With Linux becoming popular among new users, especially with the integration of Ubuntu into the sales of new Dell Personal Computers, it is no doubt that Linux is gearing towards a more graphical user interface (GUI) type of operating system, just like what Microsoft Windows has provided. The days of the command line is soon to be lost if users do not make use of them.

A simple tutorial to illustrate the use of command lines to locate Wireless access points is introduced in this article. If you are new to using command line or someone who is interested in configuring Wireless connections using Linux, then you should read on.

(find out how to use command line to locate Wireless Access Points...)

It is relatively easy once you get kick of using terminal console. I would introduce one of the many Wireless tools - "iwlist".

IWLIST
Definition: This tool is used to get more detailed wireless information from a wireless interface.

To get some help, type the following command into the console:

iwlist --help

It is also possible to get more detailed information from the manual by typing:

man iwlist

You can see the screen-shot (above).

Using Wireless Tool to Locate Wireless APs)
Below are the steps to locate the Wireless Access Points.

1. Access the root permission. There are two ways. Those not using sudo have to log in to root permission.
   

   su

   Otherwise, just type in the remaining of the commands below with a "sudo" prefixed to the command line.

2. Scan for AP.
   

   iwlist <interface> scan

Replace "<interface>" with appropriate network interface, e.g. "wlan0" or "eth1" (without the quotes""). That will trigger the wireless card to scan for available Wireless Access Points within your vicinity.

An sample of the result is shown on the image (above).

Conclusion
So, you see that it isn't that difficult to use command lines to locate Wireless Access Points. All it takes is a little bit of practice.