Setting up a wireless network in Linux isn’t just a technical task, It’s a gateway to freedom where your device is seamlessly connected and your internet experience is limitless.

Let’s dive into the adventure of setting up a wireless network in Lunix where every step will take you forward to mastering the art of connectivity.

Steps to Set up a Wireless Network in Linux

Step 1: First Set up the wireless router for the Internet

Here is the exact methods of setting up Wifi :

1. Connect Ethernet Cable

To set up a wireless router, you need to start by plugging the internet cable into the WAN port on the modem. Then connect your computer to one of the LAN ports on the router with the help of Ethernet Cable. Finally, connect another cable from the modem’s WAN or Internet port back to the router, especially if your modem and wireless router are separate devices. This setup will get your wi-fi up, and everything will be properly linked and ready to go.

2. Connect your router Network to your computer

If you want your Wi-Fi to run smoothly, connect your computer to one of the router’s LAN ports using an Ethernet cable. But what if your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port, then there is no reason to worry, you can get an Ethernet-to-USB adapter. This adapter will let you connect the cable to your computer’s USB port instead, allowing you to get everything set up for WiFi.

3. Set up the router’s IP address

• First, Go to your router’s IP address in a web browser.
• Most routers use common default IP addresses like “192.168.0.1”, “192.168.1.1,” and”10.0.0.1″. Then hit this IP.

If you’re not sure, about your IP address you can usually find the router’s IP address on a sticker which is usually located on the bottom or back of your router.

It’s time to log in to the router.

You will be notified to enter a username and password. But if you have not set any admin credentials username or password yet then you can check the manual Default Username and password are often printed on a sticker attached to the router’s bottom or back side or they are provided in the router’s manual. If you have changed the default login details and cannot remember them, you may need to reset the router to factory settings.

4. Select WPA encryption

WPA Wi-Fi protected method provides security for wireless networks here are a few most common WPA areWPA, WPA2, WPA3.WPA/WPA2 is the most recommended.

Step 2: Connect Wifi in Linux System via GUI

1. Click and Connect on the Wi-Fi icon

Linux system is simpler than Windows and MacOS at the upper or lower-right corner of the screen you can find a symbol that looks like a series of vertical bars that is a Wi-Fi symbol. Tap on that and find your network select that and enter the password.

2. Ensure your Wi-Fi Network is opened

Ensure that WiFi is enabled on your mobile Linux device before attempting to connect to a wireless network via GUI. Look for an option in the menu called Wi-Fi enable ensure the switch is on.

3. Enable Auto-Connect Wi-Fi

This is an optional step To ensure your device automatically connects to this network in the future, enable the “Connect automatically” option within the network settings.

4. Connect the network

Once WiFi is enabled, your device will start scanning for available wireless networks and it will show in Visible Networks. It will take some time to show if you can’t find your wireless network then click on More Network it will show you those networks that are available near you. Then select your identified network and enter the password.

Step 3: Connect WIfi with Iwconfig via Terminal

First, you need to identify the name of your wireless network interface. Open the terminal and run “iwconfig”.When you enter “iwconfig”it displays information about network interference that is available on your computer. Using the “iwconfig “command to bring up the network adapter is a straightforward way to activate it.

Let’s understand this in detail.

1. First, you need to identify the name of your wireless network adapter. Use the iwconfig command to list all network interfaces.

iwconfig

Look for the adapter that shows “Mode: Managed” and “Access Point: Not-Associated”. For example,

2. Use the “iwconfig” command to display the network adapter. Then replace “Somraj WLAN 1” with the name of your wireless interface this will display a list of available networks and their details.

 sudo iwconfig wlan0 up

Check and verify the interface is up using “ iwconfig” command.

Now you can use “iwlist” command to scan available wireless networks.

 sudo iwlist wlan0 scan

Connecting WEP wireless Network

Identify the adapter and Bring up the wireless interference.

First, you need to identify the name of your wireless network adapter

iwconfig

Look for the adapter that shows “Mode: Managed” and “Access Point: Not-Associated”.If you can’t find any active wireless interface you need to run

sudo iwconfig wlan0 up

Now, Start and connect your wireless network adapter.

Example command;
sudo ifconfig [network adapter] up

Connect to the WEP Network

Use the iwconfig command to connect to the WEP network. Then you will need the ESSID (network name) and the WEP key.

sudo iwconfig wlan0 essid "NetworkName" key s:network password

Replace the network name with the SSID of your network. Replace the network password with the WEP key. If the password is in ASCII format, prepend it with s:.

Generate a configuration file

To create a configuration file hat contains your network name SSID and password for a WPA-secured wireless network you have to use the wpa_passphrase command. Replace [network name] with your SSID and [network password] with your WPA password which is needed to connect the network. The output will look like this,

sudo wpa_passphrase "network name" "network password" > /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf.

To find a list of drivers that are available on your system with this wpa_supplicant command and press Enter

To connect your WPA network this will be your final output just change the network adapter with the wireless network adapter and the wireless driver with the wireless driver.

sudo wpa_supplicant -i [network adapter] -c /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf -B -D [wireless driver]

Step 4: Connect wifi with Network Manager nmtui

1. Type nmtui in Terminal and press Enter. You will show, the Network Manager TUI window.

nmtui

2. Use the keyboard arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate and Select Activate a connection and press ENTER.

3. Choose the WIFI, Here you see, Somraj WLAN 1, and press Enter to connect.

Troubleshooting the Process

troubleshooting network issues can be frustrating but here are some steps that you can follow,

1. Restart your device

This is the solution to your 80%problems. Sometimes we face issues in our internet connection then simply restarting your router and computer can resolve these connectivity issues. you just need to wait a few seconds to restart your devices.

2. Ensure Network Manager is installed in your system

To ensure that Network Manager is installed on your Linux system, you can follow these steps depending on your Linux distribution,

Debian-based; which is basically an open terminal type;

sudo apt-get install network-manager

3. Update router firmware

Check if there are any firmware updates available for your router if does then apply them if necessary.

Setting up a Wireless Network – FAQs

How do I create a wireless access point in Linux?

Here is a user-friendly solution that is,
1. First Click the network connection icon.
2. Select Turn On Wi-Fi Hotspot in the Wi-Fi settings.
3. Then you will notified that your access point is active.

How do I check if my wireless adapter is working?

Here is the command , you can hit in terminal;

iwconfig: Check if your adapter is recognized as a wireless device.

ifconfig or ip a: list network interfaces and their status.

What are the reasons, you can not wireless network?

Here are the Potential issues you can face;

1. Incorrect SSID or password.

2. Outdated or incorrect wireless driver.

3. Network interference or weak signal.

4. Configuration issues in wpa_supplicant.conf or NetworkManager.