Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

iw VS create_ap

Compare iw VS create_ap and see what are their differences

iw logo iw

iw is a new nl80211 based CLI configuration utility for wireless devices.

create_ap logo create_ap

The create_ap script combines hostapd, dnsmasq and iptables to create a Bridged/NATed WiFi Access...
  • iw Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-10-18
  • create_ap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26

iw features and specs

  • Modern Tool
    The 'iw' tool provides a modern and powerful way to configure wireless devices in Linux. It replaces the older 'iwconfig' tool and offers more features and flexibility in managing wireless connectivity.
  • Enhanced Features
    It supports new features that are not available in 'iwconfig', such as managing regulatory domains, setting up monitor mode, and advanced scanning capabilities.
  • Better Configuration Control
    'iw' provides more granular control over wireless device configuration, allowing for more precise tuning of parameters and better performance optimization.
  • Active Development
    Being part of the Linux kernel wireless subsystem, 'iw' benefits from active development and community support, ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware and wireless standards.

Possible disadvantages of iw

  • Complexity
    'iw' has a steeper learning curve than 'iwconfig' due to its comprehensive range of options and capabilities, which can be overwhelming for new users.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Not all wireless devices may fully support 'iw' capabilities, especially older or less common hardware, which could result in limited functionality.
  • Command-Line Only
    'iw' is a command-line tool without a graphical interface, which may not be user-friendly for those accustomed to GUI-based network management tools.

create_ap features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Create_ap simplifies the process of sharing an Internet connection by providing an easy-to-use command-line interface to create a Wi-Fi access point using your existing network card.
  • No Need for Third-party Hardware
    It allows users to create a wireless hotspot without requiring additional hardware, which can be useful for laptops or desktops with built-in wireless capabilities.
  • Customizability
    Users can configure various aspects of the Wi-Fi access point, such as SSID, passphrase, and security protocols, enabling tailored network setups.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, create_ap allows users to inspect, modify, and enhance the code according to their needs, while also benefiting from community contributions.
  • Supports Different Network Modes
    Create_ap supports various modes of operation, including NATed and bridged modes, providing flexibility in how the network is configured.

Possible disadvantages of create_ap

  • Linux-only
    Create_ap is designed to work on Linux systems, limiting its use by users who are on other operating systems like Windows or macOS.
  • Requires Command Line Usage
    While powerful, the reliance on the command line may make it less approachable for users who are not comfortable with terminal or shell commands.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Users may encounter compatibility issues with certain wireless drivers or network interfaces, which can hinder its functionality.
  • Dependent on NetworkManager
    The tool might have dependencies on specific network management systems like NetworkManager, which may not be present or desired in all distributions or network setups.
  • Potential Security Risks
    As with any tool that creates network access points, improper configuration can lead to security vulnerabilities, exposing the network to unauthorized access.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to iw and create_ap)
Monitoring Tools
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50% 50
API Tools
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50% 50
Log Management
50 50%
50% 50
Development
50 50%
50% 50

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

create_ap might be a bit more popular than iw. We know about 2 links to it since March 2021 and only 2 links to iw. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

iw mentions (2)

  • finally
    The instructions on https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless is pretty extensive. Popular tools are listed in the article: * https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Iwd * https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Wpa_supplicant * https://wireless.wiki.kernel.org/en/users/documentation/iw. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Is there a simplest wifi client which just connects to open/wpa/wep/wpa-eap protocol and **NOT** be a daemon on itself to reconnect or do any handling of priority or for taking/managing a list of networks?
    You can run any daemon in your terminal by yourself, many of them have an option to not fork process. Wpa_supplicant is the simpliest client you can get if your WIFI uses WPA/WPA2. The more simple is only iw, but it only supports WEP encryption security. Source: over 3 years ago

create_ap mentions (2)

  • Connecting to Access Points using Tplink wn722n in Android
    Hi can you guide me how to setup create_Ap , Installation guide is not friendly. Source: over 3 years ago
  • [FEDORA 35, Gnome 41] 'Turn On WIFI hotspot' is always grayed out in settings (gnome-control-center). How to create a WIFI hotspot?
    I don't know how to create a WIFI hotspot using the terminal. But I did try create_ap, which doesn't work, with the following error message:. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing iw and create_ap, you can also consider the following products

NetworkManager - NetworkManager is a set of co-operative tools that make networking simple and straightforward.

Connectify Hotspot - Connectify Me hotspot is a PC app that turns your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

wicd - Wicd is an open source wired and wireless network manager for Linux.

AndroidWifi - To read the update messages on this guide click here   A few months back, I bought an android phone. I found android was way better tha...

wpa supplicant - WPA Supplicant for Linux, BSD, and Windows (IEEE 802.1X, WPA, WPA2, RSN, IEEE 802.11i)

mHotspot - mHotspot is a completely free software which converts your windows 7 & 8 laptop into a virtual wifi router and creates a secure wifi hotspot.