| Item | Detail |
+|------|--------|
+| **Kernel 6.1 Release** | December 11, 2022 |
+| **Expected EOL** | December 2027 (5 years) |
+| **Bookworm Standard EOF** | June 10, 2026 (3 years) |
+| **Bookworm LTS Support** | Until June 30, 2028 (5 years total) |
+
+**No immediate urgency** — 6.1 is stable and maintained. Migration needed by 2027+ for newer Debian releases.
+
+---
+
+## 2. Kernel 6.12 LTS Availability
+
+| Kernel | Release | LTS EOL | Bookworm Status | Trixie Status |
+|--------|---------|---------|-----------------|---------------|
+| 6.1 | Dec 2022 | Dec 2027 | **Stable** | Backports |
+| 6.6 | Oct 2023 | Dec 2027 | Backports | Stable |
+| 6.12 | Nov 2024 | Dec 2028 | **Not available** | Unstable/Early |
+
+### Availability Options
+1. **Debian Backports** (recommended) — Expected Q4 2026
+2. **Bookworm-Backports-Sloppy** — High risk, breaks upgrade path
+3. **Custom Build from Source** — Fallback if backports delayed
+4. **Wait for Trixie** — Alfred Linux v3.0+ on new base
+
+---
+
+## 3. Hardware Improvements 6.6 → 6.12
+
+### WiFi & Bluetooth
+- WiFi 6E stable from 6.8+, WiFi 7 growing from 6.10+
+- Bluetooth 5.4+ support, LE Audio codecs stable in 6.12
+
+### GPU
+- AMDGPU RDNA3 excellent from 6.10+
+- Intel Arc improving steadily
+- Nouveau Ada architecture prep in 6.12
+
+### Storage
+- NVMe 2.0 optimized, PCIe 5.0 improved from 6.10
+- Boot times 5–15% faster on high-end SSDs
+
+### USB4 & Thunderbolt
+- Docking stations, multi-monitor, hot-plug stable from 6.8+
+- USB-C PD negotiation more reliable
+
+---
+
+## 4. Risks
+
+| Risk | Severity | Mitigation |
+|------|----------|------------|
+| DKMS modules fail to compile | HIGH | Pre-test in container |
+| Out-of-tree modules (ZFS, proprietary WiFi) fail | HIGH | Test with Debian source |
+| live-build kernel package selection | HIGH | Custom build or wait for backports |
+| Initramfs hooks missing | MEDIUM | Verify initramfs-tools compatibility |
+| Kernel naming (vmlinuz-* globs) | MEDIUM | Apply same hooks from RC3 fix |
+
+---
+
+## 5. Recommended Phases
+
+### Phase 1: Monitor (Apr–Sep 2026)
+- Track `apt search linux-image-6.12` monthly
+- Continue RC releases with 6.1 LTS
+- Keep 6.1 as production default
+
+### Phase 2: Backports Testing (Q4 2026–Q1 2027)
+```bash
+apt install -t bookworm-backports linux-image-amd64 linux-headers-amd64
+```
+Validate: WiFi, GPU, NVMe, USB-C/Thunderbolt, Calamares installer
+
+### Phase 3: Custom Build (Fallback, only if needed Q1 2027)
+- Download kernel source from kernel.org
+- Build .deb packages with Debian scripts
+- Integrate into build-unified.sh
+
+### Phase 4: Release Alfred Linux v2.1+
+**Criteria to flip:**
+- ✅ Backports available OR custom build tested
+- ✅ DKMS modules compile cleanly
+- ✅ ISO boots on 3+ hardware profiles
+- ✅ No regressions vs 6.1
+- ✅ Documented with hardware caveats
+
+---
+
+## 6. Timeline
+
+| Phase | Period | Action |
+|-------|--------|--------|
+| Monitor | Apr–Sep 2026 | Track backports; keep 6.1 default |
+| Test | Oct 2026–Jan 2027 | Test 6.12 in labs |
+| Custom Build | Feb–Apr 2027 | Fallback if backports unavailable |
+| RC Release | May–Jun 2027 | Ship RC with 6.12 |
+| Final | Jul 2027+ | Alfred Linux v2.1 or v3.0 |
+
+---
+
+## 7. Upgrade Path
+
+```
+Alfred Linux v2.x → Bookworm + kernel 6.1 LTS (until June 2028)
+Alfred Linux v2.1 → Bookworm + kernel 6.12 backports (Q4 2026+)
+Alfred Linux v3.0 → Trixie + kernel 6.6+ (2027+)
+```
+
+---
+
+**Status:** Ready for Phase 1 monitoring | Updated: April 6, 2026