Wi-Fi network management applications. Wireless connection management programs

If you want to set it up yourself Wi-Fi router, change the password, the name of your demon wired network, or other settings, then in any case, you will first need to go to the router settings. In the control panel, where you can set the necessary parameters. I want to say right away that this is not at all difficult. It doesn’t matter what model of router you have or what manufacturer it is (Tp-Link, D-Link, Asus, Linksys, Zyxel, etc.), following these instructions you can go to the control panel. The operating principle of all routers is almost the same, which means that we can access the settings using the same instructions. Yes, there are some nuances, we will definitely consider them.

Router, that's what it is independent device, which runs on its own software. And access to it can only be achieved by network cable (in most cases). Many people have a question: what kind of disk and drivers are included with the router? No, there are no drivers there. The router does not require drivers at all. The disk usually contains a special utility with which you can quickly configure the router. But, I would advise setting up the router through the settings, which can be accessed through a browser. And as I wrote above, this is very easy to do.

We will look at two methods: accessing the control panel via a network cable from a computer or laptop, and accessing settings via Wi-Fi from mobile devices (or also from a computer). I recommend using a network cable and a computer for this task. But, if this is not possible, then you can change some settings, or even completely configure the router from your phone, tablet, or laptop via Wi-Fi. If you want to update the firmware, you cannot do this via Wi-Fi.

How to access router settings from a computer

I have seen many articles where they describe some complex actions that need to be performed from the very beginning (checking network settings, getting the router’s IP address via the command line). There is no need to do this, at least not yet. First you need to try going into the settings. If it doesn’t work out, then we’ll watch it possible reasons. Why bother yourself with unnecessary nonsense.

Connecting the computer to the router

We take a network cable, which usually comes with the router (you can use your own cable) and connect one end to the network connector of your desktop computer or laptop. Photo for clarity:

We connect the second end of the network cable to the router into one of 4 (usually) LAN connectors. They are yellow. For example:

Typically, settings can be accessed at , or . The address of your specific router and the login and password that you will need later can be found on the router itself. Usually, they are written on the bottom of the sticker. An address like . can also be indicated there. For example:

The router must be turned on. Next, open any browser on your computer. You can even Internet Explorer, I have Opera. To go into the settings, we need to write the IP address of the router in the address bar of the browser 192.168.1.1 , or 192.168.0.1 , and go through it by pressing the button Enter. A window will appear asking for your username and password. Again, the default is usually used admin And admin. You can also see this information at the bottom of the device.

If you changed your login and password to enter settings (not to be confused with the Wi-Fi network password), then you need to indicate them. And if you forgot them, you will have to do (article using Tp-Link as an example), and configure it again.

If you cannot find the IP address, login and password of your router, then try first going to the address 192.168.1.1, and then to 192.168.0.1. Try admin as your login and password. Also, try leaving the password field blank, or specifying 1234.

Set the required parameters and press the button Login, or just Entrance, doesn't matter. Your window itself may look different, it doesn’t matter.

If everything is fine, then you will see the settings of your router.

If not, then now we’ll try to figure out what the problem might be. Scroll below.

We go to the control panel via Wi-Fi: from a phone, tablet, laptop

If, for example, you don’t have a network cable, or you don’t have a single computer at hand, but you need to go into the router settings, then you can use a Wi-Fi connection for this.

One important point: when connecting via Wi-Fi, and not via a network cable, you can make some settings in exactly the same way, or even set up a new router. But under no circumstances update software your router. With this you can simply break it. Flash only when connected via cable. Instructions for .

In principle, we do everything the same way as I described above, starting from the moment we launch the browser, go to the IP address of the router, etc. The only difference is that we connect to the Wi-Fi network of the router, which we need to configure , not via cable. We take our phone, laptop, or tablet and connect it to Wi-Fi (if it is not connected). If, for example, you want to connect to a new router, it will have a standard name and will be unprotected.

