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Linux/WL1831MOD: Multi BSSID functionality with Linux Network Manager instead of hostapd

Bruno De Paoli
Intellectual 630 points
Part Number: WL1831MOD


Tool/software: Linux

We are using the WL1831MOD device and want to configure the platform to provide multi BSSID functionality. From what I see the WL18XX device and driver rely on hostapd to provide this functionality.

Can the WL18XX device/driver work with the Linux Network Manager when the Network Manager has been used to bring up an AP?

I believe that the Network Manager does not work with Hostapd but instead uses wpa-supplicant when it is setup to start an AP. In fact I think the Network Manager cannot work with hostapd. It uses the AP functionality that is built into wpa-supplicant. Can this setup (Network Manager + wpa-supplicant) also be used to support multi BSSID functionality or is hostapd required.

Thanks,

Bruno

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 35795 points
    Hi , We have assigned your query to WiFi expert. We will get back to you shortly .

    Thanks
    Saurabh
  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 20285 points
    Hi,

    At first you should be aware that there are limitations when uding multirole of AP+AP.
    For example both APs need to be on the same channel.

    Please check the following document:
    www.ti.com/.../swru423a.pdf

    especially section 7.2

    As for your wpa_supplicant question, there is no limitation that I know of. The implementation is on a higher layer.
    I am not into the details of the Network Manager but I dont think there should be an issue with the wl18xx drivers .
    As another example, when using mesh (which is similar to AP in some ways), wpa_supplicant is also used and not hostapd.

    Best Regards,
    Eyal
  • 0 in reply to Eyal Reizer
    Intellectual 630 points

    Hi,

    After digging a bit further into this I don't think we can use wpa-supplicant here. I looked at the scripts that TI provide for this and they use the hostapd_cli utility to configure hostapd for multi BSSID functionality.

    wpa-suppliant has a slimmed down version of hostapd and does not have the command line interface utility. So it looks like we can't use wpa-supplicant (and hence network manager) and have to use the full hostapd to get the multi BSSID function to work.

    Bruno