The Linux OS allows users to manually configure the mode of operation for wireless adapters.
The following are the different modes and explanations of what they entail:
- Ad hoc mode is used to interconnect multiple end devices, such as laptops, without the use of a wireless router or access point.
- The default mode of operation is managed. This mode allows the device (that is, the host) to connect to wireless routers and access points. However, at times, you may be required to perform a wireless penetration test on an organization's Wi-Fi network. A wireless adapter in managed mode is not suitable for such a task.
- Master mode allows the Linux device to operate as an access point to allow other devices to synchronize data.
- Repeater mode allows the node device to forward packets to other nodes on the network; repeaters are usually implemented to extend the range of a wireless signal.
- Secondary mode allows the device to function as a backup for the master or repeater.
- Monitor mode allows a device to pass monitor packets and frames on the frequencies of IEEE 802.11. This mode would allow a penetration tester to not only monitor traffic but also capture data and perform packet injection using a compatible wireless adapter.
The mode of operation depends on the network topology and the role of your Linux OS in your network.
There are two methods we can use to configure the wireless adapter in monitor mode: manually and by using the airmon-ng tool.
In the following section, we will take a look at doing the following:
- Enabling monitor mode manually
- Enabling monitor mode using airmon-ng
Let's look at each of these methods in more detail.