seeing wifi adapters

nix84 · 04-25-2014, 02:09 AM

Is there any scriptable way of seeing wifi adapters without becoming a router? I am wondering if after a wifi interface is brought up if usb adapter devices transmit a "see me" signal. I am not thinking of the ad-hoc mode here.

nini09 · 04-25-2014, 02:23 PM

The WiFi chip always sent out a beacon frame. You can setup a key to protect from other person to use your AP.

jefro · 04-26-2014, 04:32 PM

I know some chips can be set up in wireshark to just listen. (not correct word)
It can run in shell or command line.

I might not be understanding the topology.

nix84 · 04-26-2014, 09:42 PM

I am not being a functioning router/AP when I would use such a feature. I know that routing APs emit a beacon but does any adapter plugged into an interface also emit a beacon? If so this could be a source of EMF that effecting data transmission/rates? So I am looking for a means of identifying and locating such adapters.
I am using ndiswrapper/rtl8192cu driver. This can be put into promiscuous mode but it takes a urtwn driver not the one I currently have. Trying to find a source to download the urtwn driver.

nini09 · 04-28-2014, 02:24 PM

If you set WiFi to monitor mode, it just listen, no transmission.

jefro · 04-28-2014, 02:54 PM

Why are you fooling with ndiswrapper?

nix84 · 04-28-2014, 09:21 PM

@jefro: 2 reason: 1) haven't had the need in the past, 2) the package comes with only XP drivers.