Hi,
I am looking at connecting my device to the network with WiFi. There is lots talk about the WiFi module that interfaces with the MCU via SPI, but this kind of module costs a lot more than the USB WiFi key commonly used for the PC. If I only use module to for low level communication(MAC level), is it a good option to use the USB WiFi key? I think I only need to select a MCU that supports the USB host function, is that right? Can anybody give me some idea about the differences between these two modules?
Thanks
Tianlei Zhangcosts a lot more than the USB WiFi key commonly used for the PC
One reason why the PC "dongles" may be so cheap is that they probably rely upon the PC to do most of the work.
Tianlei ZhangI only (sic) need to select a MCU that supports the USB host function
That is far from the only thing you need!!
You will also need a Host USB stack, and the necessary profiles to work with the chosen dongles(s)...
The few pennies you save on the module are likely to be far outwieghed by the pain of adding the necessary support functions!
Most of the USB module support Linux, and are available to use with linux only. so not it depends on your requirement what exactly you need and what are your application requirement. No doubt they are cheap but some time they can not be a subtitute for SPI module.