ath10k FAQ#

Q:If ath10k support ad-hoc mode?#

Why I cannot start an AP in an 80 MHz channel / in 11ac mode?#

If you get “nl80211: Failed to set channel” error from hostapd, mostlikely that means that regulatory database doesn’t support 80 MHzchannels (which were introduced in 11ac). You can check that with iw:

$ iw reg getcountry FI: DFS-ETSI        (2402 - 2482 @ 40), (N/A, 20)        (5170 - 5250 @ 80), (N/A, 20)        (5250 - 5330 @ 80), (N/A, 20), DFS        (5490 - 5710 @ 80), (N/A, 27), DFS        (57240 - 65880 @ 2160), (N/A, 40), NO-OUTDOOR

If you do not see “@ 80” within the frequency range you are using, itmeans that the regulatory database doesn’t support 80 MHz channels.

Other problem is that configuring VHT (= 802.11ac) in hostapd is notvery intuitive, pay extra attention how you configure it. Especiallyvht_oper_centr_freq_seg0_idx is challenging. Seeexample configurationandhostapd configuration file documentation.

Why my MAC address is 00:03:07:12:34:56?#

Most likely a problem with the calibration data or firmware does notsupport the board in question. Try updating the firmware first.

How can I run latest ath10k on older kernels?#

Usebackports project.

How do I update the firmware?#

Seefirmware.

Why the TX rate reported to user space is wrong?#

ath10k firmware does not inform the used TX rate to the host, so there’sno way for ath10k to report that to user space. Better to ignore the TXrate completely.

Can I use ath10k as a 802.11ac sniffer?#

Yes, see pageath10k monitor mode.

How do I get the best possible throughput with ath10k?#

Here are some tips for throughput:

  • Make sure that you are using 80 MHz channels.

  • Disable CONFIG_ATH10K_DEBUG and CONFIG_ATH10K_DEBUGFS.

  • Disable all kernel debug options.

  • Make sure that you using correct hostapd configuration:Full hostapd configuration