iwconfig Command Cheat Sheet

The iwconfig command configures wireless network interfaces and displays their settings.

Show Wireless Info

iwconfig

Set SSID

sudo iwconfig wlan0 essid "NetworkName"

Set Wireless Mode

sudo iwconfig wlan0 mode Managed

Set Frequency or Channel

sudo iwconfig wlan0 freq 2.437G
sudo iwconfig wlan0 channel 6

Set Encryption Key (WEP)

sudo iwconfig wlan0 key s:password

Disable Power Management

sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off

Notes

• Replaced by iw in modern systems.
• Often used with legacy Wi-Fi drivers.