Mesh Network between RTL8822BU and other vendor WLAN USB module

[madhug89]

Right now we are evaluating RTL8822BU chip feasible for our product or not. Earlier we are using Ralink 5572 USB WLAN module for mesh network. Now we are decided to use the RTL8822BU but the mesh network is working if two devices have same MCU's.

Mesh is not working between the RTL8822BU and Ralink 5572.

Note : We are using OLSR routing protocol for mesh connections.

Do we have any restrictions in this driver code like mesh network should work between the Realtek chipsets?

[morrownr]

Hi @madhug89

Right now we are evaluating RTL8822BU chip feasible for our product or not.

I am periodically contacted by organizations to consult regarding usb wifi adapters for inclusion in various products so I do have experience along these lines. Most of my experience is with managed, master and monitor modes so I would have to brush up on mesh.

My general recommendation is to give preferrence to chipsets that are supported in-kernel such as the RT5572 you were using. Examples would include MT7610u, MT7612u, MT7662u and MT7921au depending on the use case and requirements.

The problem with Realtek chipsets on Linux comes about because of how Realtek handles driver support. This driver and all other modern Realtek drivers are supported out-of-kernel and are non Linux Wireless Standards compliant. That leads to compatibility problems. There is also the issue of support for Realtek drivers. I have never been able to contact Realtek to ask questions or report issues. I do the best I can with the Realtek driver to help my fellow Linux users but I do not recommend Realtek chipset based adapters... I maintain this driver for those that already have the adapters.

The Main Menu for this site is located at:

https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi

The Main Menu gives you access to a lot of information. You might want to start with menu item 1 and continue down the list. You are doing the right thing by investigating before buying. Additionally, I have a small lab and somewhere around 30 usb wifi adapters with various chipset that I can use to perform tests. If you want to communicate in a less public way, I can get my email address to you.

Regards,

@morrownr