3.8 KiB
3.8 KiB
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
- Debian Backports (recommended) — Expected Q4 2026
- Bookworm-Backports-Sloppy — High risk, breaks upgrade path
- Custom Build from Source — Fallback if backports delayed
- 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-6.12monthly - Continue RC releases with 6.1 LTS
- Keep 6.1 as production default
Phase 2: Backports Testing (Q4 2026–Q1 2027)
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