Hostapd
hostapd is a user space daemon for access point and authentication servers. It implements IEEE 802.11 access point management, IEEE 802.1X/WPA/WPA2/EAP Authenticators, RADIUS client, EAP server, and basic bridging functionality.
wifi
access-point
80211
authentication
radius
bridging
hostapd: Access Point and Authentication Server
hostapd is a user space daemon for access point and authentication servers. It implements IEEE 802.11 access point management, IEEE 802.1X/WPA/WPA2/EAP Authenticators, RADIUS client, EAP server, and basic bridging functionality.
What is Hostapd?
hostapd is an open source software user space daemon for access point and authentication servers. It implements the basic functionality of IEEE 802.11 access points and IEEE 802.1X/WPA/WPA2/EAP Authenticators.
Some key features of hostapd include:
- Implements IEEE 802.11 access point (AP) functionality
- IEEE 802.1X/WPA/WPA2/EAP Authenticator
- RADIUS authentication and accounting client
- RADIUS authentication server for EAP authentication methods
- Basic bridging and routing capabilities for simple bridging between wireless and Ethernet LANs
hostapd is designed to be a "daemon" program that runs in the background and provides wireless functionality to other applications and systems. It handles low level IEEE 802.11 protocol operations, authentication, association state machines, etc. so higher level programs don't have to.
hostapd is commonly used on Linux platforms to provide wireless AP and authentication services to systems like network routers, hotspots, WiFi repeaters. Many WiFi drivers on Linux require hostapd to handle management frames and authentication.
Hostapd Features
Features
- Implements IEEE 802.11 access point
- Implements IEEE 802.1X/WPA/WPA2/EAP authentication
- Can act as RADIUS client and EAP server
- Provides basic bridging functionality
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Widely used and well tested
Supports common WiFi security standards
Flexible authentication options
Open source and free
Cons
Setup can be complex for novice users
Limited documentation and support
Requires Linux system to run
Official Links
The Best Hostapd Alternatives
Top Network & Admin and Networking Tools and other similar apps like Hostapd
Here are some alternatives to Hostapd:
Suggest an alternative ❐
MyPublicWiFi
MyPublicWiFi is a free software tool that enables anyone to easily turn a computer or router with WiFi capabilities into a public wireless access point. It adds a guest network to your existing private WiFi network, with customizable settings for bandwidth limits, internet access control, and more.The main benefit of...
Virtual Router
A virtual router is a software application that performs the functions of a hardware-based router on a computer or server. Unlike a hardware router, a virtual router is not a physical device but rather runs as software on the operating system.Some key capabilities and benefits of a virtual router include:Enables...
Connectify Hotspot
Connectify Hotspot is a versatile virtual router software for Windows that allows you to share your computer's internet connection with other devices over WiFi. It turns your Windows PC into a fully functional WiFi hotspot in just a few clicks without the need for extra hardware.Some key features of Connectify...
Winhotspot
Winhotspot is a free and open source software application that allows Windows users to easily turn their laptop or desktop computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot. With Winhotspot, you can share your computer's internet connection with other devices through Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for cables or extra hardware.Some key features of...
AndroidWifi
AndroidWifi is a free and open source WiFi manager app for Android. It provides an intuitive interface and advanced features to help manage and troubleshoot WiFi connections on your device.Some key features of AndroidWifi include:Easily view and connect to available WiFi networks. Networks can be sorted by signal strength.Manually add...
SeventhGate
SeventhGate is an open-source, cross-platform password manager and encrypted digital vault software. It allows users to securely store passwords, sensitive documents like scanning of identity documents, private keys, photos, and other confidential information in an encrypted database protected by one master password.Some key features of SeventhGate include:Secure AES-256 bit encryption...
Linux-router
Linux Router is an open-source software package that transforms a regular computer into a dedicated router. It provides enterprise-grade routing capabilities and advanced features without needing expensive commercial router hardware.Some key features of Linux Router include:Support for routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, RIP, IS-IS for dynamic routing between networksComprehensive firewall...
