Wireless Networking Cheat Sheet
Wireless Standards
- 802.11a: 5 GHz, up to 54 Mbps, shorter range.
- 802.11b: 2.4 GHz, up to 11 Mbps, longer range.
- 802.11g: 2.4 GHz, up to 54 Mbps, backward compatible with 802.11b.
- 802.11n: 2.4/5 GHz, up to 600 Mbps, uses MIMO technology.
- 802.11ac: 5 GHz, up to 3.46 Gbps, wider channels and MU-MIMO.
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): 2.4/5 GHz, higher efficiency and capacity.
Common Wireless Terms
- SSID: Service Set Identifier, the name of the wireless network.
- BSSID: Basic Service Set Identifier, the MAC address of the access point.
- WPA/WPA2/WPA3: Security protocols for wireless networks.
- Channel: The frequency used for communication, often overlapping in the 2.4 GHz band.
- MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output, technology that uses multiple antennas to improve performance.
Wireless Security Protocols
- WEP: Wired Equivalent Privacy, outdated and insecure.
- WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access, improved security over WEP.
- WPA2: Enhanced security, uses AES encryption.
- WPA3: Latest security protocol, offers stronger encryption and protection against brute-force attacks.
Wireless Configuration Commands (Windows)
- Show available Wi-Fi networks:
netsh wlan show networks
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network:
netsh wlan connect name=""
- Disconnect from a Wi-Fi network:
netsh wlan disconnect
Wireless Troubleshooting Commands
- Ping the access point:
ping
- Check signal strength:
netsh wlan show interfaces
- View wireless network properties:
netsh wlan show profile "" key=clear
Common Wireless Issues
- Weak signal: Check distance from the access point, obstacles, and interference.
- Connection drops: Update drivers, check for interference, and signal strength.
- No internet access: Verify DHCP settings, check ISP connection, and router status.
Best Practices for Wireless Networking
- Use WPA3 for better security.
- Select less crowded channels (1, 6, 11 in 2.4 GHz).
- Position access points centrally to optimize coverage.
- Limit SSID broadcasting for sensitive networks.
- Regularly update firmware on access points and routers.
Windows Command Cheat Sheet for Network Engineers
Windows Command Cheat Sheet for Network Engineers
Basic Networking Commands
- Check IP configuration:
ipconfig
- Release IP address:
ipconfig /release
- Renew IP address:
ipconfig /renew
- Display current TCP/IP connections:
netstat -a
- Show routing table:
route print
Network Diagnostics
- Ping a host:
ping
- Trace the route to a host:
tracert
- Check DNS resolution:
nslookup
- Check network statistics:
netstat -s
Network Share and File Commands
- List shared folders:
net share
- Map a network drive:
net use : \\\
- Disconnect a network drive:
net use : /delete
Firewall Configuration
- Check firewall status:
netsh advfirewall show allprofiles
- Allow a program through the firewall:
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="" dir=in action=allow program=""
- Block a program:
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="" dir=in action=block program=""
Wi-Fi Commands
- Show Wi-Fi profiles:
netsh wlan show profiles
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network:
netsh wlan connect name=""
- Disconnect from a Wi-Fi network:
netsh wlan disconnect
Network Adapter Management
- Show network adapters:
getmac
- Disable a network adapter:
netsh interface set interface "" admin=disabled
- Enable a network adapter:
netsh interface set interface "" admin=enabled
Viewing and Managing Services
- List all services:
services.msc
- Start a service:
net start
- Stop a service:
net stop
PowerShell Networking Commands
- Check IP configuration:
Get-NetIPConfiguration
- Get DNS settings:
Get-DnsClientServerAddress
- Get active network connections:
Get-NetTCPConnection
Remote Connection
- Remote Desktop connection:
mstsc /v:
- Establish a remote PowerShell session:
Enter-PSSession -ComputerName