I'll show you the example of logging into the control panel from a tablet. Just like on a computer, open any browser and go to the IP of your router (192.168.0.1, or 192.168.1.1). Specify your login information.

Settings should open.

That's all, as you can see, everything is very simple. If something doesn't work out, ask questions in the comments.

Doesn't go into settings: possible reasons and solutions

I wrote in more detail about this problem in the article. But, since the problem when the router settings do not open and you cannot access the address 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1 is very popular, I think that this information will definitely not be superfluous. Let's look at the most popular problems:

When you try to go to the IP address 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.1.1, the error page not accessible appears, or the page could not be opened.

This means that the computer cannot connect to the router. It doesn't matter via cable or Wi-Fi. First of all, check if there is a connection. Look at the notification bar (bottom right corner), on the connection status. If you are connected via cable, then a computer should be drawn there, it may have a yellow icon, this is normal. If you connect via Wi-Fi, then there should be just a white network (network level). It may also have a yellow exclamation mark.

Solutions:

• Need to check network settings on the computer. Perhaps it's in your settings local network (when connected via cable), or wireless (Wi-Fi connection), some static IP settings or other parameters are specified. You need to set automatic IP and DNS acquisition. I have already written about this in detail in the article.
• If the connection is via cable, then you need to try replacing it. I have come across cases more than once when the problem was in the cable. Or connect via Wi-Fi.
• If you have Wi-Fi on your computer and are connecting via cable, then you need to completely turn off Wi-Fi. And vice versa, when connecting via a wireless network, disconnect the cable.
• If all else fails, do it, perhaps some things are specified in it non-standard settings connections.
• Also, there is no need to rule out a breakdown of the router itself. This also happens.

Invalid login/password. Or nothing happens after clicking the Login button.

There may be such a problem. We went to the address, a window appeared asking for data, you specified it, but an error appears that the login information was entered incorrectly, or the page simply reloads.

Solutions:

• Try different versions of the login/password pair. Admin and admin, try leaving both fields blank, or just the password. Will try to specify the password 1234.
• Try logging in from a different browser.
• Most likely you will have to reset your router settings (link given above).

Afterword

There are many manufacturers, and even more models of different routers. And almost everyone has their own nuances regarding settings. But the process of logging into the control panel is almost the same for everyone. I hope that this instruction helped you get into the settings of your router. If you have any problems, write in the comments, we will figure it out together.

Using the Wi-Fi menu, you can quickly connect to a nearby wireless network.

If your network is not listed, make sure the router is close and others can connect to the access point. This could also be the case. To connect to a hidden network, select Connect to another network.

The signal strength of each nearby network is displayed next to its name. The more dark bars, the stronger the network signal.

Enter your password

Access to networks that have a padlock next to their name is password protected. After selecting a network, enter its password in the login window that appears. If you don't know the password, ask the owner of the Wi-Fi network you're trying to connect to.

Connect to a Wi-Fi network using a mobile device

Depending on the iPhone or iPad data plan you are using with connection to cellular network, can provide an Internet connection for a Mac computer. When your iOS device is near your Mac, it appears in the Wi-Fi menu as an available connection.

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
2. In the System Preferences window, click Network.
3. Select Wi-Fi from the list of available network connections.
4. Check the box next to “Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar.”

Networking

If you want to create a temporary Wi-Fi connection between Mac computer and another device, you can create your own network using the Wi-Fi menu.

1. Click the Wi-Fi menu and select Create Network.
2. Enter network details such as network name and channel.

When you create a computer-to-computer network, the menu icon changes to a computer icon (). When finished, click the Wi-Fi menu again and select Disable.

