Naive wireless question

This is the first time I've seen "software" used to mean "less mutable than firmware".

You don't think microcode is a subset of software?

No.

The software is not even buried within the chipsets. It runs on whatever controller device drives the chipset.

Yes, you can turn your PC/mobile phone/whatever into an access-point. You should be able to google that for any number of linux based solutions.

Sorry, I was trying to acknowledge the potential for "*immutable* firmware" being buried *in* the radio's chipset as distinct from (mutable) firmware in the MCU/CPU that talks to that subsystem.

Software, slushware, firmware, underware... we're running out of terms to finesse the various subtleties! :-/

So, replace the MCU and you can repurpose the device at will?

Conversely, I can turn an access point into a "client" (?)

I thought the hardware in an AP might have hardware acceleration for AEK, etc. that might be omitted in the hardware present in a typical client...

Yes, but you may not be able to get datasheets/user manuals for whatever hardware depending on manufacturer and their policies..

You could write new firmware to turn it into a bridge (ie. client), yes. Not very effective though.

Some APs do have hardware crypto acceleration, but I couldn't tell you where along the chain they are. Some do not.

I have yet to see a chipset manufacturer who publishes data on how to talk to the chipset MCU. At the beginning, there was documented stuff around (PRISM IIRC). Then someone persistently bought all out and deleted all data which could be deleted from the public domain.

Dimiter

------------------------------------------------------ Dimiter Popoff Transgalactic Instruments

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Spehro Pefhany

Not in counterdistinction to "firmware".

Understood. My interest wasn't from a "practical" standpoint but, rather, from a conceptual one.

But, through no fault of the *radio's*... (?)

OK. Thanks!