Re: Suggestions on low-cost Linux/ARM-friendly WiFi module or chipset...

[Mike Rapoport <mike@compulab.co.il>]

Jean-Pierre Poulin wrote:
> Hello,
>  
> May I obtain your recommendation on a Linux + ARM friendly WiFi module or chipset?

There's wi2wi SIP module with Marvell 8686. It is supported by libertas driver.

> The solution we’re looking for must have the following features:
> - WiFi features: 802.11b + 802.11g with WPA & WEP encryption.
> - Driver: Binary driver built for Linux+ARM9 *or* Driver source buildable for Linux 2.6.28.2
> - Electronic Interface: SDIO (strongly) preferred, then parallel bus, then SPI, and least preferred: USB
> - Physical interface: SMD-mounting (strongly) preferred, then SD-card, then USB stick
> - Size: Smaller the better (especially on ‘thickness’), but not critical.
> - Power efficiency: Irrelevant / Not critical.
> - Cost: Extremely critical!!
> - Range: The greater the better, but low-cost is much more important.
> - Antenna considerations: Small built-in chip antenna preferred.  External whip antenna a minus.
>  
> Working backwards on this from the currently available drivers (we’re building our Linux image ontop OpenWRT for the $2.80 NXP LPC313x), the following drivers are ‘easily accessible’ in OpenWRT… but we have yet to find the low-cost manufacturers that can provide the physical WiFi solution itself…
>  
>                
> kmod-libertas............................ Marvell 88W8015 Wireless Driver 
> kmod-mac80211..................... Linux 802.11 Wireless Networking Stack 
> kmod-mac80211-hwsim........................ mac80211 HW simulation device 
> kmod-p54-common................................. Prism54 Drivers (COMMON) 
> kmod-p54-usb....................................... Prism54 Drivers (USB) 
> kmod-rt2500-usb............. Ralink Drivers for RT2x00 cards (RT2500 USB) 
> kmod-rt2800-usb............. Ralink Drivers for RT2x00 cards (RT2870 USB) 
> kmod-rt2x00-lib.................... Ralink Drivers for RT2x00 cards (LIB) 
> kmod-rt2x00-usb.................... Ralink Drivers for RT2x00 cards (USB) 
> kmod-rt73-usb................. Ralink Drivers for RT2x00 cards (RT73 USB) 
> kmod-zd1211rw....................................... Zydas ZD1211 support 
>  
> In addition, searching through the list of drivers at Linux Wireless, we were impressed by the comprehensive selection but – as device prices are not listed – it is very difficult to ascertain which inexpensive WiFi solution can run on our board.
>  
> Finally, as the cost of the total WiFi solution is so important, our ‘upper range’ for cost is about $11 per interface (1K qty), as our ‘plan B’ is simply to insert one of the many $13 USB-WiFi interface (such as those found on eBay) inside the product enclosure.  Some questions:
>  
> Q1: Given our above-stated needs… which do you recommend: the ‘module approach’, the ‘chipset approach’ or the ‘insert consumer product’ approach?
>  
> Q2: What is the ‘most famous’ / ‘most supported’ Linux/ARM-friendly low-cost WiFi solution currently available?
>  
> Q3: Can you recommend some low-cost (Taiwanese / Chinese) WiFi manufacturers that supplies low-cost Linux-compatible solutions?
>  
> Q4: For reference, what do you think is the cost of the ‘absolute lowest cost’ WiFi solution currently available?
>  
> Many thanks for any hint / suggestion you can provide!
>  
>    Jean-Pierre
> 
> 
>       
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-- 
Sincerely yours,
Mike.