Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
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Ensure that Linux is listed as a supported operating system. Some wireless adapters are
provided with drivers for Windows and OS X only, making them incompatible with the
Raspberry Pi. A list of Wi-Fi adapters known to work with the Raspberry Pi can be found
on the following website:
http://elinux.org/RPi_VerifiedPeripherals#USB_
WiFi_Adapters
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Ensure that your Wi-Fi network type is supported by the USB wireless adapter. he
network type will be listed in the speciications as a number followed by a letter. If your
network type is 802.11a, for example, an 802.11g wireless adapter won't work.
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Check the frequencies supported by the card. Some wireless network standards, like
802.11a, support more than one frequency. If a USB wireless adapter is designed to
work on a 2.4GHz network, it won't connect to a 5GHz network.
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Check the encryption type used by your wireless network. Most modern USB wireless
adapters support all forms of encryption, but if you're buying a second-hand or older
model, you may ind it won't connect to your network. Common encryption types
include the outdated WEP and more modern WPA and WPA2.
Coniguration of the wireless connection is done within Linux, so for now it's enough to
simply connect the adapter to the Pi (ideally through a powered USB hub.) You'll learn how
to conigure the connection in Chapter 4, “Network Coniguration”.
Connecting Power
he Raspberry Pi is powered by the small
micro-USB
connector
found on the lower left side of
the circuit board. his connector is the same as found on the majority of smartphones and
some tablet devices.
Many chargers designed for smartphones will work with the Raspberry Pi, but not all. he Pi
is more power-hungry than most micro-USB devices, and requires up to 700mA in order to
operate. Some chargers can only supply up to 500mA, causing intermittent problems in the
Pi's operation (see Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting”).
Connecting the Pi to the USB port on a desktop or laptop computer is possible, but not rec-
ommended. As with smaller chargers, the USB ports on a computer can't provide the power
required for the Pi to work properly.
Only connect the micro-USB power supply when you are ready to start using the Pi. With no
power button on the device, it will start working the instant power is connected and can only
be turned of again by physically removing the power cable.
