Re: Kernel device for iwlwifi in 13.3?

>> Also wondering why there is no iwl* in /usr/src/sys/amd64/conf/* and
>> what, if anything,
>
> Because it is a non-essential driver to boot and so we only build it as
> a module which is a continuation of that people once started in order to
> get GENERIC size down.  The module will be loaded at run-time
> automatically (in a default setup) if such a card is found in the system
> and the driver will then automatically load its firmware (which will
> hopefully eventually also not be in base anymore).

That's the threat vector I'd like to avoid i.e, someone plugging-in a
usb (or other) wifi device.  I suppose it's not necessarily different
than plugging-in an ethernet device but as a general rule all vectors
that can be avoided should be.  This, and kernel compilation in general,
is one of the areas FreeBSD has an advantage over other OS.  Not being
able to prevent these and other kernel modules is just unnecessary
risk.

Roger