how to know whether the kernel config CONFIG_MAC80211 is needed for CY43438 chipset wifi?

[mgkiller]

Although document cypress-fmac-v5.4.18-2021_0527/README and cypress-fmac-v5.4.18-2021_0527/docs/Infineon_Wi-Fi_Software_UserGuide.pdf does not metioned it, but i really wana to known when this CONFIG_MAC80211 option be used?

This description doesn't make me clear:

CONFIG_MAC80211: 
     This option enables the hardware independent IEEE 802.11 networking stack.

[Vivek_gunapati · Accepted solution]

Hi, There are 2 types of Network Interface Controller (NIC) FullMAC & SoftMAC  the major difference is that  the MAC Layer code is implemented in the hardware for a FullMAC controller and the MAC Layer is implemented in the host for a SoftMAC controller. 

Since cypress-fmac-v* is a FullMAC controller the mac80211 option is not used on the Host kernel. All the configurations are sent to the controller using  nl80211(Netlink) <->cfg80211 <->Fmac driver <-> WLAN controller.

For information on the  overall system block diagram please refer the  section "Block diagram of Wi-Fi software architecture" in the following link -> https://www.cypress.com/documentation/application-notes/an232689-wi-fi-software-user-guide

[mgkiller]

Thank you very much, @Vivek_gunapati 

You help me a lot.