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Asked: 2024-09-25T06:46:21+05:30 In:

How can I connect to a Wi-Fi network using the command line in Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to get my head around connecting to a Wi-Fi network using the command line in Ubuntu. It feels like I’m missing something, and I could really use some help. I know there are graphical interfaces that make the process super easy, but I want to level up my command-line skills, you know? Sometimes I’m just in a situation where I can’t access the GUI, or maybe I’m on a server without a desktop environment, and that’s when I need to use the terminal.

So, here’s where I’m stuck. I’ve heard a bit about using tools like `nmcli`, but honestly, it all sounds pretty confusing right now. I know that in theory, I need to identify the network I want to connect to and then use some commands to manage this. But what do I do first? How do I actually see the available networks? And once I figure that out, how do I enter the password without it being visible to everyone around me?

I even read some folks mention using `wpa_supplicant`, but I’m not even sure how to approach that. Do I need to create a configuration file beforehand, or is there a more straightforward way to just jump in and connect? It’d be great to get a step-by-step process or some tips from those who actually do it.

Also, I’d love to know if you can help troubleshoot some common issues that can crop up while trying to connect through the command line. Like, what if the connection drops unexpectedly or I’m trying to connect to a hidden network?

Basically, if you’ve done this before, I’d love to hear how you went about it. Any command-line wizards out there willing to share their wisdom? I’m all ears for your experiences and insights! There’s got to be a way to make this easier, right? Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers

    1. To connect to a Wi-Fi network using the command line in Ubuntu, you can indeed use `nmcli`, which is a command-line tool for managing network connections. First, you need to view the available networks by executing the command nmcli device wifi list. This will show you a list of nearby Wi-Fi networks along with their signal strength, security type, and other useful details. Once you have identified the network you want to connect to, you can use the command nmcli device wifi connect 'SSID' password 'your_password' to connect to the network. Be sure to replace 'SSID' with the actual name of the network and 'your_password' with the network’s password. This method will not display the password in the terminal, as it’s entered in quotes—keeping it somewhat secure from prying eyes.

      If you need to connect to a hidden network or troubleshoot common issues, start by ensuring your Wi-Fi adapter is enabled with nmcli radio wifi on. For hidden networks, you can specify the option --hidden in your connect command: nmcli device wifi connect 'SSID' password 'your_password' --hidden. In cases where connections drop unexpectedly, consider checking the status using nmcli connection show to verify whether your connection is still active. You can also review logs for any errors with journalctl -xe | grep NetworkManager. If problems persist, you might try using `wpa_supplicant` for more advanced configurations, which involves creating a configuration file. However, for most standard connections, `nmcli` should suffice to get you connected efficiently. If you run into specific issues, capturing error messages and consulting online forums can provide targeted solutions.


    2. Connecting to Wi-Fi Network using the Command Line in Ubuntu

      Hey there! So you’re looking to connect to a Wi-Fi network using the terminal in Ubuntu? No worries, I’ve been there too! Let’s break this down step-by-step, so you can get some solid command-line skills.

      Step 1: Check Available Wi-Fi Networks

      First, you’ll want to see which networks are around. Open your terminal and run:

      nmcli device wifi

      This command lists all the available Wi-Fi networks. Look for the SSID (the name of the network) you want to connect to.

      Step 2: Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

      To connect, you’ll use the following command. Replace YOUR_SSID with the name of your network and YOUR_PASSWORD with the password:

      nmcli device wifi connect YOUR_SSID password YOUR_PASSWORD

      If the password is correct, you should be connected!

      Step 3: Hidden Networks

      If you’re trying to connect to a hidden network, you can do it like this:

      nmcli device wifi connect YOUR_SSID password YOUR_PASSWORD hidden yes

      Just make sure you have the correct SSID and password.

      Hiding Password Input

      If you want to enter the password without it showing on the screen, sadly `nmcli` will display it by default. A common way to handle this is to just trust your terminal’s privacy and type it in when no one is around. But you can also use:

      nmcli device wifi connect YOUR_SSID

      Then it will prompt you for the password without showing it as you type!

      Using wpa_supplicant

      If you’re feeling adventurous and want to use wpa_supplicant, it’s a bit more complicated. You would create a config file specifying your network and the security type, but if you’re just starting out, it’s probably easier to stick with nmcli.

      Troubleshooting Common Issues

      Sometimes, things go wrong. Here are some tips:

      • Connection drops? Check if your Wi-Fi card is in power-saving mode and toggle it off.
      • Can’t find your network? Ensure you’re in the range and that the router is working fine.
      • If you can’t connect, double-check the SSID and password you entered.

      Don’t worry too much, you’ll get the hang of this! Just keep practicing those commands, and you’ll be a command-line ninja in no time!


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