Simultaneous AP & Client operation - problems in 5GHz band

[eeReu]

Hi there,

We have an Intel NUC w/ integrated 3168NGW, running a Debian 9 distribution. We've been trying to set up the wireless network to operate in AP and Client mode at the same time.

This works well when connected to a 2.4GHz AP. The helper scripts create_ap ( https://github.com/oblique/create_ap) greatly simplify this process. However, when connected to a 5GHz AP, we are unable to create an AP of our own.

We are fine with disabling operation in the 5GHz band entirely, or somehow preventing the module from associating with APs transmitting in the 5GHz band.

Any suggestions are welcome, regardless of which level of the stack they are targeted to (firmware, kernel module, user-space...). As long as a) we can restrict operation in the 5GHz band or b) we can enable dual-mode operation (Client + AP) while connected to a 5GHz network.

Apologies in advance for any misuse of terminolgy.

[idata]

Hello eReuse,

Thanks for posting in our communities.

We understand that you're trying to prevent Debian 9* from connecting to 5GHz networks in order to use it as an access point (AP). As you've noticed, the adapter can only work as an AP on 2.4GHz, and it can only work with one wireless band frequency at a time (either 2.4GHz or 5GHZ).

On Windows*, there's a https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005585/network-and-i-o/wireless-networking.html wireless setting to prioritize one band over the other. However, in our experience it is not possible to completely prevent the adapter from connecting to a band using the client settings alone, this is ultimately managed by the router. You may check with https://www.debian.org/support.en.html Debian* support if there are similar options from their side.

NOTE: Links to third party sites are being offered for your convenience and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Intel of the content, products, or services offered there.

Please let us know if there's anything else we can do for you.

Best regards,

Eugenio F.