How to configure Debian to auto-connect to wifi when in rang

[victorhooi]

I have installed a new Debian Bullseye install on a NUC, for headless use. (Not using NetworkManager)

Does anybody know how to configure it from the CLI, to auto-connect to certain WiFi APs when in range?

Reading https://wiki.debian.org/WiFi and https://wiki.debian.org/WiFi/HowToUse.

I have installed the following packages:

• iw
• wireless-tools
• iwd packages

I see there's an allow-hotplug option for /etc/interfaces - but that appears to only check upon boot - not if the network subsequent becomes available.

Does anybody know how to do this?

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Use this line in the wireless stanza in /etc/network/interfaces instead of the usual wpa-ssid & wpa-psk lines:

Code: Select all

   wpa-conf /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

Then populate /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf with a list of the desired APs using wpa_passphrase(8).

[stevepusser]

If you're lazy, you could also try the CLI version of network-manager or wicd.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

IMO using wpa_supplicant requires less effort because all the APs can be configured without having to actually visit them and connect manually.

And if the OP wants to use NetworkManager on a headless box then they will probably prefer the ncurses interface:

Code: Select all

nmtui