# Wireless Networking Setup on Raspberry Pi Using Command Line

This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up a wireless connection on your Raspberry Pi using the command line interface. 

This method is versatile and should work for various security protocols, including WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Enable Wireless Networking</mark>

Before configuring your Wi-Fi, ensure the wireless radio is enabled and set the correct country code to comply with local regulations:

<mark style="color:green;">**Set WLAN Country:**</mark> Open the `raspi-config` tool to set your country for wireless networking.

```bash
sudo raspi-config
```

Navigate to `Localisation Options` > `WLAN Country` and select your country.

<mark style="color:green;">**Check Wi-Fi Status:**</mark> Verify if the Wi-Fi radio is enabled.

```bash
nmcli radio wifi
```

If it returns `disabled`, enable it:

```bash
nmcli radio wifi on
```

### <mark style="color:blue;">Finding Networks</mark>

Scan for available Wi-Fi networks:

```bash
nmcli dev wifi list
```

This command displays a list of available networks. Identify the SSID (network name) you wish to connect to.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Connect to a Network</mark>

#### <mark style="color:green;">Secured Network</mark>

To connect to a secured network:

```bash
sudo nmcli --ask dev wifi connect <example_ssid>
```

Replace `<example_ssid>` with your network's SSID. You will be prompted to enter the network password.

#### <mark style="color:green;">Unsecured Network</mark>

For an unsecured network:

```bash
sudo nmcli dev wifi connect <example_ssid>
```

#### <mark style="color:green;">Hidden Network</mark>

For a hidden network, specify it's hidden:

```bash
sudo nmcli --ask dev wifi connect <example_ssid> hidden yes
```

### <mark style="color:blue;">Set Network Priority</mark>

Your Raspberry Pi can automatically connect to a preferred network among several known ones based on priority:

<mark style="color:green;">**Check Current Priority**</mark>

```bash
nmcli --fields autoconnect-priority,name connection
```

This command shows the priority values for known networks.

<mark style="color:green;">**Change Network Priority**</mark>

To prioritise a network, adjust its autoconnect priority:

```bash
nmcli connection modify "Pi Towers" connection.autoconnect-priority 10
```

This example sets "Pi Towers" as a preferred network with a priority of 10.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Confirm Connection</mark>

After connecting, confirm that your Pi is connected to the desired network:

```bash
nmcli dev wifi list
```

Look for an asterisk (\*) in the "IN-USE" column next to your network.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Additional Tips</mark>

* **Editing Network Configurations:** Directly edit connection configurations at `/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/`.
* **Security Note:** Exercise caution when connecting to unsecured wireless networks.
* **Network Troubleshooting:** If you encounter connection issues, recheck your SSID and password, and ensure your Raspberry Pi is within a good range of the Wi-Fi signal.

By following these steps, you can configure and prioritize wireless networks on your Raspberry Pi using the command line, providing flexibility and control over your device's network connections.


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