Check for "master" mode support

[toobaz]

Hello nims11,

though you say that your python script was tested only with Atheros cards, I see no obvious reason why it shouldn't work with any wireless card supporting "master" mode. So I tested it, and tried hard to fix the various problems (i.e. Debian provides me with udhcpd, but apparently not with a standard "dhcpd" package, so I had to change the executable name), until I realized it was all in vain, because my driver (iwl_legacy) actually misses the support for "master" mode. So my feature suggestion is: before doing anything, try a

iwconfig device mode master

(replace "device" with the device name) and ensure this doesn't give an "Invalid argument" error; if it does, print a nice explanation and exit.

[nims11]

Hi toobaz,
Firstly thanks for the feedback.
The python script should ideally work for all cards that support master mode, but few environment level reasons (Like dhcp in your case) needs to be handled before I can claim it to work universally. I am planning to switch to dnsmasq to remove lots of such problems.

Regarding reporting absence of master mode, I will work on it using your way. But

iwconfig device mode master

doesn't work with all cards which actually have support master mode (Like mine, which uses mac80211), For them
iw list
Should work.

Anyway, I will be resuming the development soon and address these.

[toobaz]

I see, thanks for your clarification!

I will try again your script when I have at hand my USB wireless dongle which supports master mode.

[toobaz]

OK, now I feel really stupid.

[nims11]

haha, no problem :)