ChromeOS Flex USB WiFi Adapters

[ewikstromSD]

I just upgraded some of our PCs to ChromeOS Flex and need to connect them with USB WiFi adapters. Can anyone recommend one that is compatible?

[jstaime · Accepted solution]

@AbidPatel Here is one we just finished testing with and can confirm works REALLY well with good signal strength and still in production: 

https://www.amazon.com/AWUS036ACHM-802-11ac-Range-Boost-Adapter/dp/B08SJBV1N3 

[Kim_Nilsson]

@AbidPatel perhaps you have some insight?

[AbidPatel]

I'm afraid I haven't tried any as yet, but I am having problems with WiFi recognition on ChromeOS Flex. The PCs I have purchased (with built in WiFi) won't recognise the WiFi on ChromeOS. They are recognised using Windows 10.

I've tried 2 models so far:

VeryPC Aspect Micro
HP Pro Mini 400 G9

[Kim_Nilsson]

Ah, that's annoying.

There should be some list of hardware compatibility, so people don't buy devices that will not work. That's Google's responsibility.

Or those same people should bring a Chrome Flex stick to the distro and test a device themselves. Again, before purchasing a bunch. This bit is definitely on the buyer.

[ewikstromSD]

The existing hardware compatibility list should include a list of compatible and/or incompatible peripherals.

[ewikstromSD]

I have the opposite issue. The ones with built-in WiFi work fine. The ones that need USB adapters are the problem.

[jstaime]

@AbidPatel See my post above. This particular chipset will work with ChromeOS

http://en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com/wiki/MediaTek_MT7610U 

[Kim_Nilsson]

I've had a similar experience with the webcam of Macbook Air on Chrome Flex.

Everything else works, but without a camera, I just can't use it for regular staff.

Works fine for temporary staff, and student teachers, though.

[pertuz]

Ther s a list I found last night of incompatible (or incompatible for now) WiFi chipsets.   I was trying to test flex on my personal laptop and my work one and coincidentally both had issues 

[pertuz]

 taken from

https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11541806?hl=en#zippy=%2Csome-wi-fi-chipsets-are-not-c...

[jstaime]

Do any of you know of a WiFi dongle that would work really well as a stop gap until those are supported? Need a long range one...

[Akaas]

I have installed two Dell Latitude 5300 2-in-1 with ChromeOS Flex and the Wifi works like a charm. 
I have not yet tryed on any other device exept from 5300. 

[ewikstromSD]

Computers with built-in WiFi seem to be less of a problem. The first batch of PCs I did had built-in WiFi cards with external antennas, and I didn't have a problem.

[jstaime]

After some research and testing...

Go to this site and you will find all the wireless dongles that would work with ChromeOS Flex: 

http://en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com/wiki/MediaTek_MT7610U

There is one additional one that we just purchased that's a high gain antenna that we're currently testing with. If everything goes well, I will follow up with a post here

I hope this helps everyone out

[AbidPatel]

I've just done a random Google search for a selection of the devices on that list. Most are either long end of life or ridiculously priced! Are there any affordable current options?

Really need Google to support a much wider range of modern and current WiFi adapters.

[jstaime · Accepted solution]

@AbidPatel Here is one we just finished testing with and can confirm works REALLY well with good signal strength and still in production: 

https://www.amazon.com/AWUS036ACHM-802-11ac-Range-Boost-Adapter/dp/B08SJBV1N3 

[jstaime]

@AbidPatel I wanted to pass this along as well...

this one works well too...but make sure you have very good signal strength...because it lacks in that category enough to have us ordering the other one: 

https://www.amazon.com/LOTEKOO-150Mbps-Adapter-Wireless-Raspberry/dp/B06Y2HKT75 

[ewikstromSD]

This was the first one I bought and had to return it. It worked well on the first computer. From there, it wouldn't see your network or had problems staying connected.

[jstaime]

good to know. We did experience the unstable connection from those...but once it was practically right under the AP, it would work...otherwise, as you pointed, it was not that good. It did "technically" work though...that's why I placed it here with that asterisk. 

The one I provided with very good results and long range. That chipset was confirmed to me by the engineers behind ChromeOS that it would work...and work it has!!! We just ordered about 60 of them after thoroughly testing them. 

[ewikstromSD · Accepted solution]

Good to know! I’m going to save this on Amazon as an option. I found another one on Reddit. Asus USB-AC51. Just set up 12 computers on Friday. No problems!

Asus Dualband Wirel. AC600 USB, USB-AC51 https://a.co/d/bxUn5La

[ladso]

Hi!
Is there anyone who has found newer wifi dongles than the Asus AC51 that work on Chrome OS Flex? And will there be support for USB wifi dongles in the future? I have many stationary Dell PCs that I want to use as powerful "Chromeboxes" with end of life in 2028.

[jstaime]

Hey Everyone...

Just FYI - the request for additional Wireless Dongles support is in the in the hands of the engineers that can make it happen. I know they hear every one out and are working to provide more support. They are some of the engineers I knew from their Neverware days and they are a great group of guys that are really trying to make it as compatible as possible. Just know that there's a light at the end of this tunnel...just don't know how long the tunnel is  😉

[ewikstromSD]

I just bought a new one with Realtek components as recommended by someone here. I'll update everyone once I've had a chance to try it out. 

[ewikstromSD]

No good!