Create hotspot as alternative to connecting to existing WLAN

[garethhowell]

I have a requirement that wifi-connect mostly satisfies, but not quite.

• I have a Pi4 that will normally be moved around a series of distinct WLANs and wifi-connect satisfies that requirement perfectly.
• However, occasionally I want to use the Pi when not connected to any WLAN. Currently, wifi-connect will launch, but if there is no existing WLAN to connect to, it goes away if I navigate to another app (e.g. VNC) to actually use the Pi.
  • NOTE: this is using an Ipad as the client. It works fine from a Mac

So what is needed, is to add the option to create a single-use temporary hotspot that survives until the Pi is rebooted.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about rust as a programming language. Before I start the learning process, is this new requirement achievable, or should I look elsewhere?

[UnclePhil]

+1 to these feature. Ability to start as permanent AP even if some WLAN are present

[maggie44]

As long as the timeout isn’t set this should already be the behaviour. https://github.com/balena-os/wifi-connect/blob/master/docs/command-line-arguments.md

At least it is for me. If the device is disconnecting from the pi then it could be the device dropping the connection, not the other way around. If it doesn’t have internet it will prompt you to ‘use without internet’ on Apple devices.

[garethhowell]

Thanks, Maggie I'll investigate further