diff --git a/docs/user-guide/networking.md b/docs/user-guide/networking.md index 13c0e7c..7c3245d 100644 --- a/docs/user-guide/networking.md +++ b/docs/user-guide/networking.md @@ -35,6 +35,36 @@ This lets you reach the device without Ethernet. The hotspot has no internet of When the device joins a WiFi network, it keeps the hotspot running and acts as a client at the same time (concurrent AP and client). To do this it moves the hotspot onto the client network's channel, so a device connected to the hotspot may briefly disconnect and reconnect on its own. For the full first-time walkthrough, see [First Boot — WiFi access point](../getting-started/first-boot.md#wifi-access-point-headless-images-and-the-ap-desktop-variant). +### Serving more access point clients + +The WiFi chip (Cypress CYW43455) has two firmware variants, and the system chooses between them with `update-alternatives`. The default `standard` variant accepts about 7 access point clients. The `minimal` variant is tuned for access point use and accepts about 19. + +Use the `minimal` variant on any device whose hotspot is in real use. The client count is the smaller reason: in practice the `standard` variant seizes up with only a few clients connected, and then admits none at all. + +Switch the variant: + +```bash +sudo update-alternatives --config cyfmac43455-sdio.bin +``` + +Select the `cyfmac43455-sdio-minimal.bin` entry, then reboot. `update-alternatives` records the choice, so later firmware package updates keep it. + +The `minimal` variant frees the chip memory for those extra client slots by dropping features: + +- Automatic channel selection. +- DFS radar detection, so the 5 GHz channels that require it become unavailable. +- 802.11k/v/r roaming assistance and antenna diversity. + +It is also an older firmware release than the `standard` variant (7.45.241 from 2021, against 7.45.265 from 2023). + +If the hotspot does not come up after the switch, set a fixed channel on it, because the `minimal` variant cannot pick one on its own: + +```bash +sudo nmcli connection modify Halos-AP wifi.band bg wifi.channel 6 +``` + +To go back to the default firmware, run the same command and select the `standard` entry, or run `sudo update-alternatives --auto cyfmac43455-sdio.bin`. + ## Ethernet Ethernet works out of the box with DHCP. The device obtains an IP address automatically from your network's DHCP server.