realistically, what is the best option for adding wireless networking to this or any other setup based on a generic box? i assume one can build an access point with a typical wifi dongle but i am not aware of any of the software means required.
You can add WiFi to a generic box, but the Ars Technica staff are promoting a consensus that it’s better to use a separate access point that is designed to be good as an access point.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/review-ubiquiti-unifi...