Raspberry Pi 5 -- Start up USB Wifi Dongle on boot

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on configuring a USB WiFi adapter to automatically connect on boot for a Raspberry Pi 5 running Raspberry Pi OS. Users confirmed that while the onboard WiFi is functional, the external USB dongle offers superior range due to its antenna design. The main solution involves modifying the network configuration files to ensure the USB adapter initializes and connects to the router during the boot process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of Raspberry Pi OS networking
  • Familiarity with command line interface (CLI) operations
  • Knowledge of editing configuration files in Linux
  • Experience with USB device management in Linux
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to edit the /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf file for WiFi configuration
  • Learn about the systemd service manager for creating custom startup scripts
  • Explore the use of the 'ifup' and 'ifdown' commands for network interfaces
  • Investigate the differences between onboard WiFi and USB WiFi adapters for Raspberry Pi
USEFUL FOR

Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, network engineers, and anyone looking to enhance their Raspberry Pi 5's wireless connectivity through USB WiFi adapters.

Swamp Thing
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I bought a USB WiFi adapter that I want to use on a Raspberry Pi 5 running RP OS.

It works fine if I plug it in after booting, but doesn't start up automatically on boot. It does get listed by lsusb after booting.

How can I set it up so that it consistently starts up and connects to my router on each bootup?
 
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Doesn't the Pi 5 come with WiFi capability built in? Why would you need a separate adapter?
 
The onboard adapter has a smaller range than the dongle. The dongle has an antenna like the ones on routers etc. and has a somewhat greater range.
 

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