Easy WIFI setup ? no ETH cable ?

[TommyBoy]

Hello..
is it possible to Search for WIFI, select correct net, connect, input user and password, store, reboot.
wow now online .. happy happy user.. without the need for ETH cable at all ??
if yes, HOW ?
if no, why not make it as easy as any other item, to connect to our home wifi ?

[hondagx35]

[TommyBoy]

lets say I have a screen and a keyboard connected for configure,
The only thing i do not have is a wired connection.
Then HOW ?
All I know is to log in : root, rune, and readout the IP number via ifconfig.
however I can offcourse not get IP number before logging in correctly to a wireless network.
what is next move please ?
remember i know zip zero nothing..

[PeteB]

@TommyBoy: With respect, I think you may be thinking about this the wrong way.

Setting up WiFi without first plugging the Pi in using a cable is more difficult. I am sure Frank or someone else can walk you through it step by little step, but why?

If you have a hardwired connection to use during setup, and a PC with a browser anywhere in the same house, it only takes minutes, and then you can disconnect it again after WiFi is set up.

[TommyBoy]

I did manage to solve it, using a wired connection first, but I must say I was feeling like the old days of trouble,
sitting on the floor in a tiny closet (where the router is hidden) with screen, and keyboard, and wires all over, not that easy or smart.
I do have a few friends where access to a wired connection is many times bigger trouble,
so lets say I want to visit them with my new super cool runeaudio payer , and show then how cool it all is..
All they know it how easy all other wireless items get online for the first time, I will be looked at like a big fool
when I ask for cables to access their router before we can get started.
Just becouse its root engine is linux is no good excuse for it to be this hard for the users,
how about a little auto connect script to run from the keyboard, that do the :
search, select, user, password, save. done deal.. and the rest we play from the UI.
PS: also think about, why is the PI and media players with PI only used or made by experts in IT and linux, simply :
it do require expert skils, this is a pity, if it was alot easier, all people would play with it
why not make it just as easy as unpack your new pad, charge it, input wifi codes, and bingo, play online..

[PeteB]

Usually, one only has to take the Pi to the router and plug it in.
The computer used to set it up stays where it is.
The default setup method is "headless", a keyboard and monitor are not required.
You DO need a PC, or some other device with a running browser.
(can be same device used to run the User Interface later)

[TommyBoy]

yes I agree, I know how it is done
I only try to make you see the "light"
so it can be done with out the cable, in a better and more easy future,
like a brand new pad or phone or coffeemachine, dont need a cable to get online via WIFI.
you know what I mean and feel, right ??

[hondagx35]

[PeteB]

[johnbanks]

Frank ...

The above thread is a thought provoking discussion. So based on my rudimentary linux knowledge (just enough to be dangerous ) here goes:

The objective is to set up RuneAudio without need for a wired connection.

First assumption - the user knows the wireless SSID and Password in his location.
Second assumption – the user has been able to download the image and burn it to a microSD card using a PC or Mac and so can access the first FAT partition on the card.

The user simply adds 2 txt files to the card – one containing the wireless SSID and other with the Password. Once RuneAudio fires up, both these txt files will reside in directory /boot

The RuneAudio image would contain a ‘generic’ netctl profile file /etc/netctl/rune with the following content:

Description='A simple WPA encrypted wireless connection'
Interface=wlan0
Connection=wireless
Security=wpa
IP=dhcp
# Set a priority for automatic profile selection
#Priority=10

ESSID='SSID from txt file in /boot'

Key='Password from txt file in /boot'

# Uncomment this if your ssid is hidden
#Hidden=yes


I have spent 2 days trying to get the content of the 2 txt files into the above file but have failed. Frank, do you have any suggestions on this?

Less elegantly, I’m pretty sure this could be done with a script run as an @reboot cron job. (I already do this to unmute my iqAudio amp).

Being even more radical – what about those locations without wifi – mobile home, car, holiday apartment, etc? Last year I resorted to setting up a second RPi as a Wireless Access Point and used that in my holiday apartment.

Would it be possible to provide an option whereby RuneAudio acted simultaneously as an Access Point? What do you think, Frank? Or would I disappear up my own fundamental orifice ?

Just some thoughts ...