> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.hak5.org/wifi-pineapple-pager/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.hak5.org/wifi-pineapple-pager/connecting-to-the-wifi-pineapple-pager/connecting-the-wifi-pineapple-pager.md).
# Connecting the WiFi Pineapple Pager
The WiFi Pineapple Pager has multiple ways to connect to networks and devices:
* USB-C
* Wi-Fi Client Mode
* Wi-Fi Management Access Point
* USB Ethernet
{% hint style="warning" %}
The WiFi Pineapple Pager uses the `172.16.52.x` network (`172.16.52.0/255.255.255.0`) on the USB-C and Management network interfaces.\
\
Ensure that no other network device - or virtual network such as that created by Docker or other virtual containers - is using this IP range!
{% endhint %}
### Connecting via USB-C
The USB-C port of the Pager presents as a USB Ethernet device, allowing you to connect the Pager directly to a PC or laptop. The USB-C port is also used for charging.
Internally to a Realtek RTL8153 Ethernet chip, chosen because it is supported by all current operating systems (Linux, BSD, Windows, and macOS) and should not required additional driver installation.
The Pager uses the `172.16.52.0/24` IP range, and will automatically assign a DHCP address to devices connected via the USB-C port.
Devices connected to the USB-C port are allowed to connect to the SSH server and the Virtual Pager page.
{% hint style="info" %}
Be careful! Not all USB cables are created equally!\
\
Be sure to use a *data capable* high-quality USB-C cable. Some cheaper cables may be charge-only - these cables will not work!
{% endhint %}
### Connecting to Wi-Fi as a client
The Pager can also act as a Wi-Fi client device and connect to existing WiFi networks.
In client mode, the WiFi Pineapple Pager will connect to an existing 2.4GHz access point and obtain an IP address via DHCP. Client mode supports 2.4GHz access points, and Open, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 networks. Access points on 5GHz, or enterprise authentication, are not supported in client mode.
The Pager in client mode will act as a normal network device - payloads on the Pager will be able to access the network (and the Internet, assuming the connection has connectivity), and the Pager itself can fetch firmware updates directly.
Pager mode can be enabled in the Pineapple Pager Settings panel, under `Settings` > `Network` > `Client Mode Setup`. It can also be configured via SSH using the `WIFI_CONNECT` command.
For example,
```shell
root@pager:/mmc/root# WIFI_CONNECT wlan0cli 'MyHomeNetwork' psk2 'Beansbeansbans' ANY
```
You can run `WIFI_CONNECT --help` for more information on using the shell setup commands.
{% hint style="info" %}
Remember - client mode uses the more limited 2.4GHz-only radio, so make sure your network is available on 2.4GHz!
{% endhint %}
### Connecting via Wi-Fi Management
The WiFi Pineapple Pager can optionally enable a management Wi-Fi network. This network is protected by WPA2-PSK or WPA3-SAE, and allows you to connect to the Pager from any Wi-Fi capable device.
The management network can be enabled via the Pineapple Pager Settings panel, under `Settings` > `Network` > `Management AP Setup`. It can also be configured via SSH using the `WIFI_MGMT_AP` command.
For example,
```shell
root@pager:/mmc/root# WIFI_MGMT_AP wlan0mgmt 'PagerManagement' sae-mixed 'SuperSecret_PagerPassword'
```
You can run `WIFI_MGMT_AP --help` for more information on using the shell setup commands.
Devices connected to the Wi-Fi Management access point are allowed to connect to the SSH server and the Virtual Pager page.
### USB Ethernet
The Pager supports most USB Ethernet chipsets. A USB Ethernet adapter can be plugged into the WiFi Pineapple Pager A port, and the Pager will automatically use it for network connectivity.
---
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