Limited wifi clients allowed

nonyhaha · November 17, 2025, 8:43am

Hello,

I am having a wired issue, and I am sure it is something that can be configured or pin-pointed to a hardware limitation, but I do not know what it is:

I can’t connect more than 13 wireless devices to my 2.4ghz wifi network.

What I have:

openwrt running in Proxmox, QEMU Standard PC (i440FX + PIIX, 1996)

OpenWrt SNAPSHOT r31467-0535d615f6 / LuCI Master 25.303.13639~ebb90f9

kernel 6.12.51

2 usb wifi adapters. both sporting MediaTek MT7921AU. One is an Edup AX1672 to be used in 2.4ghz band. The other a generic stick, for 5ghz band. For me, the 2.4ghz band is most relevant, as I have at the moment 14 devices needing this band (cameras, iot devices)

The problem is that only 13 devices can connect to the 2.4ghz band. I have tried using both usb sticks as the main 2.4ghz ap, and the issue happens on both.

Nothing special in the wifi configuration, and the DHCP is not an issue as same devices can connect if i disconnect others, and I can connect other devices on the other radio/other ssid.

brada4 · November 17, 2025, 3:21pm

Please connect to your OpenWrt device using ssh and copy the output of the following commands and post it here using the "Preformatted text </> " button (red circle; this works best in the 'Markdown' composer view in the blue oval):

Remember to redact passwords, VPN keys, MAC addresses and any public IP addresses you may have:

ubus call system board
cat /etc/config/network
cat /etc/config/wireless
cat /etc/config/dhcp
cat /etc/config/firewall
lsusb -tv

brada4 · November 17, 2025, 3:24pm

By default it is 150 DHCP clients, which would consume 100-150MB RAM them being wireless, ie actually low end router would OOM before DHCP pool runs out.

_bernd · November 17, 2025, 3:36pm

It would not wonder me if el cheapo USB wifi dongles have this limitations in their firmware.
Did anyone looked at the specs of these chips?

slh · November 17, 2025, 4:59pm

Exactly.
You need an AP oriented wireless chipset to cope with this workload, client-oriented ones lack the on-device RAM to cope (even more so for USB).

nonyhaha · November 17, 2025, 5:41pm

Hi @brada4
Here they come:

~# ubus call system board
{
        "kernel": "6.12.51",
        "hostname": "OpenWrt",
        "system": "Intel(R) N95",
        "model": "QEMU Standard PC (i440FX + PIIX, 1996)",
        "board_name": "qemu-standard-pc-i440fx-piix-1996",
        "rootfs_type": "ext4",
        "release": {
                "distribution": "OpenWrt",
                "version": "SNAPSHOT",
                "firmware_url": "https://downloads.openwrt.org/",
                "revision": "r31467-0535d615f6",
                "target": "x86/64",
                "description": "OpenWrt SNAPSHOT r31467-0535d615f6",
                "builddate": "1760817576"
        }
}

~# cat /etc/config/network

config interface 'loopback'
        option device 'lo'
        option proto 'static'
        list ipaddr '127.0.0.1/8'

config globals 'globals'
        option ula_prefix 'fd30:c9d1:3594::/48'
        option packet_steering '1'

config device
        option name 'br-lan'
        option type 'bridge'
        list ports 'eth0'

config interface 'lan'
        option device 'br-lan'
        option proto 'static'
        option ip6assign '60'
        list dns '***'
        list ipaddr '192.168.1.1/24'

config device
        option name 'br-wan'
        option type 'bridge'
        list ports 'eth1'

config interface 'wan'
        option device 'br-wan'
        option proto 'pppoe'
        option username '***'
        option password '***'
        option ipv6 'auto'

~# cat /etc/config/wireless

config wifi-device 'radio0'
        option type 'mac80211'
        option path 'pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:1b.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0'
        option cell_density '0'
        option band '2g'
        option channel '3'
        option txpower '17'
        option country 'RO'
        option htmode 'HT20'

config wifi-iface 'default_radio0'
        option device 'radio0'
        option network 'lan'
        option mode 'ap'
        option ssid 'CASUTANOASTRA'
        option encryption 'psk2'
        option key '***'

config wifi-device 'radio1'
        option type 'mac80211'
        option path 'pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.0/0000:02:1b.0/usb3/3-2/3-2:1.0'
        option band '5g'
        option channel '36'
        option htmode 'VHT80'
        option txpower '10'
        option country 'RO'
        option cell_density '0'

config wifi-iface 'default_radio1'
        option device 'radio1'
        option network 'lan'
        option mode 'ap'
        option ssid 'CASUTANOASTRA'
        option encryption 'psk2'
        option key '***'

