Compiling linux kernel from source with external module

Question

So, actually I am using Raspberry Pi with OS version Stretch and kernel version 4.14.98-v7+.

I need to add kernel module for Wi-Fi module I use from this repo: https://github.com/LairdCP/Sterling-60-Release-Packages/releases

While on it, I check that it is supporting 4.19 kernel. I am thinking to download the Linux source for 4.19 kernel from this : https://github.com/raspberrypi/linux

I have read that I can build my own kernel: https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/linux/kernel/building.md

Is there a way to compile the kernel source including the external module?

Answer 1

My advice is to use Buildroot (https://buildroot.org) to create your custom OS and/or cross compilation toolchain on your computer. You'll be able to choose which package to include in your OS with :

make menuconfig

When you have successfully built your first os image, you can then customize the kernel with

make linux-menuconfig

Device drivers can be disabled, loaded as modules or included in kernel. You may need to add "recipe" for telling Buildroot how to build your module and add it to the kernel. Learning Buildroot can be harsh at the beginning but your goal seems to need that step.

Answer 2

I don't think you need to build a custom kernel at all. You need to build custom modules and load them in the stock kernel you already have.

Install kernel header files with sudo apt install raspberrypi-kernel-headers, and follow the instructions in the release documents to build the modules you need. This can be done directly on the Pi.