Slick install but is speed the advantage?

General
1

I like the ease of install of this and the android app but for many years I have used a ~£30 Gl-Inet travel router, mostly to use a Chromecast for UK TV viewing when abroad. So far it has been goodenough for my needs. I’ll experiment with PiFi but I have 2 questions:-

  1. Is this the setup used with the dongle?
    [OpenWrt Wiki] Wi-Fi Extender/Repeater with relayd
  2. I note an activation code is provided with the starter pack. What does this activate?
2

I think key part of the advantage is simplicity/speed to use it - it works out-of-the-box with AdGuard Home, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Network Storage (without having to setup anything up) and is more optimised for Raspberry Pi hardware - so everything can be done in a few taps in the app

I think Gl.inet are a somewhat similar proposal in that sense of being simpler to configure - I can see adding broader features than just networking to PiFi because it’s powered by Raspberry Pi (so things like HomeAssistant etc in future)

With the USB:

  • Speed is key (much much faster / on Pi 4 it’s up to 8x so much better)
  • Driver support (OpenWrt doesn’t really have driver support any fast USB adapters)
  • Travel Router Mode (Pair wirelessly and broadcast at same time - without USB there’s only one wireless radio so wired-only WAN connection required)
  • Reset button functionality - removing the USB allows you to quickly reset without having to re-flash

& yes, the activation code for premium app features - including early access to updates and new features (we got quite a few things in the works that will come first to PiFi kit customers - the first is called Magic Config and I’ll be sharing more info on that soon). I think probably PiFi Premium (for early access/additional features) will also be added later as a standalone upgrade in the app but the PiFi kit includes free lifetime access to those features as they roll out

4
  1. Is this the setup used with the dongle?

[OpenWrt Wiki] Wi-Fi Extender/Repeater with relayd

Nope, it’s not that

PiFi creates its own separate network (it’s own network name, running its own network services (WireGuard, OpenVPN, AdGuard and handling its own traffic) while connected to your main router for internet, whereas a Wi-Fi extender/repeater just makes your main network bigger so all devices stay on the same network.