Arch Linux

the

Member

Registered: 2016-05-31

Posts: 8

Correct way to start multiple AP's with hostapd

The hostapd service file is stored here: /usr/lib/systemd/system/hostapd.service
It starts hostapd in the following way:

ExecStart=/usr/bin/hostapd /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf

I have two config files hostapd.conf and hostapd2.conf

what is the correct way to start both AP's?

Should you edit the hostapd service file as follows:

ExecStart=/usr/bin/hostapd /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf /etc/hostapd/hostapd2.conf

or should you create a new service file for the second AP? or something completely different?

alphaniner

Member

From: Ancapistan

Registered: 2010-07-12

Posts: 2,810

Re: Correct way to start multiple AP's with hostapd

Don't edit the stock service file. Customized service files go in /etc/systemd/system. Just copy the stock service file there and edit it appropriately. HOSTAPD(8) indicates hostapd can be provided with multiple config files but it's not clear to me if that's intended for multiple APs or something else.

---

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the

Member

Registered: 2016-05-31

Posts: 8

Re: Correct way to start multiple AP's with hostapd

Thanks for the info.
I have a customized service file. calling hostapd with multiple configuration files works as well.

I just thought there might be a cleaner way to run multiple AP's. something like with netctl@interface.