Original: How to manage a WiFi connection from the command line
Author: Adrien Brochard
Date of publication: August 14, 2014
Translation: A. Krivoshey
Transfer date: December 2014

When you install a new Linux distribution on your computer, it is always recommended to first connect it to the internet using a wired network. There are two good reasons for this: firstly, for your wireless adapter there may not be a suitable driver included in the distribution, and secondly, if you are installing a system without a graphical interface, setting up Wi-Fi in command line scares many. I always try to avoid communicating with Wi-Fi on the command line. However, in the Linux world there is no room for fear. If you don't know something, this is a great reason to learn about it. So I overcame myself and decided to master Wi-Fi management on the Linux command line.

Of course, there are several ways to connect via Wi Fi on the command line. However, for the purposes of this post, I will try to use the basic method: one that uses only the programs and utilities included in the set of "default packages" of any distribution. Obviously, the advantage of this method is that it can be reproduced potentially on any computer running any Linux. Its disadvantage is that it is quite complicated.

So, firstly, it is assumed that you have downloaded the correct drivers for your wireless network card. Without this nothing will work.
You can then check which network interfaces support wireless connections using the command:

As a rule, wireless interface called wlan0. Of course, there are exceptions, but for the purposes of this guide I will use the generally accepted notation.
Just in case, check that the interface is enabled:

$ sudo ip link set wlan0 up

Once you know your interface is working, you can search for available wireless networks using the command:

$ sudo iw dev wlan0 scan | less

From the output you can find out the network name (SSID), signal strength and the type of security used (i.e. WEP, WPA/WPA2). There may be two options here. The simplest and easiest if the network is not protected. In this case, you can immediately connect to it:

$ sudo iw dev wlan0 connect

If your network uses WEP encryption, everything is also quite simple:

$ sudo iw dev wlan0 connect key 0:

But if the network uses WPA or WPA2 protocols, the matter becomes more complicated. In this case, you need to use the wpa_supplicant utility, which is not always preinstalled on the system. You need to open the /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf file and add the following lines to it:

Network=( ssid="" psk="" priority=1 )

I recommend adding these to the end of the file and making sure other configurations are commented out. Be careful as both ssid and password are case sensitive. You can enter the name of the access point instead of ssid, and wpa_supplicant will replace it with the corresponding ssid.

Once the setup is complete, run this command in the background:

$ sudo wpa_supplicant -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

Now you need to get the IP address using the command:

$ sudo dhcpcd wlan0

If done correctly, you should receive a new IP address via DHCP and the process will run in the background. You can always check if there is a connection using the command:

In conclusion, I think mastering this method is worth the effort. You can never be sure that you will always have access to a GUI or a wired connection, so it is important to be prepared for such situations. As mentioned earlier, there are many ways (Network Manager, wicd, netcfg, wifi) to manage your wireless connection. I chose the most general method, although in certain cases the utilities I used may not be available and you will need to download them first. On the other hand, there are much more advanced programs that are definitely not included in the default packages, but greatly simplify the setup process. Either way, it's a good idea to learn the basics.

Yes, operating system will allow you to find nearby networks and connect to them, but what about add-ons? What if you need to have detailed information across all the Wi-Fi networks around you, need to troubleshoot your network, turn your laptop into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, or stay safe on public hotspots? Windows won't help you with all this.

That's why we've found six apps for you. They do everything Windows can't do and more. Five of the six applications are free, while the sixth is not expensive at all.

From MetaGeek is an excellent tool for searching and collecting information on Wi-Fi networks in the area where your computer is located. The program is also useful in solving problems with your own Wi-Fi network.

For all found Wi-Fi networks, InSSIDer shows the MAC address of the router, the router manufacturer (if the program can determine it - usually it can), the channel in use, the SSID or public name of the network, security type, network speed, and the like. In addition, the program shows the current network signal strength.

How would you use the program to solve problems with your wireless network? If you saw that a nearby network with a strong signal was on the same channel as you, you would change the channel of your network (most routers allow this), thereby avoiding potential conflicts.

The program also allows you to identify “dead zones” in your area where there is no sufficiently reliable Wi-Fi signal A. To do this, just walk around your home or office with InSSIDer turned on. In the future, you can either avoid these places or try to move your router.

