COMFILE Technology's Documentation Library

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====== Choosing a USB WiFi Dongle ======

WiFi networking can be added to any ComfilePi panel PC with a USB WiFi dongle.  However, finding a reliable WiFi dongle that has drivers included in the Linux kernel can be challenging.

Our research has led us to believe USB WiFi dongles with a MediaTek chipset are probably the best choice.  MediaTek submits their drivers upstream to the Linux Kernel, so they pass the Linux kernel review process, and are ready to use out of the box.  

For The ipTime USB WiFi dongles that we tested (containing the MT7601U chipset), they were truly plug-and-play on Buster, Bullseye, and Bookworm.  No separate driver installation or configuration was required.

{{ :comfilepi:n150_01.jpg }}
<html><center><a href="https://iptime.com/iptime/?page_id=11&pf=9&page=&pt=795&pd=1">ipTime N150</a></center></html>

If you need to cover a longer distance, avoid the "mini" dongles, and prefer a dongle with an external antenna.  Using a USB extension cable to mount the dongle outside of your main panel other enclosures will also provide better results.

{{ :comfilepi:usb_wifi_with_antenna.jpg }}
<html><center><a href="https://iptime.com/iptime/?page_id=11&pf=9&page=&pt=501&pd=1">ipTime N150UA3</a></center></html>

The 2.4 GHz frequency band can also offers better range and penetration through walls and solid objects compared to the 5 GHz and higher frequency bands. This is due to the longer wavelengths of the 2.4 GHz signal, which are better suited for longer ranges and transmission through obstacles.

See also:
  * [[https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/USB_WiFi_Adapter_Information_for_Linux.md|USB WiFi Dongle Information for Linux]]
  * [[https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/USB_WiFi_Chipsets.md|USB WiFi Chipset Information]]
  * [[https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/The_Short_List.md|USB WiFi Dongle Recommendations]]