Network, Wireless

Here is how to set up a wireless network. This example will demonstrate how to use WPA2-PSK method.

wpa supplicant

This example shows a non-broadcasted network, and use of WPA2 with a preshared key.

/etc/wpa_supplicant.conf:

ctrl_interface=/var/run/wpa_supplicant
eapol_version=2
ap_scan=1
network={
   bssid=gatewaymacaddress
   ssid="networkidname"
   bssid=bssid
   scan_ssid=0
   psk="networkpassword"
   priority=9
   proto=RSN
   key_mgmt=WPA_PSK
   group=CCMP
   pairwise=CCMP
}

The value of eapol_version depends on your router, so you'll have to test values 0 through 2. For FreeBSD or wlan(4), ap_scan should always be set to 1.

scan_ssid set to 1 hides the wireless card, while the value of 0 broadcasts its presence. Giving the ssid allows the network to be found, when it is hidden from scans.

RSN signifies WPA2. key_mgmt, group, and pairwise are common parameters for wireless protocols.

Once the network is set up, bssid can inserted later, it can be found by either

% ifconfig | grep bssid
% ifconfig wlan0 list scan

rc.conf

hostname="mycpomputerhostname"
wlans_networkcarddriver0="wlan0"
default_router="ipaddress"   # example 192.168.1.254

Set the default network connection, to prevent it from guessing which network to use. Add mode, ssid, and bssid in the ifconfig line. The values typically match what's in wpa_supplicant.conf.

ifconfig_wlan0="ssid networkidname bssid macaddressofnetwork WPA DHCP"

Some settings can be found by typing, optionally using grep

% ifconfig | grep mode

final steps

% service netif restart
% wpa_supplicant -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf &
% ifconfig