NetworkManager learns to create Wi-Fi access points

Fedora 18 already includes a pre-release version of NetworkManager that can create access points

The latest release of NetworkManager, version 0.9.8, and its associated applet and VPN plugins now enable users to create Wi-Fi hotspots in access point mode with drivers and hardware that support this function. According to a list maintained by the Linux kernel's wireless driver developers, many modern wireless chipsets by Atheros, Intel and Ralink include the needed functionality. The b43 and b43legacy drivers for older Broadcom chips apparently work as well.

NetworkManager 0.9.8 is the biggest update of the software in the last six months. Many desktop-oriented Linux distributions use the tool to configure their network connections. The new version of NetworkManager also supports 4G and LTE connections and bridging of interfaces. The tool can be configured to automatically activate a VPN connection when it is connected to certain networks. Aside from creating Wi-Fi connections in access point mode, ad-hoc connections to other clients are still supported. Fedora 18, which was released in January, uses a pre-release version of NetworkManager 0.9.8.

(fab)