Co-exist: Drivers/Software for WiFi USB Connected

jmlow54
Guide
Oct 14, 2015

Sorry for the delay - figured it out as to why image didn't get posted earlier. On Win 10, the Edge browser (for reasons unknown at this time) failed to provide the look up option for image files. And had no time to go back and try it out with a different browswer (in this case, FireFox).

Anyway - here is the list of network devices while A6200 is plugged in and functioning.

I would like for my rig to:
1) Continue to use my permanent connection (wired).
2) Launch and connect via a WiFi USB connection (a) A6200. This in support to a active VM Client, bridged connection.
3) Launch and connect via a WiFi USB connection (b) WNDA3100v2. This in support to another active VM Client, bridged connection.

The VM Clients are where my side-job is engaged. I've been testing various VM configurations (Win 7, Win 10, Linux) for recommendations to several friends/colleagues around town (which would like the businesses to offer at-home positions to their associates). Once the configuration and stable connections are defined, then I'll be putting together a cost/estimate for them to proceed. However, since most folks don't have the type of rig I have, they have to connect to their own WiFi or wired connection via a bridge or NAT from the VM Client. For privacy reasons, the bridge appears to be the most appropriate; as most routers today offer isolated guest connections (only for WiFi of course). Since most folks prefer to use the WiFi connection in the first place, and would be isolated to their guest environment, further isolation appears to be better served using a bridge connection.

At least that's how I started out.

I've since come to realize, with the current release of the VM product, I've found that USB port isolate is more stable and reliable. I've been expermenting with the capture, isolation and lock-down of the USB port when when my VM product is launched. Doing the approach, then installing the driver suite to the VM Client works great; and is configurable to the Guest network. I've just entered the phase where I'll be configuring multiple VMs at one time, each with their own USB WiFi connection; though this approach remains a bit rocky still. Seems that the VM has a bit of a conflct (or something) when launching multiple Clients and attempting to lock-down a different USB port for it's uses. Either way, I'm close; and know I'll get it figured out soon.
- JamesGL
  Master
  Oct 17, 2015
  Hi jmlow54,
  
  Thank you for the feedback. Provide us an update once you have figured it out with the VM ware as other users might be able to have an idea with it.
  
  Regards,
  
  JamesGL
  
  Community Team
  - jmlow54
    Guide
    Oct 17, 2015
    Never could get Win 10 Edge browser to permit the embedding of an image... :( Probably something to do with settings I've not figured out yet.
    
    As to the use of a USB WiFi device,
    Never got the A6200 it to co-exist and operate in the base system (Host) from power up of the host.
    After inserting the USB WiFi adapter (A6200) could not get the VM Client to bridge to it (or to NAT either).
    Switched gears and used the WNDA3100v2 USB adapter, though not as an installed device on my Win 10 Host.
    Use of VMWare v12 Pro, I capture the USB port, and have the USB WNDA3100v2 NetGear drivers and software installed on the Client. The device is inserted after power-on of the Client.
    The VM captures the port, recognizes the USB devices, loads up the needed software, connects to the router and provides the needed link to the outside world.
    Some anomalies:
    I have the full software configured (not just the stand-alone drivers).
    The software recognizes the connection to the router, the Guest network, and attaches to the Guest network.
    On the initial screen where it "confirms" internet connection, it doesn't. Just the fact that the WNDA3100v2 is connected to the router. Access to the internet appears to fail.
    Within the client though, access to the Internet appears normal. The client does not have any network configuration(s) added (neither Bridged nor NAT'd) yet, access to the internet is available and operational. What I've not been able to confirm, is there an underlying configuration that is somehow auto-configuring the Client to use the wired connection? Don't know at this point, nor do I know how to determine it; still expermenting.
    The NetGear router is configured for two Guest networks. Both are configured w/o SSID broadcast and with WPA2-PSK [AES] encryption turned on. The one being used by the Client is the 5GHz version. It is also isolated from any cross over within my home network (e.g. "Allow guests to see each other and access my local network" is not selected/checked.)
    Bottom line is:
    I have this setup so I can test various configurations for Win 10 Pro, VMWare Workstation v12 Pro and NetWork connectivity. The results of this testing allows me to recommend configuration options to local businesses around my small community. That recommendation is in support of local businesses permitting their associates to work from home while maintaining the integrity and security of the business' information.
    So, while I have what appears to be a clear path; and a workable solution from the networking side, there remain anomalies with the VMWare that I'm working with them on (e.g. loss of configuration - meaning Client is no longer recognized as existing when it is powered on after it is encrypted - when the VM Client is encrypted is one that is a thorn in my side.)
    
    I do hope this helps to lay out what the various scenarios I've been through are and the items that have been worked through.

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Co-exist: Drivers/Software for WiFi USB Connected