Tanaza
Tanaza is a cloud-based Wi-Fi management platform designed for managing wireless networks in businesses, hotels, schools, and other organizations. It provides centralized control and monitoring of multiple wireless access points, routers, switches, and gateways from a web-based dashboard.Key features of Tanaza include:Centralized management of Wi-Fi networks, SSIDs, user access controlsReal-time...
Open Garden
Open Garden is a free and open-sourced app available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac operating systems. It enables devices to connect directly to each other using peer-to-peer technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct to build mesh networks without needing an internet connection.Here are some key features of Open...
Virtual Router Plus
Virtual Router Plus is a free, open source software package that allows users to turn any Windows PC (Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11) into a full-featured router for home and small office networks. Developed by Connectify, it provides a wide range of routing functionality and management features.Key features of...
Create_ap
Create_ap is an open source software utility that enables users to quickly and easily convert a Linux computer into a WiFi wireless access point or hotspot. Developed specifically for Raspberry Pi single board computers, create_ap provides a straightforward command line interface for configuring a RPi as a wireless AP, allowing...
Virtual Wifi Router Version 2
Virtual Wifi Router Version 2 is a free, open-source software application developed by Yogi Kumar that allows you to convert your Windows laptop or desktop computer into a WiFi hotspot or repeater. It works by utilizing the hosted network feature on supported Windows versions to broadcast a wifi signal using...
Virtual Access Point
A virtual access point (VAP) is a software-based wireless access point that runs on a physical wireless access point hardware. It enables a single physical AP to act as multiple APs by broadcasting multiple SSIDs and virtual networks.Some key benefits of using VAPs include:Saving costs by eliminating the need for...
My WIFI Router
My WIFI Router is software designed to help home and small business users get the most out of their WiFi routers. It provides an easy-to-use dashboard that allows you to monitor all the devices connected to your network, set parental controls and content filters, run internet speed tests, and customize...
MyWIFIzone
MyWIFIzone is a cloud-based WiFi management platform designed for businesses, hotels, schools, and other organizations that need to manage multiple wireless access points and networks. Some key features of MyWIFIzone include:Centralized dashboard to control WiFi networks across multiple locationsTools to set up guest WiFi access with custom logins, passwords, and...
Virtual WiFi Hotspot
Virtual WiFi Hotspot is software that enables users to utilize their laptop's wireless internet connection as a WiFi hotspot to share with other devices. It transforms a laptop into a wireless access point, allowing smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets to connect to the internet through the laptop's WiFi.Some key features...
WifiSpot
WifiSpot is a free, open-source software application that allows Windows users to easily turn their laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot to share their internet connection. It works by using the existing Wi-Fi adapter in your laptop to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal that other devices like phones, tablets, or other laptops...
Netify Jump
Netify Jump is a developer-friendly platform for hosting and automating Jamstack websites and web applications. Some key features of Netify Jump:Fully managed infrastructure - Netify handles all hosting, scaling, optimizations, and security in the background so you can focus on building your site or app.Global CDN and smart caching -...
SDR Free Virtual Wifi Router
SDR Free Virtual Wifi Router is a free and open source software application that enables users to convert their Windows computer into a virtual WiFi router. This allows you to share your computer's internet connection with other devices wirelessly, without the need for a separate hardware router.Some key features of...
Maxidix Hotspot
Maxidix Hotspot is a software application designed specifically for creating and managing public WiFi hotspots. It provides hotspot owners a suite of tools to set up a hotspot, authorize devices, monitor network usage, and secure internet access.Key features of Maxidix Hotspot include:Intuitive dashboard to view hotspot status, client devices, and...
RouterSoft
RouterSoft is a software designed to help home users easily configure, manage, and monitor their home routers. It provides an intuitive graphical user interface that allows you to customize your router settings without needing advanced technical knowledge.With RouterSoft, you can:Set up a guest WiFi network with a separate SSID and...