How to configure a WLAN interface on hotspot mode

Applicable for STM32MP13x lines, STM32MP15x lines

Configure a wlan interface on hotspot mode[edit]

WiFi hotspots are internet access points that allow you to connect to a WiFi network using your computer, smartphone or another device while away from your home or office network.

  • Configure the wlan interface for systemd/netword

Add the following rule on /lib/systemd/network/

 cat /lib/systemd/network/hostapd.network
[Match]
Name=wlan0

[Network]
Address=192.168.72.1/24
DHCPServer=yes
IPForward=ipv4
IPMasquerade=yes

192.168.72.1/24: ip address affected to the hotspot device.

This configuration supports dhcpserver, ip forward and ip masquerade for this wlan interface: wlan0.

  • Create the hotspot configuration by replacing /etc/hostapd.conf content by the following lines
 cat /etc/hostapd.conf
interface=wlan0
driver=nl80211
# mode Wi-Fi (a = IEEE 802.11a, b = IEEE 802.11b, g = IEEE 802.11g)
hw_mode=g
ssid=STExampleNetwork
channel=7
wmm_enabled=0
macaddr_acl=0
# Wi-Fi closed, need an authentication
auth_algs=1
ignore_broadcast_ssid=0
wpa=2
wpa_passphrase=ExamplePassPhraseNetwork
wpa_key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
wpa_pairwise=TKIP
rsn_pairwise=CCMP

STExampleNetwork is the visible name of the new wlan hotspot (SSID).


ExamplePassPhraseNetwork is the passphare associated to the wlan hotspot (SSID).

  • Correct one issue with systemd-networkd.service which does not enable the wifi link by default

Add the highlighted line in /lib/systemd/system/hostapd.service file

 cat /lib/systemd/system/hostapd.service
[Service]
ExecStartPre=/sbin/ip link set wlan0 up
ExecStart=/usr/sbin/hostapd /etc/hostapd.conf -P /run/hostapd.pid -B
  • Enable systemd service
 systemctl enable  hostapd