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
fast_reauth=0
network={
   bssid=gatewaymacaddress
   ssid="networkidname"
   scan_ssid=1
   psk="networkpassword"
   priority=9
   proto=RSN
   key_mgmt=WPA_PSK
   group=CCMP
   pairwise=CCMP
}

RSN signifies WPA2. key_mgmt, group, and pairwise are also common values to use WPA2. Giving the ssid allows the network to be found when it is hidden from scans.

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