~# cat /etc/config/dhcp

config dnsmasq
        option domainneeded '1'
        option boguspriv '1'
        option filterwin2k '0'
        option localise_queries '1'
        option rebind_protection '1'
        option rebind_localhost '1'
        option local '/lan/'
        option domain 'lan'
        option expandhosts '1'
        option nonegcache '0'
        option cachesize '1000'
        option authoritative '1'
        option readethers '1'
        option leasefile '/tmp/dhcp.leases'
        option resolvfile '/tmp/resolv.conf.d/resolv.conf.auto'
        option localservice '1'
        option ednspacket_max '1232'
        option filter_aaaa '0'
        option filter_a '0'
        list interface 'lan'

config dhcp 'lan'
        option interface 'lan'
        option start '30'
        option limit '60'
        option leasetime '12h'
        option dhcpv4 'server'
        option dhcpv6 'server'
        option ra 'server'
        list ra_flags 'managed-config'
        list ra_flags 'other-config'
        option force '1'

config dhcp 'wan'
        option interface 'wan'
        option ignore '1'

config odhcpd 'odhcpd'
        option leasefile '/tmp/hosts/odhcpd'
        option leasetrigger '/usr/sbin/odhcpd-update'
        option loglevel '4'
        option piofolder '/tmp/odhcpd-piofolder'

config host
        option name 'TC85'
        list mac '7C:F1:7E:8A:8A:F2'
        option ip '192.168.1.100'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'C460'
        list mac 'BC:07:1D:3B:EC:FC'
        option ip '192.168.1.101'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'C246D'
        list mac 'E0:D3:62:AA:4A:50'
        option ip '192.168.1.102'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'DIRIGERA'
        list mac '68:EC:8A:00:33:0D'
        option ip '192.168.1.115'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'BOILER'
        list mac 'FC:3C:D7:06:87:A4'
        option ip '192.168.1.120'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-AC'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:CD:A7:CB'
        option ip '192.168.1.121'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-AEROT-DORMITOR'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:CD:AA:F9'
        option ip '192.168.1.122'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-AEROT-LIVING'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:CD:BB:75'
        option ip '192.168.1.123'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-P-EXT-DORMITOR'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:CD:BC:49'
        option ip '192.168.1.128'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-LUMINI'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:CD:B6:6D'
        option ip '192.168.1.124'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-P-BUCATARIE'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:A3:DD:62'
        option ip '192.168.1.126'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-P-BOILER-LIVING'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:CD:CC:CB'
        option ip '192.168.1.127'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'RELEU-LUMINI-EXT'
        list mac 'C0:F8:53:CD:C5:CD'
        option ip '192.168.1.125'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'S22'
        list mac 'DA:60:6A:37:D1:AC'
        option ip '192.168.1.150'
        option leasetime 'infinite'

config host
        option name 'BOSCH'
        option ip '192.168.1.131'
        option leasetime 'infinite'
        list mac 'F8:B3:B7:8A:F7:ED'

config host
        option name 'ROBOROCK'
        list mac 'B0:4A:39:0C:5A:EA'
        option leasetime 'infinite'
        option ip '192.168.1.130'

~# cat /etc/config/firewall

config defaults
        option syn_flood '1'
        option input 'REJECT'
        option output 'ACCEPT'
        option forward 'REJECT'

config zone 'lan'
        option name 'lan'
        list network 'lan'
        option input 'ACCEPT'
        option output 'ACCEPT'
        option forward 'ACCEPT'
        list device 'tun+'

config zone 'wan'
        option name 'wan'
        list network 'wan'
        list network 'wan6'
        option input 'REJECT'
        option output 'ACCEPT'
        option forward 'DROP'
        option masq '1'
        option mtu_fix '1'

