The question for MT7601 AP mode

[s887469]

Hi Sir

To see the below from https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/USB_WiFi_Adapters_that_are_supported_with_Linux_in-kernel_drivers.md :
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chipset - Mediatek mt7601u - N150 - USB 2 - supported in-kernel since Linux kernel 4.2 (2015)
Note: the mt7601u chipset only supports managed and monitor modes (no AP mode and monitor mode does not support packet injection).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The question is : Does it mean that MT7601 only support STA mode ? and no AP (Access Point) mode supported ? and what's the point that it doesn't support AP mode ? is it caused by the firmware ? or any comment ?

Thanks,
PeterC

[morrownr]

Hello Sir,

Does it mean that MT7601 only support STA mode ?

When I run iw list to check Supported Interface Modes with an adapter based on the mt7601u chipset, all I see is:

Supported interface modes:
		 * managed
		 * monitor

The rest of the chipsets listed in the in-kernel adapter document will show something like the below. This is an example from an adapter based on a mt7612u chipset:

Supported interface modes:
		 * IBSS
		 * managed
		 * AP
		 * AP/VLAN
		 * monitor
		 * mesh point
		 * P2P-client
		 * P2P-GO

So, the answer to your question is no, it also supports monitor mode. I have tested and it does support some features of monitor mode but not all. Pen testers would not be happy so I put a warning.

and no AP (Access Point) mode supported ?

That is correct. No AP mode support in mt7601u adapters. This is actually unique for a Mediatek chipset as all other fully support AP mode and monitor and other modes. It is not clean why this is the case for this chipset but adapters based on this chipset can be VERY cheap so it is possible it was more or less designed just to satisfy those looking for a very low cost managed mode only solution.

is it caused by the firmware ?

AP mode is turned off in the driver.

There is still demand for good single band adapters. I often have folks asking me for recommendations for various projects. One of the more popular uses is to set up a dedicated AP for IoT devices. I usually recommend adapters based on the rt5370 chipset or the rt3070 chipset. The rt3070 went end of production last year so at some point there will be no more new adapters for sale. The rt5370 is still in production and probably will be for quite some time as it is the only full capability single band chipset that Mediatek makes these days.

If you can tell me your use case and desired range, I can suggest a couple of adapters to look at.

Nick

[s887469]

Hi Sir,

The point of my question was planning to use MT7601 to work out an AP.
It's good to know MT7601 is w/o AP mode supported.
Many thanks for the experience sharing, it's help so much.

Thanks,
PeterC

[kartikeyasaran]

HI @s887469 , @morrownr
I am using iball baton 150 wifi adapter wiht same ralink MT7601U chipset
it is a cheap one.
i want to know can i do penetration testing and monitor mode with this wifi adapter or i need to but a new one for this.
when i ran the command for monitor mode and packet injection it gives no error and and sends packet
but i didn't made any successful attack with this one .
please help
kartikey

[morrownr]

i want to know can i do penetration testing and monitor mode with this wifi adapter or i need to but a new one for this.

I have a couple of adapters based on the mt7601u chipset. Very cheap and reliable for managed mode. While monitor mode is listed, it is not a full featured monitor mode. I've noted this and the lack of AP mode in the Plug and Play list and the Chipset list.

I'd recommend you get another adapter for pen testing. The author of hcxdumptool and I compare notes at times, He is very knowledgable with monitor mode and I am very knowledgable about AP mode, You might go by his site to read up on things. When last I looked, he was recommending the following chipsets:

mt7610u
mt7612u
mt7921au

The one that is best for you probably depends on what you want. Do you need long range? If som the Alfa ACHM adapter is very popular with pen testers. If you want some AC1200, the Alfa ACM is popular with pen testers but it tends to have problems running in a VM so avoid it if running in a VM. The mt7921au chipset is tri-band and works well in monitor mode but the driver currently has a bug in ACTIVE monitor mode. Regular monitor mode works well and that bug will likely be fixed at some point.

You might go to the Main Menu (README.md) and read menu items 1 and 2 (Plug and Play list) for additional info. The Plug and Play list shows many adapters with the above chipsets.

Regards,

@morrownr