Wifi module recommendations for x86/64 build

Hardware Questions and Recommendations
1

Hi All, I understand from most research it is highly recommended to avoid headaches by using a standalone access point or reuse another router for that functions. I suppose it is still the case today? or if there are any wifi modules that I could get to achieve an All in one solution with decent performance?

My specs below:

  • N5105 celeron with empty mini pcie for the wifi module
  • I am running proxmox with openwrt as one of the VM. I have home assistant as another VM within.
  • Currently using linksys EA8100 as an AP with openwrt flashed.
2

msata isn't an interface wifi cards use.

3

Hi.
If you are satisfied with your current config, with a separate AP, there is no need to change anything.
If you really want an inside wifi card, there are several choices. As far as I can remember (other members of the forum will devellop and correct me):

  • don't use an Intel, the AP function is not supported.
  • prefer an ath9 or ath10 card which are well supported.

I own a compex card, and it works very well.
https://compex.com.sg/wifi-module/

And yes (@frollic remark) msata and mini PCIe connectors may look the same, they are not identical and interchangeable.

2 Likes
4

Apologies, mini pcie

5

Satisfied performance wise, unsatisfied with having an additional power plug to power the standalone AP. Thanks for the recommendations, will look into it.

6

The problem with the mini PC is that it's a passive cooling. When you add a wifi chip inside it increase the heat a lot. And the wifi 6 chips get really really hot.

4 Likes
7

there's a couple references in 802.11ax wifi AP mPCI-E cards

8

Understandable argument.
I forgot these

9

i saw somewhere some people using 1 PSU to supply several devices with a splitter :

i never tried this btw...i don't know if it is possible, and if it is safe

Lenovo is also doing this for their mini-pc. you can buy the standard 65w psu, or the 135w with a splitter to supply 2 units :
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/accessories-and-software/cables-and-adapters/cables-&-adapters_adapters/4x20w69154?orgRef=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F

10

This kind of splitter definitely works and is useful, especially in a situation when you have a 12V UPS. So I power the ISP's modem, the router, and also provide the external power to my USB-SATA adapter, all from one UPS.

1 Like
11

Did you check the max amperage of the PSU ?

12

I bought a new one.

The UPS is rated for 3A output, and uses additional 0.5A when charging its battery. The PSU is rated for 4A.

1 Like
13

if you have a lot of devices to supply (link coming from my previous comment) :

:sweat_smile:

14

can i check which compex model you are using? is there any card that support 2 radios for simultaneous 2.4 + 5ghz with 1 card?

15

Compex WLE600VX
https://compex.com.sg/shop/wifi-module/802-11ac-wave-1/wle600vx-2/
It's an AC wave 1, ath10k model. I used it with a laptop (intel AX200), and it provides 40MB/s on file transfer. That is much satisfactory. You have better models with higher bandwidth if you need (AC wave 2 or AX).

Such wifi card don't provide simultaneously 2.4 and 5GHz. You can still find a peculiar model that will do it, but I have no idea. So if you want both frequencies, you need a double mini pcie slot router (rare) and two cards, or a regular PCIe card, or an external AP.

In my case, the card is set on 5GHz as all my devices are compatible. I still have an AP with 2.4GHz just in need.

16

DBDC cards exist for mt7915, but those configurations usually drop it down to 2x2 per band.

1 Like
17

THanks for sharing, not easy to find. Found one which may not confirm to have DBDC
https://www.wallystech.com/Network_Card/DR7915-wifi6-MT7915-MT7975-2T2R-support-OpenWRT-802.11AX-supporting-MiniPCIe-Module.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000023.1.4b535417PnOF3s

The one with confirmed DBDC costs more factoring shipping:

2 Likes
18

FWIW, one thing to watch out on the passively cooled N5105 mini-pcs is that the mini-pcie slot on some models has components below the slot which interfere with some wifi cards. For example, the AsiaRF card is double-sided - it extends about 1.5mm below the PCB. (User manual has detailed drawings with measurements and tolerances.)

I did manage to install the card in my mini-pc by leaving it tilted up a bit and securing it with a longer screw… but not ideal. And these cards run pretty hot - the particular "passive" mini-pc that I got had an option for a 40mm circulation fan in bottom compartment that holds the ram, ssd, and mpcie slot, and I took advantage of that.