config forwarding
        option src 'lan'
        option dest 'wan'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-DHCP-Renew'
        option src 'wan'
        option proto 'udp'
        option dest_port '68'
        option target 'ACCEPT'
        option family 'ipv4'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-Ping'
        option src 'wan'
        option proto 'icmp'
        option icmp_type 'echo-request'
        option family 'ipv4'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-IGMP'
        option src 'wan'
        option proto 'igmp'
        option family 'ipv4'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-DHCPv6'
        option src 'wan'
        option proto 'udp'
        option dest_port '546'
        option family 'ipv6'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-MLD'
        option src 'wan'
        option proto 'icmp'
        option src_ip 'fe80::/10'
        list icmp_type '130/0'
        list icmp_type '131/0'
        list icmp_type '132/0'
        list icmp_type '143/0'
        option family 'ipv6'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-ICMPv6-Input'
        option src 'wan'
        option proto 'icmp'
        list icmp_type 'echo-request'
        list icmp_type 'echo-reply'
        list icmp_type 'destination-unreachable'
        list icmp_type 'packet-too-big'
        list icmp_type 'time-exceeded'
        list icmp_type 'bad-header'
        list icmp_type 'unknown-header-type'
        list icmp_type 'router-solicitation'
        list icmp_type 'neighbour-solicitation'
        list icmp_type 'router-advertisement'
        list icmp_type 'neighbour-advertisement'
        option limit '1000/sec'
        option family 'ipv6'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-ICMPv6-Forward'
        option src 'wan'
        option dest '*'
        option proto 'icmp'
        list icmp_type 'echo-request'
        list icmp_type 'echo-reply'
        list icmp_type 'destination-unreachable'
        list icmp_type 'packet-too-big'
        list icmp_type 'time-exceeded'
        list icmp_type 'bad-header'
        list icmp_type 'unknown-header-type'
        option limit '1000/sec'
        option family 'ipv6'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-IPSec-ESP'
        option src 'wan'
        option dest 'lan'
        option proto 'esp'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config rule
        option name 'Allow-ISAKMP'
        option src 'wan'
        option dest 'lan'
        option dest_port '500'
        option proto 'udp'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config redirect
        option dest 'lan'
        option target 'DNAT'
        option name 'homeassistant'
        list proto 'tcp'
        option src 'wan'
        option src_dport '***'
        option dest_ip '192.168.1.110'
        option dest_port '***'

config rule 'ovpn'
        option name 'Allow-OpenVPN'
        option src 'wan'
        option dest_port '***'
        option proto 'udp'
        option target 'ACCEPT'

config redirect
        option dest 'lan'
        option target 'DNAT'
        option name 'Gui'
        list proto 'tcp'
        option src 'wan'
        option src_dport '***'
        option dest_ip '192.168.1.1'
        option dest_port '***'

config redirect
        option dest 'lan'
        option target 'DNAT'
        option name 'ssh'
        option src 'wan'
        option src_dport '***'
        option dest_ip '192.168.1.1'
        option dest_port '***'

/:  Bus 001.Port 001: Dev 001, Class=root_hub, Driver=uhci_hcd/2p, 12M
    ID 1d6b:0001
    |__ Port 001: Dev 002, If 0, Class=[unknown], Driver=usbhid, 12M
        ID 0627:0001
/:  Bus 002.Port 001: Dev 001, Class=root_hub, Driver=xhci_hcd/15p, 480M
    ID 1d6b:0002
/:  Bus 003.Port 001: Dev 001, Class=root_hub, Driver=xhci_hcd/15p, 5000M
    ID 1d6b:0003
    |__ Port 001: Dev 002, If 0, Class=[unknown], Driver=mt7921u, 5000M
        ID 0e8d:7961
    |__ Port 002: Dev 003, If 0, Class=[unknown], Driver=mt7921u, 5000M
        ID 0e8d:7961

nonyhaha · November 17, 2025, 5:41pm

The dhcp limit is of no importance as I try to reserve addresses for all my devices.

nonyhaha · November 17, 2025, 5:43pm

I ordered another cheapo usb adapter, a comfast mt7612U, just to try it.
What would be an ok option for a cheap usb wifi adapter for the 2.4ghz band?

slh · November 17, 2025, 5:55pm

As this is also a USB WLAN card, there's no improvement to be expected. The topic wifi on x86_64 has been discussed numerous times, you're experiencing exactly what's described there previously. Save yourself the trouble and offload the wireless side to a purpose built plastic AP/ wifi router running OpenWrt.

brada4 · November 17, 2025, 6:10pm

You have 18 reservations.
Please restore "default" txpower (remove the parameter), you can limit the range with "cell density" if absolutley needed. ch3 is wrong. Do auto selection.

