WiFi

The phyCORE-AM57x Development Kit is capable of connecting to a local area network when used in conjunction with the WiLink8 WiFi Module (PCM-949). This guide will walk through the basic setup and usage of this WiFi Module.

Requirements

Item	Item Number	Link
WiLink8 WiFi Module	PCM-949	WiLink8 WiFi Module (PCM-949)

The WiLink8 module can only operate at 2.4GHz. You will need access to a 2.4GHz Wifi network in order to follow this guide and to utilize this module.

Connecting Peripherals

With the phyCORE-AM57x Development Kit powered off and with the power supply removed, connect the WiLink8 WiFi Module to the pin header X26. The WiLink8 WiFi Module should be connected such that it extends out over the edge of the carrier board.
Power on the Kit and boot into Linux.

Accessing Network

A wpa_supplicant configuration file must contain the necessary credentials to connect to your network. Use the Vi Text Editor to modify the existing wpa_supplicant.conf file:
Target (Linux)
```
vi /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf
```
CODE
The vi text editor begins in "Command Mode" and you must first hit the 'i' key in order to enter "Insert Mode". Using the arrow keys to navigate, make the necessary changes and then hit ESC to go back to "Command mode". Now enter ":wq" to write the file and quit.
Make the following modifications:
- Near the bottom of the file, comment out the line containing "concurrent_sched_scan=1" by using the '#' character. The resulting line will look as follows:
  Resulting Line
```
#concurrent_sched_scan=1
```
  CODE
- At the very end of the file, add in a network node like to the following. You should replace the ssid and psk strings with the name of the wireless network and its password respectively.
  Added to the End of wpa_supplicant.conf
```
network={
        ssid="your network name in quotes"
        psk="your password in quotes"
        proto=WPA2
        key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
```
  CODE
- Save and exit the wpa_supplicant file (esc, :wq)
Execute the following command to configure your WiFi connection:
Target (Linux)
```
wpa_supplicant -B -Dnl80211,wext -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf
```
CODE

Depending on the strength of your network's signal it is normal for this process to take a couple of tries to successfully configure your credentials:

Example Output

root@am57xx-phycore-kit:~# wpa_supplicant -B -Dnl80211,wext -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf
Successfully initialized wpa_supplicant
[ 159.125944] wlan0: authenticate with 08:02:8e:8a:5d:a9
[ 159.139610] wlan0: send auth to 08:02:8e:8a:5d:a9 (try 1/3)
[ 159.168160] wlan0: authenticated
[ 159.174611] wlan0: associate with 08:02:8e:8a:5d:a9 (try 1/3)
[ 159.205940] wlan0: RX AssocResp from 08:02:8e:8a:5d:a9 (capab=0x1431 status=0 aid=1)
[ 159.238467] wlan0: associated
[ 159.311267] cryptd: max_cpu_qlen set to 1000
[ 159.342542] IPv6: ADDRCONF(NETDEV_CHANGE): wlan0: link becomes ready
[ 159.352310] wlcore: Association completed.

CODE

If the link refuses to come up then you may need an external antenna or move closer to the router.

Testing Connection

Now try testing your connection!
Target (Linux)
```
ping -c 10 www.google.com 
```
CODE
Ctrl + C to quit pinging