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As we tinker with our home networks, we’re constantly evolving: upgrading to fiber optics, replacing Ethernet cables, adding a NAS, setting up a software router… Step by step, our home networking equipment eventually turns into a “testing ground.” And what really gives us a headache isn’t usually the performance of the software router, but rather Wireless Coverage and Roaming Experience。

Many people have experienced this: even with a high-performance main router, the originally smooth internet experience often takes a sharp turn for the worse when it comes to Wi-Fi signal coverage, the ability to penetrate walls, and seamless roaming between different areas. This is particularly evident in homes with complex layouts or when users expect completely seamless network roaming, as even high-performance software routers struggle with wireless transmission in such scenarios and find it difficult to meet users’ high standards for network stability, low latency, and uninterrupted connectivity. It is precisely because of these challenges that more and more people are turning toAC (Wireless Access Controller) + AP (Wireless Access Point)network deployment system. Compared to traditional single-router setups, the AC + AP model achieves full indoor and outdoor coverage by deploying multiple access points (APs), thereby addressing issues such as uneven signal coverage, poor wall penetration, and a subpar roaming experience associated with single-router systems. In this system, the AC serves as the central hub, responsible for centrally managing and coordinating all AP devices to ensure seamless network roaming as users move between different areas, thereby significantly enhancing network stability and the user experience. In pursuit of an even better network experience, some advanced users go so far as to manually flash the firmware on their APs, believing that doing so can unlock the devices’ full potential and optimize network performance. Although the flashing process is complex and carries significant risks, when performed correctly, it can substantially improve network stability, reduce latency, and minimize disconnections, resulting in a smoother online experience. In summary, whether choosing a standard AC + AP setup or further optimizing the network through flashing, the starting point and ultimate goal of these approaches are the same—the pursuit of a more stable, lower-latency, and more reliable network experience with fewer disconnections. In today’s world, where the internet is increasingly vital, an efficient and reliable network environment has become an indispensable part of many people’s daily lives and work. As a result, optimizing the network environment at all costs has become something many people are willing to invest their time and effort into.

Among the many AP systems,Gecoos Thanks to features like free access, stability, support for KVR fast roaming, and Mesh, it’s very common among gamers. Many people only use it as an access point, but it actually has a hidden gem:
???? x86 Standalone AC Controller
With more features and greater stability, it's ideal for homes with multiple access points or larger living spaces.

When it comes to virtualized environments, NAS/server systems like Unraid, PVE, and Feiniu are all suitable for running the AC controller. All you need to do is set up a lightweight virtual machine, and you can significantly improve your overall network management capabilities.

In this article, I'll share my experience deploying in Unraid Jike X86 AC Controller The complete process, including key details such as image preparation, virtual machine configuration, boot sequence adjustments, and network adapter compatibility, ensures you succeed on your first try and avoid unnecessary detours.

I. Prepare the Image File (IMG Boot)

The official installation method provided by Jike is to boot from a USB drive. This works fine on physical machines, but when using USB passthrough in a virtual machine, the following issue often occurs:

• Unable to boot
• USB Drive Not Recognized
• Installation Type Detection Failed

To avoid any hassle, the best approach is to use IMG Boot Image。

You can:

✔ Use the ready-made package (IMG has already been prepared)

After downloading, you can use it directly in a virtual machine—no need to mess around with formatting or writing a boot loader.

✔ If you want to make it yourself

The official resource links are as follows:

• AC Installer (x86)
• AC Upgrade Pack

Tools you can use for production include:

• StarWind V2V Converter: Convert the image to IMG format
• Select when mounting Removable Disk (Removable)
• Select Simulation Method Physical Disk Simulation

Once you're done, you'll have a ready-to-use IMG boot disk.

II. Creating an AC Controller Virtual Machine in Unraid

1. Create a VM

Go to Unraid → VMs → Add VM → Linux

Recommended Configuration:

• Name: GECOOS-AC
• CPU: 1 Core
• Memory: 512 MB
• BIOS：SeaBIOS (required)
• System Drive (vDisk1): 8GB+ (SATA mode)
• Second Hard Drive (vDisk2): Select the IMG image you just prepared → USB mode

SeaBIOS is essential; other BIOS versions won't boot the installer.

2. Disk Structure Requirements

The following conditions must be met:

• System Drive = SATA
• Installation Disk = USB

Otherwise, the message “No bootable device” will appear.

3. Add a second network card

Add another network interface under "Network Interfaces" and generate a random MAC address.

This step directly affects AP management functionality, so do not skip it.

4. Modify the XML: Adjust the startup order

Go to VM → Edit → Switch to XML mode
Two disks were found:

• SATA (System Drive)
• USB (Bootable Drive)

Change SATA to:

<boot order='2'/>

Add the following to the guide disk:

<boot order='1'/>

Set the virtual machine to boot from the IMG first.

5. Change the network adapter type to e1000

By default, virtio is not recognized by the guest installer; you need to change it to:

<model type='e1000'/>

You'll need to modify both network adapters.

III. Begin Installing the AC Controller

6. Start the virtual machine

It usually takes 20–30 seconds to reach the installation screen.
Select:

3  Install the AC Controller

Then enter:

y

Waiting for the write to complete.

7. After installation is complete, a prompt appears asking you to remove the USB drive? Just ignore it.

Since this is a virtual machine, all we need to do is:

IV. Remove the boot drive and boot into the system

8. Force Shutdown of a Virtual Machine

Click "Stop" or "Force Stop" in the list of VMs.

9. Adjust the boot order and remove the IMG file

Go to Edit:

• Move the system drive <boot order> Change to 1
• Code snippet for deleting an entire USB disk (IMG)
• Save

Restart the virtual machine to access the Kaku AC Manager interface.

You can access it through your browser at:

http://

Start configuring features such as APs, roaming, and Mesh.

V. Additional Notes: For even better results, use it in conjunction with a flashing AP.

If you've already watched:

• Redmi AX3000 → Jike AP
• K2P, Newifi3 → Customer-Attracting AP
• Other Common AC-Mesh Devices

Combined with this X86 AC controller, this forms:

• Seamless Roaming Throughout the Entire Home
• Mesh Auto-Route
• KVR Quick Switch
• Multi-AP Automatic Management

It offers exceptional value for home users and small studios.

Summary

There are several significant advantages to running the Kermet X86 AC controller as a virtual machine in Unraid:

• No need to buy additional hardware
• It offers greater stability than Mini routers/modems.
• Virtual machines use very few resources
• Works seamlessly with NAS, Docker, and software routers
• When paired with a custom firmware-based access point, it can build a near-enterprise-class network
• Set it up once for long-term, stable operation

If you want your home network to be both stable and smart, this solution is well worth implementing.

To view the full version of the tutorial I posted on the main site (including screenshots and more details), please visit:

???? Link to the original article (full version):
https://kejilaowang.com/install-gecoos-ac-jike-x86-ac-controller-on-unraid/

Related Reading:

• Feiniu NAS Beginner's Guide
• Feiniu NAS Remote Access
• Feiniu NAS SSH Configuration