How to Set Up WiFi on Linux Ubuntu: A Complete Guide

Setting up a connection via a graphical interface

For most standard desktop users, the most convenient method remains the built-in network manager. The interface is intuitive and hides complex technical details, allowing you to connect to the network in just a few clicks.

In the upper right corner of the screen, find the network icon (usually two arrows or a fan). Click it to see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you need from the list. SSID and enter the security password. If the network is hidden, select "Connect to a hidden network" and enter the name manually.

In the advanced settings, accessible through the menu Settings → Wi-Fi, you can manage network priority. If you have multiple routers or repeaters at home with the same name, the system may try to connect to a weak signal. In such cases, it's useful to temporarily ignore certain access points.

Using the Terminal: Netplan and Network Manager

Server versions Ubuntu or minimalist builds don't have a graphical shell, so network management is handled through configuration files. Modern versions of the distribution use the utility by default. Netplan, which generates a configuration for NetworkManager or systemd-networkd.

Configuration files are located in the directory /etc/netplan/To edit, use a text editor with superuser rights, for example sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yamlYAML syntax requires strict indentation, so be careful when entering data.

network:
version: 2
renderer: networkd
ethernets:
enp0s3:
dhcp4: true
wifis:
wlp0s20f3:
dhcp4: true
access-points:
"MyHomeNetwork":
password: "SuperSecretPassword"

After making changes, you need to apply the configuration with the command sudo netplan applyIf the syntax is incorrect, the system will return an error and not apply the settings, which will prevent connection loss. For debugging, use the command sudo netplan try, which will roll back changes after 120 seconds if you lose access to the server.

Troubleshooting connection and driver issues

Even with proper configuration, conflicts can arise, especially if other operating systems have been previously installed on the computer or the hardware has been upgraded. A common issue is the "connected but no internet" state or the inability to obtain an IP address.

One effective method is to reset the network manager. This can be done by stopping the service, clearing the cache, and restarting it. It's also worth checking if a firewall is blocking it. UFW outgoing connection.

• 🔄 Restart the service with the command: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
• 📡 Check network scanning: nmcli dev wifi list
• 🔌 Disable and enable the interface: nmcli radio wifi off then nmcli radio wifi on

⚠️ Note: Interfaces in Linux may change their names after a kernel update or motherboard replacement. Instead of the usual wlan0 you may see a name like wlo1 or enp3s0Always check the current device name before entering commands.

If the issue is related to power saving, the card may shut down to conserve battery power, resulting in disconnected connections. This feature can be disabled in the driver configuration file or through the settings. tlp, if this package is installed to optimize battery life.

Setting up a static IP address

In corporate networks or to organize access to a home server, a fixed IP addressDynamic address distribution (DHCP) is convenient for guests, but for permanent devices, it's better to reserve an address so that the path to them doesn't change.

You can configure static IP addresses through the graphical interface by selecting the IPv4 tab in the network settings and switching the method to "Manual." However, for servers, editing the file is preferable. NetplanThis ensures that the settings are preserved after a reboot and are applied early in the system boot process.

When specifying DNS servers, it's recommended to use reliable public services like Google or Cloudflare, especially if your ISP is having trouble resolving domains. This often speeds up browser response times when opening websites.

Diagnostics and signal analysis

When a connection is established but unstable, it's necessary to analyze the signal quality and noise level. Linux offers powerful monitoring tools that allow you to get a real picture of the broadcast environment.

Utility iwlist or more modern iw Provides detailed information about the channel, frequency, and signal strength. A low signal strength (less than -75 dBm) may indicate the need to change the channel on the router or install a repeater.

iwlist wlo1 scanning | grep -E 'SSID|Quality'

This command will scan your surroundings and display a list of networks with good signal strength. Pay attention to neighboring networks operating on the same channel—they can cause interference. Switching your router to a less congested channel can significantly improve speed.