Whether you need to solve problems with your network or find Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to, InSSIDer is the program you'll want to download and try.

Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista and 7 (32- and 64-bit)
Download InSSIDer

Here is another great search program Wi-Fi networks and providing information about them, such as their distance from you. The radar-like screen shows all nearby hotspots. A separate panel offers detailed information on all found hotspots, including signal strength, network type (for example, 802.11n), router manufacturer, transmission channel, etc.

Next to the radar, the panel provides even more detailed information about the network you are currently connected to, including your personal IP address, public IP address, DNS, gateway information, and more.

Why use Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector over MetaGeek InSSIDer? For example, because the simpler and clearer layout of Wi-Fi Inspector makes it easier to present information on hotspots. The program also shows your relative physical distance from the hotspot. And probably no one will deny the usefulness of the radar itself.

However, InSSIDer is better than Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector in terms of obtaining more detailed information on surrounding Wi-Fi networks.

Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP SP2+, Vista and 7
Download Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector

- this is wonderful, free program, which allows you to turn a computer with Windows 7 (the program only works with Windows 7) into a Wi-Fi hotspot, which can then be used by nearby devices - such as a smartphone or tablets of colleagues.

Of course, the computer itself that you would like to convert into a Wi-Fi hotspot must be connected to the Internet and support Wi-Fi. At the same time, the Internet connection does not necessarily have to be wired (although it does not hurt), because a Wi-Fi card on a computer can perform a dual function - on one side it can act as a Wi-Fi receiver, and on the other as a transmitter.

Setting up a hotspot is simple: Once you're connected to the Internet, launch Connectify, give your hotspot a name and set a password. After this, your computer's Wi-Fi card will begin broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal to which other devices can connect. It is worth noting that your computer will work using the Wi-Fi protocol for which it was created. In addition, it will also support older protocols. For example, an 802.11n signal will allow you to connect devices with 802.11b/g/n.

Setting a password will allow you to restrict unauthorized access to the Internet. The hotspot signal itself is protected by WPA2-PSK encryption.

You can even use Connectify to set up a local network without external connection to the Internet. Launch the program as a hotspot and nearby devices will be able to connect to its network, even if you do not have Internet access. This can be used, for example, to transfer files within a workgroup or for multiplayer games.

It's worth noting that connecting my Mac to a hotspot based on a Windows 7 computer and Connectify caused me problems. However, other computers and devices connected without problems.

Today I want to show you an interesting device with which you can control anything via the Internet using Wi-Fi assistance ESP8266 module (ESP-01) and ATmega8A microcontroller.
In this combination, the module acts as a controller WiFi networks and web server, and ATmega8A acts as a power node controller, receiving a line via a simple protocol from ESP8266 and having processed it issues a command to open one or another relay through a shift register 74HC595 and transistor assembly ULN2003.

Device diagram:

By accessing the specified IP address, default: 192.168.4.1, you can configure various modes and control the lighting in your apartment or house. The device has a web interface. Firmware for ESP8266 is based on "web dumps" from the respected « PVVX". I just added a couple of handlers in the file so that when a certain line is received from the web side, a 4-byte string will be sent to the UART interface - the command identifier. There are two such commands for each control channel: turn it on and off. Also, there are two additional commands that can turn on and off all lighting channels at once.
And then, by writing a simple web page, I can easily control the lighting of the apartment.

The device works as follows:

From the web side: to put it simply, when you click on any of the buttons, a script is first called, which changes the background of the button and changes the variable value from 1 to 0 and vice versa with each click, and then the AJAX handler is called, which is processed by the program in the ESP8266 and sent to the UART code , corresponding to the AJAX command. And ATmega8A accepts and processes this line.

