Here you will find the packages and tools you will need to successfully get basic 802.11 functionality on a Linux box. Pcmcia tools, wireless tools, and card drivers is all you really need. Check for updates here before downloading what I have mirrored. Many of the drivers listed above are written to work with the Wireless tools extensions. Two versions are mirrored here.
Some drivers are better than others.
I used the AM79C320 MAC processor which allowed one to easily access all the low-level 802.11 MAC level framing. This is very important if you want to sniff at the 802.11 MAC level. We have Prism I and Prism II drivers mirrored on Gnet in the event that Absolute Value systems goes away some day. Prism I drivers. Supported Card list here .