AP with WIFI N and choose mini PCIe card

[FranciscoFranco]

From the pfSense console go to shell and see what usbconfig shows.

[GuyGreg]

@FranciscoFranco:

From the pfSense console go to shell and see what usbconfig shows.

It says:

ugen0.4: <802.11 n WLAN Ralink> at usbus0, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480 Mbps) pwr=ON (450mA)

I was actually able to get the wireless up and running, and bridged with the LAN, using the instructions posted here:
https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/howto-configure-wireless-bridge-access-point-in-pfsense

So, I'll put it through its paces, I understand speed may be an issue.  Thank you for your help!

[cioby23]

@GuyGreg Is this the same card you used https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000617905029.html ?

[netblues]

@cioby23 This is rtl based, not atheros. Also it creates a usb interface, can't work in 2.4/5 concurrently, and I doubt it supports ap mode altogether.

Not worth the hassle. Use an external ap.

[cioby23]

@netblues I know this card is based on Realtek chipset RTL8812AU. I have tested a different external USB 2.0 wifi card TP-link Archer T2U nano using the same chipset RTL8812AU and it works even AP mode. I have done the tests on the development pfSense version 2.5.0. It's not a problem if the card doesn't allow 2.4 and 5GHz at the same time.
I do not want to use an external AP due to some personal reasons.

[netblues]

This looks like an emulated usb interface on a chip card
If it worked externaly, it would do so internally too.
But I wouldn't touch a usb interface on pf.
if for any reason is not found on a restart, then pf goes into lan reassignement mode and you need console access.
Usually hell breaks loose after that.

[stephenw10]

It's much less likely to not find it on a mPCIe card even if it's using the USB lines. You can't pull it out by mistake.

I have had success with such cards but you may not. An actual PCIe device will always be better.

Steve

[akuma1x]

@cioby23 said in AP with WIFI N and choose mini PCIe card:

I do not want to use an external AP due to some personal reasons.

What does this mean?

[jly2680]

@cioby23 Hi I have the same issue , i have mini fanless pc from aliexpress , only supports mpcie usb interface..what card did you use??

[cioby23]

@jly2680 Right now I have the AzureWave AW-NU706H USB mpcie Wifi card installed on the mini pc. There is also Foxconn WFUR6 USB wifi card which has supports AC. You can find it on AliExpress too. In the end I have ordered an VONETS AC1200 Mini Wireless Bridge Repeater Wi-Fi Dual Band Bridge Range Extender (VAP11AC) from Aliexpress which also has AP functionality and can be powered on by USB without external power plug.