ip_tables module missing from 6.18.0-rc6-edge-qcs6490 kernel

[RC_]

When attempting to install microk8s, I noticed that the `ip_tables` module is missing from the provided image (Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble) Minimal / IOT image)  on this page: 
https://www.armbian.com/radxa-dragon-q6a/

Easy way to replicate:
```

sudo modprobe ip_tables
modprobe: FATAL: Module ip_tables not found in directory /lib/modules/6.18.0-rc6-edge-qcs6490
```

Is there another image that has this module are part of the kernel or do I need to build the kernel myself? This seems like a module that should be included for an image that is labeled as `IOT`. 

[Werner]

Never heard of that spelling "ip_tables". Anyway should be built in: https://github.com/armbian/build/blob/4e027a40d6d38d5e9072577a7e47b110914a843d/config/kernel/linux-qcs6490-edge.config#L421 

[RC_]

I think the confusion here is that `ip_tables` is the module reference and `iptables` is the binary built in reference. Microk8s requires this to be a module and not built in. 

 

I am compiling a standard kernel as speak to see if setting the appropriate nettable to `m` from '*` will work. 

[laibsch]

On 12/11/2025 at 1:53 PM, RC_ said:

Microk8s requires this to be a module and not built in. 

 

That's surprising.  All I knew so far was that modules need to be present, either built-in or as dynamically loaded modules.  Do you have a reference for this anomaly?

[RC_]

Quote

That's surprising.  All I knew so far was that modules need to be present, either built-in or as dynamically loaded modules.  Do you have a reference for this anomaly?

I couldn't find this documented specifically, but I confirmed this was the case via testing. Google also provided an AI summary which also stated that this was the case.  I enabled `iptables-legacy` in the Armbian kernel builder which then resolved the errors I was getting. I also eventually realized through further research that `nftables` were also supported and available as a module out of the box. I wound up changing my Microk8s config to use `nftables`, which also worked out and is where I left my config today. 

 

Hopefully this is helpful for someone else in the future. 

Somewhat relevant articles:
https://github.com/canonical/microk8s/issues/2180 
https://github.com/canonical/microk8s/issues/4387
https://hub.libre.computer/t/missing-iptables-kernel-configs-for-microk8s-calico/3717