Concurrent mode shares the Wi-Fi interface between multiple functionalities — for example station, access point, and Wi-Fi Direct — using different virtual interfaces for each. By default, Digi Embedded Yocto configures the Wi-Fi interface in client infrastructure mode. Refer to Access point mode or Wi-Fi Direct to enable that interface.

Maximum performance is achieved on the physical wlan0 when the Wi-Fi interface is not shared between multiple functionalities. Digi recommends you always use the physical wlan0 interface and only configure virtual interfaces when using concurrent modes.
Digi programs one MAC address for the Wi-Fi interface during manufacturing of the SOM. This is the MAC address used for the wlan0 interface.

Inspecting valid combinations

To determine the supported modes and combinations (STA, AP, P2P, AP+P2P, etc), run the iw phy command.

# iw phy
.....
        valid interface combinations:
                 * #{ managed, AP, monitor, P2P-client, P2P-GO } <= 4,
                   total <= 4, #channels <= 1
                 * #{ managed } <= 2, #{ P2P-device } <= 1, #{ P2P-client, P2P-GO } <= 1,
                   total <= 3, #channels <= 2

In this generic example:

  • Combination 1 can work simultaneously with up to four interfaces as STA, AP or P2P; additionally, those interfaces are restricted to work in the same channel.

  • Combination 2 can work simultaneously with up to two STA interfaces plus one P2P interface, and they can work in different channels.