Can a wifi adapter become a access point?
 

I have a small computer being used as a media playback device connected to a TV. Internet comes in on the lan via the ethernet jack.

Could I somehow configure the (otherwise unused) wifi adapter to serve as a lan wifi access point for a couple of phones?

I know there are many articles about how to use a Linux computer with two network cards as a router, so I'm sure there is a way to accomplish this, though I've not done it myself.

This article from the Arch wiki looks as if it could be a good starting point for your research: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php...e_access_point

Only certain models can work as an access point. Look up the brand and exact model number you have and then check the driver documentation. Which brand and model do you have?

Check the capability of your wifi device with
This doesn't work with all hardware though, so you may need to try setting AP mode with
and observing the output (if any). No errors a re a good sign. Check the status again with
Assuming the device is capable proceed to configuring with hostapd.

You might find the info on which model you have with lspci

Good 'ole Arch. The king of the Linux howto.

Exactly what I wanted. Thanks. Bridge setup is what I was trying to ask for. Though, NAT setup is very tempting.

I have a few old laptops I can fall back on (and practice on) on until I find something that might promise to work.

Thanks. This info is all helpful for next weekend when I go to attack this.

NAT setup, versus Bridge, is probably what you do want, because you could have traffic conflicts (IP address collision and so forth) if you attempt to rebroadcast everything that anyone hears, as Bridge mode basically does. (You also will cut down on wireless traffic.)

Good to know.

Check out 'hostapd', you should be able to bring up your WiFi adapter as an access point with this:

https://w1.fi/hostapd/

Hope it helps!