If it is not installed, then use the commands “ apt-get update” and “ apt-get install wireshark” to install Wireshark on your system. Open the terminal and run the command “ wireshark –version.” If Wireshark is installed, then there should be a version name with many details, as in the following screenshot: Open the terminal and run the command “ iw phy0 info” or “ iw list.” There is a huge list of information available here, but we just have to check the section for “ monitor.” If the device does not support monitor mode, then it will not be possible to sniff the wireless packet using Wireshark. This is a must, or you cannot sniff wireless packets using Wireshark. The Wi-Fi card must support monitor mode to be able to sniff out wireless packets.

By default, the mode is “ Managed,” which means that it is a client or station mode.

“IEEE 802.11” is the indication for the Wi-Fi interface.

In this example “wlp2s0” is the interface name for the Wi-Fi card. The following screenshot shows the output of this command: To check whether you meet this requirement, open the terminal using the shortcut Alt+Ctrl+T and run the command “ iwconfig.” This output should show if there is an operable Wi-Fi interface.

Setup Checkīelow are the requirements for capturing Wi-Fi packets using Wireshark.

There are some steps to be followed to achieve this. To follow this article, first, you should learn the basics of WireShark in the Wireshark Basic article, and then you can come back here. In this article, you will learn how to capture wireless frames using Wireshark in Linux (Example: Ubuntu.

Wireshark capture