A Raspberry Pi single-board computer can be easily transformed into a wide range of devices, including a wireless hotspot. You can use the on-board Wi-Fi chip or an external USB Wi-Fi dongle compatible with Raspberry Pi and use the device as a portable wireless hotspot. All you need to do is connect the Ethernet cable and supply the power. The Raspberry Pi starts the hotspot automatically on boot.
So, let’s explore how to create a Raspberry Pi WPA encrypted wireless hotspot device with stepwise instructions.
Reasons for Using Raspberry Pi as a Wireless Hotspot
There are several reasons to configure your Raspberry Pi as a wireless hotspot. You can use it to share an internet connection via Ethernet cable with multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This can be especially useful in situations where a traditional Wi-Fi router is not available or cannot be used.
The device can come in handy in hotel rooms or college to create a secure and encrypted wireless hotspot with WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). You may also use the Raspberry Pi WPA encrypted wireless hotspot device if you need a temporary Wi-Fi access at someplace and don’t want to invest in a router.
In addition, among many other projects, you canuse your Raspberry Pi as a PC status monitororturn your Raspberry Pi into a touchscreen internet radio player.
Things You Will Need
To use your Raspberry Pi as a wireless hotspot device, you will need the following items:
Step 1: Set Up Raspberry Pi
First, install Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian) on your microSD card using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool. The steps are as follows:
Step 2: Configure the Wireless Hotspot
After the reboot, follow these steps to configure the wireless access point on the Raspberry Pi.
Step 3: Enable Automatic Raspberry Pi Wireless Hotspot
To turn on the wireless hotspot automatically upon booting up, you must make a few changes to the Raspberry Pi wireless hotspot settings. This way, you just need to carry a power supply and Raspberry Pi to create a wireless hotspot anywhere with an Ethernet cable.
The steps are as follows:
Step 4: Connect to Raspberry Pi Wireless Hotspot Network
To connect to the Raspberry wireless hotspot network, open the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone or PC and select the Raspberry Pi network name. The name should be visible under the list of available Wi-Fi networks. Then enter the password you set and clickConnect.
If you forget the Wi-Fi details, such as password, you can retrieve it by following these steps:
You may also click onPrintto print out the QR code so that you can scan it anytime to connect to your Wi-Fi network. You may also 3D print the QR code and use it as a keychain or place it on your backpack or Raspberry Pi case to allow others to quickly connect to your portable and secure Raspberry Pi wireless hotspot.
Set Up Wireless Hotspot on Raspberry Pi OS Lite
If you are already running Raspberry Pi OS Lite on any on your Raspberry Pi boards, then you can install and set upauto-hotspotto convert and use your Raspberry Pi as a wireless hotspot.
Enjoy Your Raspberry Pi Secure Wireless Hotspot
Creating a Raspberry Pi WPA encrypted wireless hotspot device is a rewarding project that allows you to share an internet connection in a hotel, school, or college securely via an Ethernet connection. By following the steps outlined above, you can transform your Raspberry Pi into a portable and secure wireless hotspot.
Remember to take the necessary security measures, such as enabling WPA encryption and regularly updating the Raspberry Pi’s software, to ensure the safety of your wireless network. So, grab your Raspberry Pi and start building your own WPA encrypted wireless hotspot device today!
