How to use the command 'iwconfig' (with examples)

The ‘iwconfig’ command allows you to configure and display the parameters of a wireless network interface. It provides information about network settings such as wireless mode, ESSID, frequency, signal strength, and more.

Use case 1: Show the parameters and statistics of all the interfaces

Code:

iwconfig

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to quickly check the current configuration and statistics of all the wireless network interfaces on your system.

Explanation:

• ‘iwconfig’: This is the command itself to show the parameters and statistics of wireless network interfaces.

Example output:

wlp2s0    IEEE 802.11  ESSID:"MyNetwork"  
          Mode:Managed  Frequency:2.412 GHz  Access Point: AB:CD:EF:01:23:45   
          Bit Rate=54 Mb/s   Tx-Power=22 dBm   
          Retry  long limit:7   RTS thr=2347 B   Fragment thr:off
          Power Management:on
          Link Quality=60/70  Signal level=-55 dBm  
          Rx invalid nwid:0  Rx invalid crypt:0  Rx invalid frag:0
          Tx excessive retries:0  Invalid misc:0   Missed beacon:0

Use case 2: Show the parameters and statistics of the specified interface

Code:

iwconfig interface

Motivation: When you have multiple wireless network interfaces on your system, this use case allows you to view the parameters and statistics of a specific interface. This can be helpful for troubleshooting or checking the configuration of a particular wireless interface.

Explanation:

• ‘interface’: Specify the name of the interface you want to view the parameters and statistics for. For example, ’eth0’ or ‘wlp2s0’.

Example output:

wlp2s0    IEEE 802.11  ESSID:"MyNetwork"  
          Mode:Managed  Frequency:2.412 GHz  Access Point: AB:CD:EF:01:23:45   
          Bit Rate=54 Mb/s   Tx-Power=22 dBm   
          Retry  long limit:7   RTS thr=2347 B   Fragment thr:off
          Power Management:on
          Link Quality=60/70  Signal level=-55 dBm  
          Rx invalid nwid:0  Rx invalid crypt:0  Rx invalid frag:0
          Tx excessive retries:0  Invalid misc:0   Missed beacon:0

Use case 3: Set the ESSID (network name) of the specified interface

Code:

iwconfig interface new_network_name

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to change the network name (ESSID) of a specific wireless interface.

Explanation:

• ‘interface’: Specify the name of the interface you want to set the ESSID for.
• ’new_network_name’: Specify the new network name (ESSID) you want to set for the interface.

Example output: (No output will be shown if the command is successful)

Use case 4: Set the operating mode of the specified interface

Code:

iwconfig interface mode mode_type

Motivation: The operating mode of a wireless interface determines how it functions within a network. This use case allows you to set the operating mode of a specific wireless interface to one of the supported modes.

Explanation:

• ‘interface’: Specify the name of the interface you want to set the operating mode for.
• ‘mode_type’: Specify the operating mode you want to set for the interface. It can be one of the following: ad hoc, Managed, Master, Repeater, Secondary, Monitor, Auto.

Example output: (No output will be shown if the command is successful)

Conclusion:

The ‘iwconfig’ command is a powerful tool for managing and configuring wireless network interfaces. It provides a range of options to view and modify network settings. By understanding and utilizing the different use cases of this command, you can effectively manage your wireless network interfaces.