Debian on Pogoplug Tutorial - Wireless Configuration

This is a continuation of my Hacking the Pogoplug v4 (Series 4 and Mobile) with Linux (Debian or Arch) Tutorial.

Tested Wi-Fi Adapters:

• AirLink AWLL3028 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter (RTL8187B)
• Alfa AWUS036H (RTL8187) (My personal favorite Wi-Fi adapter)
• Etekcity High Power 802.11 B/N/G 300M USB Wireless 1000mw Wifi Network Adapter with Dual Antenna (RT3072)
• Mini Wireless 150Mbs USB Ralink RT5370 (or from Ebay)
• Edimax EW-7811Un

Wi-Fi Configuration for Debian on Pogoplug

#Add "non-free" repo
echo "deb http://http.debian.net/debian/ wheezy main contrib non-free">>/etc/apt/sources.list

#Update repo
apt-get update

#Install required Wi-Fi packages and common non-free Wi-Fi adapter firmware
apt-get install wireless-tools wpasupplicant usbutils firmware-ralink firmware-realtek firmware-atheros

#Bring up Wi-Fi adapter. If you get an error, try rebooting.
ifconfig wlan0 up

#Scan available Wi-Fi networks
iwlist wlan0 scanning

#Update interfaces file with Wi-Fi configuration
nano /etc/network/interfaces

#Add the following to the end of the /etc/network/interfaces file
#Update "YourWiFiNetworkName" and "YourWiFiPassword" with appropriate values.

#/etc/network/interfaces

#auto wlan0

#iface wlan0 inet dhcp
#   wpa-ssid "YourWiFiNetworkName"
#   wpa-psk "YourWiFiPassword"


#Restart Networking Service
/etc/init.d/networking restart

#Check if Wi-Fi configuration successful

#Note the IP Address assigned to wlan0

ifconfig

At this point, you should be able to reboot and unplug the Ethernet network cable from the Pogoplug.

Notes: I don't use wireless with my Pogoplugs so have not tested Wi-Fi extensively. If you don't have a stable Wi-Fi connection, you may want to look into a Wi-Fi auto reconnect script. If I find a good script or method for Wi-Fi auto reconnect, I'll post it. If you have a good solution, please share via the comments.

If you lose Wi-Fi connection, plugging in the Ethernet network cable should work, but note that it may take 2-3 minutes for the Pogoplug to pick up a IP Address.

Reference: https://wiki.debian.org/rtl819x#Debian_7_.22Wheezy.22