© 2011 Warren Block
Last updated 2011-05-19
Introduction
Setting up wireless networking on FreeBSD is not as complex as in the past. Here’s the short form. The examples that follow show a RealTek wireless device using the urtw(4) driver.
Setup For Automatic Wireless Connection
If needed, load driver modules in /boot/loader.conf.
if_urtw_load="YES"
Create /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf with SSID and PSK.
network={
ssid="myssid"
psk="myultrasecretkey"
}
Modify /etc/rc.conf to create wlan0 and connect:
wlans_urtw0="wlan0" ifconfig_wlan0="WPA SYNCDHCP"
On startup, FreeBSD will automatically connect.
That’s it, pretty much all you need. Stop here unless you want to manually start a wireless connection.
Command Line Manual Method
# kldload if_urtw# ifconfig wlan0 create wlandev urtw0
# wpa_supplicant -B -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf
# dhclient wlan0
 | If your wireless card driver isn’t built into the GENERIC kernel, or you use a custom kernel without it, the driver module must be loaded first. Some devices also need firmware modules, usually provided by a port. See the man page for your device. |
 | Create a generic wireless device for the wireless network code to use. |
 | Run wpa_supplicant(8) to associate to an access point defined in /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf. |
 | Get an IP address and DNS servers. |
Appendix A: Things To Use Or Avoid
WEP is insecure, avoid it. WPA2 is much better, use it. If you have old equipment that doesn’t support WPA, smash it with a hammer or other convenient blunt instrument.
TKIP has some flaws. Use AES.
"Hidden" SSIDs are not really hidden. They make network setup more difficult and provide no real security benefits.