How to scan for and connect to a wireless network point from the command line

[KingMidas]

Thought i'd add a quick tutorial on how to connect to a network from the command line - apologies if this has already being covered - link it and i'll hang my head in shame- otherwise..


wireless key - security key
essid - network name
ifconfig - Enables your wireless device
iwlist - lists available access points
iwconfig - configuring wireless connection
dhclient - to get an ip address via DHCP

step 1 - Enable wireless device.

Enter the command:-

ifconfig wlan0 up

Where 'wlan0' is the name of your wireless device - if your not sure what yours is key 'iwconfig' at the command prompt


step 2 - scan for networks

iwlist wlan0 scan

You will then be given a list of available networks in range


step 3 - configure connection

iwconfig wlan0 essid (network name) key (wireless key)

eg

iwconfig wlan0 o2wireless key 5405507cd1

Note this is for a HEX key for ascii you have to add 's:' after 'key' as in..

iwconfig wlan0 essid key s: wireless key


Step 4 Request an ip address via DHCP

dhclient wlan0

You should now be connected and have an ip address

If anyone can add more to this please feel free im learning and would appreciate some pointers to add to this

[jake111234567]

i have tried everything and my ath0 card wont connect right dhclient times out

[KMDave]

i have tried everything and my ath0 card wont connect right dhclient times out

Maybe you should tell us which commands you issued.

[jake111234567]

i used

 iwconfig ath0 essid (network name) key (wireless key)

then

 dhclient ath0

dhclient times out thhen tries to find a adress then gives a random adress

[purehate]

If you essid has strange characters or spaces make sure you put it in quotes so the bash shell knows...
example: iwconfig ath0 essid "F00-B4rZ m**p" key 29384729364

[jake111234567]

If you essid has strange characters or spaces make sure you put it in quotes so the bash shell knows...
example: iwconfig ath0 essid "F00-B4rZ m**p" key 29384729364

my essid is just one word and its Brown
i have tried

 iwconfig ath0 essid <essid> key <key>
dhcpcd ath0

dhcpcd ouputs

 root@bt:/# dhcpcd ath0
err, ath0: timed out
err, ath0: lease information file `/var/lib/dhcpcd/dhcpcd-ath0.info' does not exist
warn, ath0: using IPV4LL address 169.254.167.44
root@bt:/# dhcpcd.sh: interface ath0 has been configured with new IP=169.254.167.44

[azn_crim]

I'm using the net at uni with my wireless card, that requires a username and password. How would i log on using Bactrack 4 beta, with my USB D-LINK DWA110 (RT73).

[ne0matrix]

Thx for this nice tutorial KingMidas!

[inf_437]

I'm using the net at uni with my wireless card, that requires a username and password. How would i log on using Bactrack 4 beta, with my USB D-LINK DWA110 (RT73).

As far as I understand your question there are two options,

1. your uni has a proxy in the Network to which you connect, this has nothing to do with connecting to the wireless network, only if you want to get on the internet you'll need to type in username and pw.

2. You uni's wlan is secured with a certificate and connected to the AD (Active Directory) that's why you need username and pw. This is a little more complicated since you need to know which certificate you need to use and download it prior to the connection with the wireless network.


Since your post has not that much information this is all I can give you to help so far.

[azn_crim]

As far as I understand your question there are two options,

1. your uni has a proxy in the Network to which you connect, this has nothing to do with connecting to the wireless network, only if you want to get on the internet you'll need to type in username and pw.

2. You uni's wlan is secured with a certificate and connected to the AD (Active Directory) that's why you need username and pw. This is a little more complicated since you need to know which certificate you need to use and download it prior to the connection with the wireless network.


Since your post has not that much information this is all I can give you to help so far.

Just gathered more info. I understand there is a proxy server 1.1kingfisher.cdu.edu.au:3128 squid/2.5.STABLE14 (IP 138:80:0:10)
There are open ports which i have tested to be ok.
In terms of the certificate, does it helps that that i have set up the same laptop to their network but via Windows Vista and my 4965AGN Wireless card.
- Info so far has been great. Thanks in advance.