Comment 9 for bug 341183

here's how I solved this:

1. download the AR81Family-linux-v1.0.0.10.tar.gz from http://partner.atheros.com/Drivers.aspx

2. extract it from Windows XP. Then copy the whole directory using a thumb drive to linux (Ubuntu). (I tried extract it under ubuntu, but there's errors).

3.say the extracted folder is now (in linux): <HOME_DIR>/network_driver, cd into HOME_DIR>/network_driver/src
4 then : sudo KBUILD_NOPEDANTIC=1 make
5 then : sudo KBUILD_NOPEDANTIC=1 make install
6 cd into /lib/modules/2.6.28-16-generic/kernel/drivers/net/atl1e/at1le.ko
7 cd into that director and i run: sudo insmod ./atl1e.ko

now it worked when I plug in the ethernet cable.

(I followed another post from the web, which I forgot the source, but the above procedure works for my Acer Aspire 5516, running a Ubuntu 9.04)