hostapd
TLDR
Start access point
SYNOPSIS
hostapd [options] configfile_
DESCRIPTION
hostapd is a user-space daemon for wireless access points and authentication servers. It implements IEEE 802.11 access point management, WPA/WPA2/WPA3 authentication, and IEEE 802.1X authenticator.
The tool transforms a wireless interface into an access point, handling client connections, encryption, and authentication protocols.
PARAMETERS
-B
Run in background (daemon).-d
Debug output.-dd
More verbose debug.-t
Include timestamps in debug.-K
Include key data in debug.-g socket
Global control interface.-P pidfile
PID file.-f logfile
Log file.
CONFIG OPTIONS
interface: Wireless interface
ssid: Network name
hw_mode: Band (a/b/g)
channel: Channel number
wpa: WPA mode (1/2/3)
wpa_passphrase: Password
wpa_key_mgmt: Key management
CAVEATS
Requires AP-capable wireless card. Configuration complex. Driver support varies. May conflict with NetworkManager.
HISTORY
hostapd was developed by Jouni Malinen as part of the Linux wireless stack. It became the standard way to create software access points on Linux, supporting evolving wireless security standards.
SEE ALSO
wpa_supplicant(1), iw(1), iwconfig(1), dnsmasq(1)
