How to use the command create_ap (with examples)

Create_ap is a command-line tool that allows users to easily create an Access Point (AP) on their Linux device. It can be used to set up an open network or a secure network with a passphrase. It also provides options for Internet sharing and creating a bridged network.

Use case 1: Create an open network with no passphrase

Code:

create_ap wlan0 eth0 access_point_ssid

Motivation: This use case is useful when there is a need to quickly set up an open network without any security measures. It can be used for situations like conferences, meetups, or temporary setups where users need access to the network without any restrictions.

Explanation:

• ‘create_ap’ is the command name.
• ‘wlan0’ is the Wi-Fi adapter that will be used for the AP.
• ’eth0’ is the network interface connected to the internet.
• ‘access_point_ssid’ is the desired SSID (network name) for the AP.

Example output: The command will create an open network with the specified SSID. Users will be able to connect to the AP without the need for a passphrase.

Use case 2: Use a WPA + WPA2 passphrase

Code:

create_ap wlan0 eth0 access_point_ssid passphrase

Motivation: In this use case, a secure network is created using a WPA + WPA2 passphrase. This provides encryption and authentication for connecting devices, ensuring that only authorized users can access the network.

Explanation:

• ‘create_ap’ is the command name.
• ‘wlan0’ is the Wi-Fi adapter that will be used for the AP.
• ’eth0’ is the network interface connected to the internet.
• ‘access_point_ssid’ is the desired SSID (network name) for the AP.
• ‘passphrase’ is the passphrase used for network authentication.

Example output: The command will create a secure network with the specified SSID. Users connecting to the AP will be prompted to enter the passphrase for authentication.

Use case 3: Create an access point without Internet sharing

Code:

create_ap -n wlan0 access_point_ssid passphrase

Motivation: Sometimes there is a need to set up an AP without internet sharing. This use case allows creating a network for local file sharing, gaming, or other scenarios where internet access is not required.

Explanation:

• ‘create_ap’ is the command name.
• ‘-n’ flag specifies that there will be no internet sharing.
• ‘wlan0’ is the Wi-Fi adapter that will be used for the AP.
• ‘access_point_ssid’ is the desired SSID (network name) for the AP.
• ‘passphrase’ is the passphrase used for network authentication.

Example output: The command will create an access point with the specified SSID and passphrase. However, users connecting to the AP will not have internet access.

Use case 4: Create a bridged network with Internet sharing

Code:

create_ap -m bridge wlan0 eth0 access_point_ssid passphrase

Motivation: This use case is suitable when there is a need to create a bridged network where the AP and the connected devices are on the same network. It allows for seamless communication between devices and provides internet access to the connected devices through the internet-connected interface.

Explanation:

• ‘create_ap’ is the command name.
• ‘-m bridge’ flag enables bridged networking.
• ‘wlan0’ is the Wi-Fi adapter that will be used for the AP.
• ’eth0’ is the network interface connected to the internet.
• ‘access_point_ssid’ is the desired SSID (network name) for the AP.
• ‘passphrase’ is the passphrase used for network authentication.

Example output: The command will create a bridged network, allowing devices connected to the AP to communicate with each other as well as access the internet through the connected interface.

Use case 5: Create a bridged network with Internet sharing and a pre-configured bridge interface

Code:

create_ap -m bridge wlan0 br0 access_point_ssid passphrase

Motivation: In some cases, a pre-configured bridge interface might be desired when creating a bridged network. This use case allows using an existing bridge interface ‘br0’ for the AP, enabling easy integration with existing network configurations.

Explanation:

• ‘create_ap’ is the command name.
• ‘-m bridge’ flag enables bridged networking.
• ‘wlan0’ is the Wi-Fi adapter that will be used for the AP.
• ‘br0’ is the pre-configured bridge interface that will be used for the AP.
• ‘access_point_ssid’ is the desired SSID (network name) for the AP.
• ‘passphrase’ is the passphrase used for network authentication.

Example output: The command will create a bridged network using the specified bridge interface ‘br0’ for the AP. Devices connected to the AP will have internet access through the connected interface.

Use case 6: Create an access point for Internet sharing from the same Wi-Fi interface

Code:

create_ap wlan0 wlan0 access_point_ssid passphrase

Motivation: In some scenarios, there might be a need to share an existing Wi-Fi connection through an AP. This use case allows creating an AP using the same Wi-Fi interface, enabling internet sharing.

Explanation:

• ‘create_ap’ is the command name.
• ‘wlan0’ is the Wi-Fi adapter that will be used for both the client connection and the AP.
• ‘access_point_ssid’ is the desired SSID (network name) for the AP.
• ‘passphrase’ is the passphrase used for network authentication.

Example output: The command will create an AP on the same Wi-Fi interface ‘wlan0’ that is connected to the internet. Devices connecting to the AP will have internet access through the same interface.

Use case 7: Choose a different Wi-Fi adapter driver

Code:

create_ap --driver wifi_adapter wlan0 eth0 access_point_ssid passphrase

Motivation: The ability to choose a specific Wi-Fi adapter driver might be necessary in certain situations. This use case allows specifying the driver ‘wifi_adapter’ for the Wi-Fi adapter to be used for the AP.

Explanation:

• ‘create_ap’ is the command name.
• ‘–driver wifi_adapter’ specifies the desired Wi-Fi adapter driver.
• ‘wlan0’ is the Wi-Fi adapter that will be used for the AP.
• ’eth0’ is the network interface connected to the internet.
• ‘access_point_ssid’ is the desired SSID (network name) for the AP.
• ‘passphrase’ is the passphrase used for network authentication.

Example output: The command will create an AP using the specified Wi-Fi adapter and driver. Users connecting to the AP will have internet access through the connected interface.

Conclusion:

Create_ap is a versatile command-line tool that allows users to create an Access Point (AP) on their Linux device. Whether it’s setting up an open network, a secure network with a passphrase, or creating a bridged network with internet sharing, create_ap provides various options to suit different requirements. With its straightforward syntax and flexible functionality, create_ap makes it easy for users to set up an AP for a variety of use cases.