NetworkManager vs wpa_supplicant

Struggling to choose between NetworkManager and wpa_supplicant? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

NetworkManager is a Network & Admin solution with tags like networking, connection, interface, configuration.

It boasts features such as Network connection management, Wired and wireless network configuration, VPN support, Network traffic shaping, Dynamic DNS updates, Network monitoring and pros including Easy to use graphical interface, Supports many network types and hardware, Built-in VPN client, Flexible traffic control, Widely supported on Linux distributions.

On the other hand, wpa_supplicant is a Network & Admin product tagged with wifi, security, encryption, authentication, open-source.

Its standout features include Implements key negotiation with WPA Authenticator, Controls roaming and IEEE 802.11 authentication, Association of wireless LAN driver, Designed to work with Linux, BSD, macOS and Windows, and it shines with pros like Open source and free, Wide compatibility across operating systems, Implements latest security standards like WPA2, Active development and support community.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

NetworkManager

NetworkManager

NetworkManager is a Linux program for managing network connections and configuring network interfaces. It aims to be easy to use while allowing advanced configuration if needed.

Categories:
Network & Admin Network Management
networking connection interface configuration

NetworkManager Features

  1. Network connection management
  2. Wired and wireless network configuration
  3. VPN support
  4. Network traffic shaping
  5. Dynamic DNS updates
  6. Network monitoring

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Easy to use graphical interface

Supports many network types and hardware

Built-in VPN client

Flexible traffic control

Widely supported on Linux distributions

Cons

Limited command line interface

Dependency issues on some distros

Lacks some advanced configuration options

Not compatible with some niche hardware

wpa_supplicant

wpa_supplicant

wpa_supplicant is an open source software implementation of an IEEE 802.11i supplicant. It is designed to work with Linux, BSD, macOS, and Windows operating systems. wpa_supplicant implements key negotiation with a WPA Authenticator for client stations and controls the roaming and IEEE 802.11 authentication and association of the wireless LAN driver.

Categories:
Network & Admin Network Security
wifi security encryption authentication open-source

Wpa_supplicant Features

  1. Implements key negotiation with WPA Authenticator
  2. Controls roaming and IEEE 802.11 authentication
  3. Association of wireless LAN driver
  4. Designed to work with Linux, BSD, macOS and Windows

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free

Wide compatibility across operating systems

Implements latest security standards like WPA2

Active development and support community

Cons

Complex configuration

Limited GUI, mostly command-line based

Requires separate utilities like wpa_cli for advanced use cases