Technology
Using ARM64 Ubuntu 20 Core on Pi 4 as a Wireless-Gateway Bridge with Wired Network
Using ARM64 Ubuntu 20 Core on Pi 4 as a Wireless-Gateway Bridge with Wired Network
Can Ubuntu 20.04 Core with ARM64 on a Raspberry Pi 4 function as a gateway between a wireless hotspot and a wired router network bridge? This setup is quite feasible, but some considerations and steps are necessary to ensure successful operation.
Overview of the Setup
To conceptualize this setup, imagine a scenario where you have a wired router network connected to the internet, and you need to bridge that connection to a wireless network by acting as a gateway. The question arises: Can Ubuntu 20.04 Core on ARM64, running on a Raspberry Pi 4, handle this task?
Understanding the Technical Aspects
When dealing with Linux networking, especially in a setting that requires bridging wireless and wired networks, a direct solution is not always straightforward. The issue is that Linux does not natively support wireless interfaces bridging without additional patches. Therefore, a pure Linux distribution like Ubuntu 20.04 Core might require significant adjustments to achieve the desired functionality.
Ubuntu 20.04 Core Limitations
Ubuntu 20.04 Core, being a minimalist distribution, might not have all the necessary drivers or patches pre-installed for seamless wireless bridging. This is where additional efforts are required. You might need to manually compile and install specific wireless drivers and bridging utilities. However, this process can be complex and time-consuming.
Alternative Solution: OpenWRT
Considering the challenges, an alternative approach is to use a distribution known for its networking capabilities and support for a wide range of networking configurations, including bridging with wireless interfaces. OpenWRT is a popular choice for this purpose. It is designed with extensive support for various hardware platforms, including the Raspberry Pi 4.
Advantages of Using OpenWRT
Using OpenWRT as an alternative has numerous advantages:
Pre-installed Drivers and Patches: OpenWRT comes with a large set of pre-installed drivers and patches, simplifying the setup process. Simplified Configuration: The web-based interface of OpenWRT makes it easier to configure the required network settings. Better Stability: OpenWRT is known for its stability and performance in networking tasks.Considering a Dedicated Wireless Access Point
Another viable solution is to use a dedicated wireless access point (WAP) that supports client mode. This approach is more straightforward and doesn't require any custom software or extensive technical knowledge. By setting the WAP to client mode, it can connect to the wired router as a client and broadcast a wireless network, acting as a gateway to the wired network.
Conclusion
While it is possible to use Ubuntu 20.04 Core on ARM64, running on a Raspberry Pi 4, as a gateway between a wireless hotspot and a wired router network bridge, the process is complex and may require significant technical expertise and custom configurations. As an alternative, using OpenWRT or a dedicated wireless access point in client mode can be more reliable and efficient for this task.