Try to compare in logread - what happens when one device connects and other (similar?) does not.

nonyhaha · November 17, 2025, 6:19pm

Unfortunately this answer will not serve at all as i NEED to run an x86vm on an n97 minipc running proxmox with usb wifi adapters. I need this because my mini server running home assistant and openwrt with 1 additional usb lan card and 2 usb wifi adapters draw less power than an archer mr500 router. I need this because I want to lower the power consumption as much as possible. I also run a bigger server, in another location, so this is the only solution I have to go with. I know it is easyer to just use a wifi ap but it is not the case for me.

slh · November 17, 2025, 6:23pm

You can't escape the hardware limitations of USB WLAN either, but it's your funeral - not mine.

_bernd · November 17, 2025, 7:06pm

USB will draw roughly 5 watt.

Afaik a plastic box draws like 15 watt and will serve more then 13 clients... With less pain.

Even under tight limits that's the wrong place to make artificial restrictions. If your need is reliable network for a bunch of clients you should not talk or fight for round about 25 watt more.

nonyhaha · November 17, 2025, 7:16pm

Hi @brada4
Yes, I do have 18 reservations, including proxmox server, home assistant vm, ikea hub (these are hard wired).
resotred auto channel and driver default txpower.
logread of: disabling 5ghz band so the camera (mac: bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc ) will disconnect from it and try to connect to 2.4ghz band"

