cpcnw
September 8, 2024, 7:04am
1
Hi - just got OpenWrt installed on above device and it's running great.
I'd like to extend the functionality and setup as an Access Point also.
I happen to have a Comfast CF-912AC based on the Realtek RTL8812AU
Should I avoid Realtek like the plague and use something else?
If not what would be the correct procedure for getting this recognised and working?
Any tips appreciated - thanks in advance!
frollic
September 8, 2024, 7:10am
2
If you like to build your own driver ...
## USB WiFi chipset information for Linux
This document is a summary that includes information about many modern USB WiFi chipsets.
Not all USB WiFi adapters are created equally. While the chipset and driver
dictate which WiFi features are supported (e.g. which frequency bands), the
vendor of the adapter is free to decide on the performance of the antenna(s),
the quality of the amp and whether the device requires mode switching and so on.
| Chipset | Interface | Standard | Maximum<br>Channel<br>Width | Linux<br>In-Kernel<br>Driver | AP Mode | Monitor Mode | Recommended<br>For<br>Linux |
|:------------------:|-----------|----------|:-----:|:----------------------------:|:----------------:|:----------------:|:-----------------:|
Mediatek MT7927 | USB3 | WiFi 7 | 320 | pending | | | |
Mediatek MT7925 | USB3 | WiFi 7 | 160 |:heavy_check_mark: 6.7+ |:heavy_check_mark:|:heavy_check_mark:| Yes [4] |
Realtek RTL8852cu | ? | WiFi 6E | 160 |:x: [6] | | | No |
Realtek RTL8832cu | USB3 | WiFi 6E | 160 |:x: | | | No |
Mediatek MT7921au | USB3 | WiFi 6E | 80 |:heavy_check_mark: 5.18+ |:heavy_check_mark:|:heavy_check_mark:| Yes |
Realtek RTL8852bu | ? | WiFi 6 | 80 |:x: [6] | | | No |
Realtek RTL8832bu | USB3 | WiFi 6 | 80 |:x: | | | No |
Realtek RTL8852au | ? | WiFi 6 | 80 |:x: - avoid [2] | bad driver | bad driver | No |
Realtek RTL8832au | USB3 | WiFi 6 | 80 |:x: - avoid | bad driver | bad driver | No |
This file has been truncated. show original
cpcnw
September 8, 2024, 7:22am
3
Hmm, that sounds... tricky?
Any cheap devices that are supported out of box? How about this?
MT7612U Wi Fi Antenna Dongle
Seems to have all green ticks on that list? Or is that not relevant here?
frollic
September 8, 2024, 7:28am
4
Go to the main page of the link you just got.
cpcnw
September 8, 2024, 7:38am
5
What? This bit?
USB-WiFi/home/USB_WiFi_Adapter_out-of-kernel_drivers_for_Linux.md at main · morrownr/USB-WiFi · GitHub
Specifically mentions the RTL8812AU - can't seem to find anything on compiling drivers?
sammo
September 8, 2024, 7:44am
6
I found usb wifi adaptor performs badly, have you consider a dumpAP?
frollic
September 8, 2024, 7:45am
7
That's, unfortunately, for you to figure out, if you want to use it with Openwrt.
Avoid like the plague, you said it yourself
frollic
September 8, 2024, 8:49am
8
assuming you actually get what you paid for, here's an unsuccess story for you - Bought second COMFAST CF-952AX usb wifi stick. got realtek based one
cpcnw
September 8, 2024, 9:02am
9
How about helpful success stories?
cpcnw
September 8, 2024, 9:04am
10
'Badly' - IN what way?
I just need 2.4Ghz in same room for phones...
frollic
September 8, 2024, 9:10am
11
for RTL ?
there are mostly none, that's why they're not recommended.
if you really want an RTL device, use one that's already supported, according to the github list.
skip everything that's not in manline, or you'll end up in the same mess you're in.
you might find USB Wi-Fi that work in OpenWrt. Please add to list useful too.
cpcnw
September 8, 2024, 9:18am
12
Should I avoid Realtek like the plague and use something else?
If the answer to the above is yes, what's the 'something else' ?
I'll check that link - thanks.
Also that MT7612U device? Any good?
frollic
September 8, 2024, 9:21am
13
search for MT7612U at the forum,
but it's supported, uses a Mediatek chip, and does AP mode, it's as good as an USB wifi stick can be.
1 Like
sammo
September 8, 2024, 9:24am
14
Bad performance, driver crashed after sometime. Also remember, on the r2s the lan port is tied to usb3 port also. It be simpler getting access point. RTL is really good in monitor mode for pentesting.
1 Like
cpcnw
September 8, 2024, 10:35am
15
OK have taken on board what I have read on forums etc and might come back to this at some point. Have for now installed an older TL-WR940N WAP.
So, now I have the following;
Huawei EchoLife HG612 3B on Plusnet vDSL
FriendlyElec NanoPi R2S
TP-Link TL-WR940N
Access seems quicker than my Plusnet Hub2 on a slightly earlier version of OpenWrt - that maybe to do with the HG612 and my local exchange though?
Anyway better quit and get some work done. Thanks all.
1 Like
slh
September 8, 2024, 12:13pm
16
If you want a success story, get a cheap 802.11ax based plastic router/ AP capable of running OpenWrt and use it as dumb-AP. The used markets may also have pretty cheap 802.11ac devices which might fit the bill.
R2S has LAN port on USB3 but the USB-A port is on another USB 2.0 bus, if you use Mediatek based like MT7610U/MT7612U it still works well.
2 Likes