[GTALUG] Seeking a Linux specialist who can help us solve some Linux-related issues on older computers

[Alvin Starr]

You could try OpenWRT.

It supports a number of hardware routers along with generic versions for 
CPUs like the X86_64.

It can be a good way to repurpose an older wifi router and with a bit of 
luck it may work on a laptop.

On 7/17/24 11:25 AM, Giles Orr via talk wrote:
> Hi Paul.
>
> I understand your desire to keep costs down, and to keep all the
> functionality in one box.  But Mauro's advice is sound: Linux isn't
> particularly good at being an Access Point.  It's good at many things,
> unfortunately you've found something it's not great at.  If more
> people used Linux as an AP, more development would be done, and the
> path you're choosing to walk would be easier.  Support for Wifi cards
> and dongles as clients is pretty good on Linux, but as an AP ... not
> so much.  You solicited expert advice on the subject, and I think
> Mauro qualifies - particularly on this subject, given his experience
> with `hostapd`.  Here's a second (dubious expert) opinion: admit
> defeat on this particular aspect of the server and follow Mauro's
> advice ... Sorry, but I suspect you'll be saving yourself a lot of
> grief.
>
> Of course the great thing about experts is that they rarely agree:
> someone here may come up with different advice for you.  Enjoy the
> diversity of opinions!
>
> On Wed, 17 Jul 2024 at 06:26, Paul Stevers via talk <talk at gtalug.org> wrote:
>> Hello Mauro,
>>
>> Thanks for the feedback.
>>
>> I did a quick search for a travel router and found this one:
>>
>> TP-Link: TL-WR902AC - AC750 Wireless Travel Router
>> •    Travel-Sized Design – Conveniently small and light to pack and take on the road, creating Wi-Fi network via Ethernet, 3G/4G USB modem or WISP
>> •    Dual Band AC750 Wi-Fi – Strong, fast connection for HD streaming on all your devices
>> •    One Switch for Multiple Modes – Perfect for Wi-Fi at home, your hotel room or on the road
>> •    Flexible Power – Micro USB port to an adapter, portable charger or laptop
>> •    Versatile USB – For file sharing or internet access from a 3G/4G USB modem
>>
>>
>> Amazon sells this router for about CA$50.
>>
>> Can you recommend a D’Link travel router model that can work?  I would like it to be powered and receive data via the USB port.
>>
>> Instead of a travel router, I would prefer a more compact option such as a USB Wifi dongle.  Amazon sells a range of these devices.  Since I do not have time to check out all the options to find a solution, I prefer if a linux specialist would do this for me.  I am pretty sure the Linksys AE6000 Wireless USB Adaptor can work but if it does not, I expect we can purchase a different one that will work.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Paul
>>
>>
>> On Jul 16, 2024, at 6:29 PM, Mauro Souza via talk <talk at gtalug.org> wrote:
>>
>> A little tangent here, but wouldn't just buying a cheap AP work better?
>>
>> I ran hostapd several years on different hardware, and something consistent was the inconsistency... Worked or not, depending on kernel version, on clients, on internal wifi cards, on external wifi cards... A cheap D'Link travel router fixed all the issues, and now it's honored as my personal wifi printing server.
>>
>> It cost 10 dollars, maybe it could work for you too.
>>
>> Mauro
>> https://www.maurosouza.com - registered Linux User: 294521
>> Scripture is both history, and a love letter from God.
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 16, 2024 at 5:01 PM Paul Stevers via talk <talk at gtalug.org> wrote:
>>> Hello Linux Community,
>>>
>>> We are seeking a knowledgeable Linux specialist who can help us solve some Linux-related issues on older computers that we convert into educational information servers.  As well, we are also seeking someone who is interested to help us provide refurbished computers with free educational information to people around the world who do not have access to or cannot afford high-speed Internet.
>>>
>>> Currently, we have a Lenovo IdeaPad V460 laptop computer that has been converted into a Linux Mint-based educational information server using this instruction: Setting Up An Educational Information Server (Linux Mint).   Unfortunately, the hotspot feature did not work on the built-in WiFi hardware so we added this USB-based WiFI transmitter/receiver; Linksys AE6000 Wireless USB Adaptor. It works but other devices are not able to connect to it. My phone says “it cannot obtain an IP address” from the SSID transmitting from this laptop.
>>>
>>> I look forward to your reply.
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>> Paul
>>>
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