[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Set MLD config: [ ]
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reload all interfaces
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reloaded settings for phy phy0
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reloaded settings for phy phy1
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: radio1 (11629): wifi-scripts: Starting
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Set MLD config: [ ]
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reload all interfaces
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reloaded settings for phy phy0
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reloaded settings for phy phy1
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: radio1 (11629): command failed: Not supported (-95)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Set new config for phy phy1:
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Remove interface 'phy1'
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: interface state ENABLED->DISABLED
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: AP-STA-DISCONNECTED bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: AP-DISABLED
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: CTRL-EVENT-TERMINATING
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.err: hostapd: rmdir[ctrl_interface=/var/run/hostapd]: Permission denied
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: nl80211: deinit ifname=phy1-ap0 disabled_11b_rates=0
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: Network device 'phy1-ap0' link is down
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] kern.info: [116690.085232] br-lan: port 3(phy1-ap0) entered disabled state
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] kern.info: [116690.217162] br-lan: port 3(phy1-ap0) entered disabled state
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] kern.info: [116690.220752] mt7921u 3-2:1.0 phy1-ap0: left allmulticast mode
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] kern.info: [116690.222217] mt7921u 3-2:1.0 phy1-ap0: left promiscuous mode
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:36 PM UTC] kern.info: [116690.223549] br-lan: port 3(phy1-ap0) entered disabled state
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:37 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: radio1 (11629): wifi-scripts: Configuring 'phy1' txantenna: 4294967295, rxantenna: 4294967295 distance: 0
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:38 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq[1]: read /etc/hosts - 12 names
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:38 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq[1]: read /tmp/hosts/dhcp.cfg01411c - 4 names
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:38 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq[1]: read /tmp/hosts/odhcpd - 4 names
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:02:38 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: read /etc/ethers - 0 addresses
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:03:54 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: AP-STA-DISCONNECTED fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:03:59 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 IEEE 802.11: deauthenticated due to local deauth request
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:04:58 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 IEEE 802.11: authenticated
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:04:58 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 IEEE 802.11: associated (aid 6)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:04:59 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: AP-STA-CONNECTED fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 auth_alg=open
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:04:59 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 RADIUS: starting accounting session BFC5760745CF4D3A
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:04:59 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 WPA: pairwise key handshake completed (RSN)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:04:59 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: EAPOL-4WAY-HS-COMPLETED fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:05:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPDISCOVER(br-lan) fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:05:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPOFFER(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:05:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPREQUEST(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:05:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPACK(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 BOILER
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:05:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPREQUEST(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:05:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPACK(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 BOILER
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:06:57 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: AP-STA-DISCONNECTED fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:07:00 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: AP-STA-DISCONNECTED c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:07:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 IEEE 802.11: deauthenticated due to local deauth request
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:07:05 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb IEEE 802.11: deauthenticated due to local deauth request
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb IEEE 802.11: authenticated
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb IEEE 802.11: associated (aid 3)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:00 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: AP-STA-CONNECTED c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb auth_alg=open
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb RADIUS: starting accounting session 8ECEFBA7FC76487A
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:00 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb WPA: pairwise key handshake completed (RSN)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:00 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: EAPOL-4WAY-HS-COMPLETED c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPDISCOVER(br-lan) c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPOFFER(br-lan) 192.168.1.121 c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPREQUEST(br-lan) 192.168.1.121 c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPACK(br-lan) 192.168.1.121 c0:f8:53:cd:a7:cb RELEU-AC
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 IEEE 802.11: authenticated
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 IEEE 802.11: associated (aid 6)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: AP-STA-CONNECTED fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 auth_alg=open
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 RADIUS: starting accounting session 42E48854E2AF0DB3
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 WPA: pairwise key handshake completed (RSN)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:02 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: EAPOL-4WAY-HS-COMPLETED fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:04 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPDISCOVER(br-lan) fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:04 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPOFFER(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:04 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPREQUEST(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:08:04 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPACK(br-lan) 192.168.1.120 fc:3c:d7:06:87:a4 BOILER
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:34 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:34 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:34 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:34 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:34 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:37 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:37 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:37 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:37 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:37 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:41 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:41 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:41 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:41 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:41 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:49 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:49 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:49 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:49 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:09:50 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy0-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Set MLD config: [ ]
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reload all interfaces
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reloaded settings for phy phy0
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: radio1 (13052): wifi-scripts: Starting
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Set MLD config: [ ]
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reload all interfaces
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Reloaded settings for phy phy0
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Set new config for phy phy1: /var/run/hostapd-phy1.conf
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Restart interface for phy phy1
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Configuration file: <inline> (phy phy1) --> new PHY
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Configuration file: Reading configuration file '<inline>'
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: Configuration file: Reading configuration file '<inline>'
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] kern.info: [117138.755599] br-lan: port 3(phy1-ap0) entered blocking state
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] kern.info: [117138.757619] br-lan: port 3(phy1-ap0) entered disabled state
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] kern.info: [117138.759231] mt7921u 3-2:1.0 phy1-ap0: entered allmulticast mode
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] kern.info: [117138.760760] mt7921u 3-2:1.0 phy1-ap0: entered promiscuous mode
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: interface state UNINITIALIZED->COUNTRY_UPDATE
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: interface state COUNTRY_UPDATE->HT_SCAN
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: radio1 (13052): wifi-scripts: Configuring 'phy1' txantenna: 4294967295, rxantenna: 4294967295 distance: 0
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: radio1 (13052): wifi-scripts: Preparing interface: phy1-ap0 with MAC: 90:de:80:c1:50:70
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: netifd: Network device 'phy1-ap0' link is up
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] kern.info: [117139.163718] br-lan: port 3(phy1-ap0) entered blocking state
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] kern.info: [117139.165025] br-lan: port 3(phy1-ap0) entered forwarding state
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: interface state HT_SCAN->ENABLED
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:05 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: AP-ENABLED
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:07 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq[1]: read /etc/hosts - 12 names
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:07 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq[1]: read /tmp/hosts/dhcp.cfg01411c - 4 names
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:07 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq[1]: read /tmp/hosts/odhcpd - 4 names
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:10:07 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: read /etc/ethers - 0 addresses
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:42 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy1-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: authenticated
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:42 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy1-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc IEEE 802.11: associated (aid 1)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:42 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: AP-STA-CONNECTED bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc auth_alg=open
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:42 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy1-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc RADIUS: starting accounting session DF249153244A99B7
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:42 PM UTC] daemon.info: hostapd: phy1-ap0: STA bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc WPA: pairwise key handshake completed (RSN)
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:42 PM UTC] daemon.notice: hostapd: phy1-ap0: EAPOL-4WAY-HS-COMPLETED bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:44 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPDISCOVER(br-lan) bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:44 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPOFFER(br-lan) 192.168.1.101 bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:44 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPREQUEST(br-lan) 192.168.1.101 bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc
[Nov 17, 2025, 7:11:44 PM UTC] daemon.info: dnsmasq-dhcp[1]: DHCPACK(br-lan) 192.168.1.101 bc:07:1d:3b:ec:fc C460

nonyhaha · November 17, 2025, 7:24pm

Usb will not draw 5Watt.
My server running both vms and everything connected draws under 20W. My Arcehr mr500 was drawing over 20W. I know it sound wired arguing over 5 dollars per year or something like this, but I am trying to run this server on a 12V ups with some 18650 cells. I will also have a 4g modem and I also run one camera off of this "ups".
In case something gets picked up by the cameras and I need to get the video files quickly, over the internet, with no power at the house, I need to run everything as low power as possible.

I really do not like to bother everybody with my needs and problems, the idea is that I am sure this limitation can be easily overcome, I just do not know or yet understand how to discover the issue.

