[Chickening]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I want to run packet sniffers but don't want to use my big ass wifi adaptor to enable monitor mode, my laptop comes with a wifi module that has monitoring disabled, what exactly is the thing that stops the module from sniffing? Is it impossible to break software-wise? And if so, is it possible to break hardware-wise by opening up the laptop

Additionally, do you guys have any recommendations on a small and cheap wifi adaptor that has monitoring on? preferably something that is the size of a USB stick

thanks

[DramaKing]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I want to run packet sniffers but don't want to use my big ass wifi adaptor to enable monitor mode, my laptop comes with a wifi module that has monitoring disabled, what exactly is the thing that stops the module from sniffing? Is it impossible to break software-wise? And if so, is it possible to break hardware-wise by opening up the laptop

Additionally, do you guys have any recommendations on a small and cheap wifi adaptor that has monitoring on? preferably something that is the size of a USB stick

thanks

There isn't a disabler switch on WiFi NICs. Either it has the firmware and driver support for monitor mode, or it doesn't. The Intel AX210 half-mini PCIe card does support monitor mode, so you can try that. Replacing a WiFi card can be tricky because the laptop BIOS might not support different hardware, and the internal antennas might not have the gain of the external one.

[Chickening]

There isn't a disabler switch on WiFi NICs. Either it has the firmware and driver support for monitor mode, or it doesn't. The Intel AX210 half-mini PCIe card does support monitor mode, so you can try that. Replacing a WiFi card can be tricky because the laptop BIOS might not support different hardware, and the internal antennas might not have the gain of the external one.

again, no idea if this is also a dumb question, but i assume there is no way to install a driver that supports it to a card that doesnt have support to it? it seems very doable to me so im confused on why this just seems so impossible when people crack iphones etc

[Sparton]

again, no idea if this is also a dumb question, but i assume there is no way to install a driver that supports it to a card that doesnt have support to it? it seems very doable to me so im confused on why this just seems so impossible when people crack iphones etc

Monitor mode is not on automatically. You turn it on. So you can have multiple wifi adapters and start the one you want to use. Of course, you can only start ones that are capable of monitor mode. You would have to install drivers for the adapter depending on the chipset.
Most external adapters plug into a USB port. Some are the size of a USB stick. If you go with one of these, I would use an USB extension cable with it and get one with a removable antenna. This way you have more flexibility and can increase reception. I would recommend the Alfa.
I would go for one with a common monitor mode chipset like Ralink RT3070, Ralink RT2870, or Atheros AR9271. Some chipsets can be very iffy with monitor mode and the drivers very unstable.
Do a little research. Google "usb wifi adapters monitor mode".
Here is a link to one article. https://www.cellstream.com/2024/03/25/a-...itor-mode/

[DramaKing]

again, no idea if this is also a dumb question, but i assume there is no way to install a driver that supports it to a card that doesnt have support to it? it seems very doable to me so im confused on why this just seems so impossible when people crack iphones etc

Thought you might say something like that. Here are the problems:

1. Someone would need to reverse engineer the existing driver and write a new driver for the adapter.

2. The same is likely true for the firmware.

Nexmon does this for some ARM-based devices. Some.