COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
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2.5.2.7 Changing parameters using iwconfig and iwpriv
Many of the parameters that can be accessed via iwconfig and iwpriv are initialization parameters. If they are changed
while the AP is running, they may not take effect until the VAP is brought down and up. For multiple BSS (multiple
VAP) configurations, some iwpriv parameters may affect ALL VAPs, not just the one of interest. Normally, the best
practice is to bring down ALL VAPs prior to making configuration changes using the “ifconfig down” command on the
interface, and then bringing them back up using the “ifconfig up” command.
It has been attempted to indicate those commands that may have adverse effects in the documentation for the command,
however not all effects may have been documented. Please keep in mind the nature of multiple VAP configurations that
use multiple radios, and use caution when changing parameters on the fly.
2.5.3 wlanconfig utility
The wlanconfig utility is an Atheros utility used to manage VAP instances. It provides the primary method to instantiate
a VAP, list the VAP status, and delete the VAP instance. It is an integral part of the configuration scripts. The Create,
List, and Delete interfaces are described in the following sections.
2.5.3.1 Creating a VAP
Creating a VAP requires a few parameters to indicate the specific nature of the VAP. A VAP can be either a client node
or an infrastructure node. Infrastructure notes are called “master” nodes, and client nodes are called “managed” nodes.
The following command is used to create a VAP instance:
# wlanconfig ath[
N
] create wlandev wifi
N
wlanmode [ap|sta|mon] [bssid] [nosbeacon]
The arguments are defined as follows:
Argument
Description
ath
[N]
Name of the VAP. If the number at the end of the name is omitted, the system will
automatically use the next available interface number. The VAP name “ath” is not required,
any text string will do.
create
Verb indicating create action
wlandev
wifi
N
Indicates which interface to attach the VAP to. The interface number is required for this
argument. For dual concurrent operations, N indicates which radio to attach the VAP to.
wlanmode
mode
Indicates the mode to open the VAP into. The valid modes are “ap”, indicating an
infrastructure node, “sta” indicating a station (client) node, and “mon” indicating a monitor
VAP. Note that “mon” is not implemented in the configuration scripts.
bssid
Optional parameter indicating that the MAC address should be cloned from the first VAP for
this interface. Not normally specified.
nosbeacon
Indicates that no beacons will be transmitted from this VAP. Used as part of station (client)
mode.
2.5.3.2 Listing VAP Parameters
The list command provides an extended listing of parameters from the VAP. Depending on the type of list for each
associated station. The list command is followed by a print of the VAP association list with the associated parameters:
# wlanconfig athN list [sta|ap|chan|keys|caps|wme]
The argument to the
list
verb defines the type of listing to produce. Each type is described in the following sections.