From the microcontroller side: a string is received, processed, and if the string matches the test string, then the necessary actions are performed. It looks like this like this:

Void send_data() ( static char buff_data=0, rel_data=0; static char x=0; if(string_search("@1A00",rx_buffer)) // LIGHT ON kitchen ( rel_data|=0x81; printf("1CH ON\ r\n"); clear_buffer_rx(); x=0; if(demo<42000 && demo_off==0) demo++; } .................... .................... else if(string_search("@2A00",rx_buffer)) // LIGHT OFF кухня { rel_data&=~0x81; printf("1CH OFF\r\n"); clear_buffer_rx(); x=0; if(demo<42000 && demo_off==0) demo++; } relay_send(rel_data); }

This function compares the string that arrives in the UART with a string that executes certain commands. If it matches, then the action is performed.

The UART parser function is homemade, here is its code:

Char string_search(char *str1,char *str2) ( unsigned char addr=0,x=0,y=0; str1+=0; str2+=0; while(str1!=0) ( addr++; ) while(str1[y ]!=0 && str2[x]!=0) ( if(str1[y] == str2[x]) ( y++; x++; ) else ( if(y

The web page does not qualify for an award, and looks like this:

When you press any of the buttons, the lighting turns on!

The settings web pages are hidden from the main page and open when you enter links. I will indicate them below.

If desired, anyone can modify the main page by adding a button or link to it to go to the settings.

192.168.4.1/protect/wifi.htm
192.168.4.1/protect/setup.htm
192.168.4.1/protect/uart.htm
192.168.4.1/protect/upload.htm

For questions about updating the firmware, you can.

Photo of the mounted device:

Attention! Printed circuit boards were designed to be universal (for general use) and boards were used from what was already manufactured, this is all due to the reduction of development time and saving costs on the production of factory boards. Therefore, some nodes are not wired for the task of lighting control.

The technology for wireless data transmission over local Wi-Fi networks appeared in 1998 thanks to John O’Sullivan, an engineer at the Australian CSIRO Radio Astronomy Laboratory. The first wireless communication protocol standard, IEEE 802.11n, was approved in 2009.

During its development, Wi-Fi technology has gained wide popularity, primarily due to the lack of the need to use wires when connecting to the network. And if initially Wi-Fi technology was used to connect wearable and palm-held computers, now this technology has penetrated into cameras, household appliances, multimedia devices, and control devices. Wireless sensors of various physical quantities - temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. are also widely used. Smart home monitoring and control devices equipped with Wi-Fi modules can perform their functions from any point where a local wireless network is available, and if this network through a router has the ability to access the global network, from any point, where there is internet. Using his smartphone connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or GSM), the user can not only browse websites, but also control household appliances located at any distance from him.

A standard Wi-Fi network scheme contains at least one access point that forms a wireless network with a known identifier (SSID) and encryption parameters, to which at least one client is connected. An access point can be either a specialized device or a router connected to the global network, equipped with a wireless radio module. Also, for example, a laptop or smartphone equipped with Wi-Fi modules and connected to the network via cable or GSM technology, respectively, can act as an access point.

In this review we will look at some modules offered by Master Kit that use Wi-Fi wireless technology. Some modules are designed for use in DIY projects, supplied as a printed circuit board with components and without housings, while others are designed as complete devices and are intended to be used out of the box. It should be noted that each of the devices in question is a client of a wireless network; therefore, an access point is required to connect them to the network. You also need to pay attention to which network the device connects to - local or global. Many Wi-Fi devices use portals located on the global network to communicate with other such devices and exchange information. This method of communication allows you to simplify the connection, since it does not require a permanent dedicated IP address of the global network and relatively complex network settings such as NAT (“port forwarding”) for external access to the local network located behind the router’s firewall.

For ease of comparison, the main characteristics of the devices are summarized in a table located at the end of the review.

Our review will begin with Master Kit DIY modules using Wi-Fi technology.

1. – Wi-Fi relay with thermometer and two relays.