_bernd · November 17, 2025, 8:06pm

I'm unable to explain the technical issue but the tldr is usb wifi is trash when it comes to operate as an AP. The same is mostly the case for any other mode then client/station mode.... I'm sure someone can provide a good link to other discussions as mentioned.

You could try to lower the power consumption of an AP by reducing the transmit power and also smaller bands with lower bandwidth afair. And maybe limit CPU if possible. But not sure how huge the impact would be.
There are also travel routers available which draw only like 7

Edit many autocorrect misspellings

nonyhaha · November 18, 2025, 6:49am

After looking into the logs and searching a little bit, I found out:

github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi

"could not add STA to kernel driver" mt7921u , ALFA AWUS036AXML

opened 07:26AM - 19 Jan 24 UTC

Simon566

Hi, im on kernel 6.6.12 and running hostapd on the mt7921u device Is this …a hardware limit ? i didnt count the exact number of connected clients , its around 12 only Jan 19 07:24:59 odroid-h3 hostapd[213153]: wlx00c0cab38118: STA 94:e2:3c:f2:29:f7 IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver Jan 19 07:24:59 odroid-h3 hostapd[213153]: wlx00c0cab38118: STA 94:e2:3c:f2:29:f7 IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver Jan 19 07:24:59 odroid-h3 hostapd[213153]: wlx00c0cab38118: STA 94:e2:3c:f2:29:f7 IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver Jan 19 07:24:59 odroid-h3 hostapd[213153]: wlx00c0cab38118: STA 94:e2:3c:f2:29:f7 IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver Jan 19 07:25:01 odroid-h3 hostapd[213153]: wlx00c0cab38118: STA 94:e2:3c:f2:29:f7 IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver Jan 19 07:25:02 odroid-h3 hostapd[213153]: wlx00c0cab38118: STA 94:e2:3c:f2:29:f7 IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver regards, Simon

and

github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi

[Help]: mt7921u AX3000 unusable as a AP with more than 16 stations/clients

opened 08:55PM - 12 Jan 25 UTC

kbmetz

### Checklist - [X] I acknowledge that support is provided on a best-effort bas…is. - [X] I acknowledge that the authors and contributors to this repository cannot be held responsible for the results of my use of any information contained in or linked from this repository. ### uname Linux pi 6.8.0-1017-raspi #19-Ubuntu SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Fri Dec 6 20:45:12 UTC 2024 aarch64 aarch64 aarch64 GNU/Linux ### lsusb Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub Bus 001 Device 002: ID 2109:3431 VIA Labs, Inc. Hub Bus 001 Device 003: ID 1997:2433 Shenzhen Riitek Technology Co., Ltd wireless mini keyboard with touchpad Bus 001 Device 004: ID 0781:5583 SanDisk Corp. Ultra Fit Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003 Linux Foundation 3.0 root hub Bus 002 Device 002: ID 0e8d:7961 MediaTek Inc. Wireless_Device Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub ### rfkill 0: hci0: Bluetooth Soft blocked: no Hard blocked: no 1: phy0: Wireless LAN Soft blocked: no Hard blocked: no 3: phy2: Wireless LAN Soft blocked: no Hard blocked: no ### dkms ```text there is no dkms output ``` ### iw ```text phy#2 Interface wlxe84e06ad13fa ifindex 6 wdev 0x200000001 addr e8:4e:06:ad:13:fa type AP txpower 3.00 dBm multicast TXQ: qsz-byt qsz-pkt flows drops marks overlmt hashcol tx-bytes tx-packets 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ``` ### What happened? I'm attempting to run an AP based off hostapd. Everything is configured and working but once 16-20 clients have joined i start getting the following error hostapd: wlxe84e06ad13fa: STA xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx IEEE 802.11: Could not add STA to kernel driver Restarting resolves the issue. And if I keep it under 10 stations there is also no issue. If this is a known issue that only mediatek can resolve then I recommend this adapter description on this repo be amended to make note of this limitation. This issue is also referenced here: https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/issues/369 https://forum.openwrt.org/t/reference-for-number-of-supported-stations-in-different-wifi-hardware/156535 Is is possible to recompile the module with the limits increased? I like this adapter but the specific use case is for an AP Also, I'm able to run hostapd with the same configuration on a rtl8812au and it supports up to 30 stations without issue.

and

It is a driver limitation on the chipset, so nothing to to with the actual hardware.
I decided to also buy a mt7603 based usb wifi device.

_bernd · November 18, 2025, 9:27am

But as long as we have no other driver for these chips, the chip is still limited in its usage.

system · November 28, 2025, 9:27am

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