The basis of the device is the widely used Wi-Fi module ESP8266. The module is a microcontroller equipped with a wireless interface. It supports IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standards, with WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption. The module also has 11 user-accessible I/O ports and wired communication interfaces SPI, I2C, I2S, UART and a 10-bit ADC. There are several freely available development kits (SDKs) with a compiler and libraries that allow you to effectively use the capabilities of the ESP8266.

All this made it possible to create a modern device for mobile control of various electrical appliances using a smartphone or tablet.

As already noted, the module is designed to work in local networks. If you need to use access to the global network, then the following device will help with this.

1. – Internet relay with a thermometer and two relays using an MQTT server.

The MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) network protocol is a simplified data transfer protocol between devices and runs on top of the TCP/IP protocol. This protocol uses a behavioral message transfer design pattern known as “publisher-subscriber”, is very easy to use and administer, does not create large loads on communication channels and works successfully in the presence of problems in these channels, and does not impose restrictions on the format of the transmitted data . MQTT is designed for low-power embedded devices, so its implementation requires minimal processing power that microcontrollers can handle. Thus, the MQTT protocol is, along with some other similar protocols, such as MODBUS or RS-485, an excellent tool for implementing the functions of the Internet of Things - IoT.

Remote control of two relays of 2000 W each;

Reception and transmission to the network of readings from two DS18B20 type temperature sensors connected to it;

Reception and transmission of readings from humidity sensors DHT11 or DHT22, analog sensors using a built-in ADC.

But, in addition to this, it provides reading data from sensors and controlling built-in relays via the Internet anywhere, there is a connection to the global network. When working on the global network, a free MQTT server is used, by default, but you can use another one.

1. If the previous two devices use the capabilities of the ESP8266 microcontroller, the module includes its own more powerful STM8 series microcontroller and is a device for collecting and transmitting data via Wi-Fi.

The use of the STM8 microcontroller made it possible to implement very wide functionality in a small volume. The module is, on the one hand, a complete device for collecting data on consumed household resources, such as water, heat, gas, electricity, and on the other hand, a multifunctional device for monitoring and controlling executive modules and mechanisms.

The device collects data from sensors and meters connected to it according to a set schedule and transmits this data to the server for further processing and use.

Up to 8 devices in any combination can be connected to one device:

Water meters;

Gas meters;

Electricity meters (when installing an additional CAN or RS-485 interface module);

Temperature sensors, for example;

Water leakage sensors, for example;

Liquid level sensors;

Gas leak sensors;

Actuating devices (electrically driven shut-off and control valves), for example, electrically driven ball valve.

When using additional built-in modules of RS-485 or CAN interfaces, up to 8 Mercury-type electricity meters can be connected to one module, in addition to the 8 devices listed above in the description.

Modules can be combined to increase the number of serviced information collection channels.

The device collects data from meters and sensors and, according to the schedule set in the settings, transmits them to a server located in Russia. In normal mode, data is sent once a day with hourly detail. If an emergency is detected (the water meter has turned off, a leak has occurred, the battery is low, etc.), the device communicates immediately and notifies the owner using PUSH or E-MAIL notifications. The server has a personal account for each user.

In your personal account, you can specify on what day and time the server will automatically send readings every month. Testimony can be sent in the following ways: as a PUSH notification, as an E-MAIL, directly to the MOS.RU portal. Forget about the routine of manually transferring readings every month!

You can also simply view readings and graphs on your mobile phone, tablet or computer using a browser or mobile application for iOS and Android.

The module is powered by three alkaline (Alkaline) AA batteries, the battery life is at least 3 years. When the charge level drops below 10%, a PUSH or E-MAIL notification will be sent to the user.

The device communicates with the server using Internet access via a private or public Wi-Fi network with encryption. Two networks can be used: primary and backup. In the absence of communication, the device collects and stores an hourly log for 1 month, and when it is resumed, it transmits the data to the server. In any emergency situation (the device does not communicate, there is a leak, a break in the communication line to the sensor or meter, etc.), the server will send you a PUSH or E-MAIL notification.