> 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/wifi-pineapple-commands/wifi_pcap.md).
# WIFI\_PCAP
`WIFI_PCAP_START` - start an optimized pcap log of Wi-Fi packets
`WIFI_PCAP_STOP` - stop a running pcap log
### When to use them
A `pcap` log file gives a standard record of packets seen.
The Pineapple Recon engine can automatically make an **optimized** pcap log. Using in-kernel filtering, the Recon system minimizes the extraneous data captured in a pcap capture, trimming data packets and other content.
Use the `tcpdump` tool to take a complete, unfiltered pcap directly from an interface.
### Syntax
```none
WIFI_PCAP_START
```
Start a pcap capture
```none
WIFI_PCAP_STOP
```
Stop a pcap capture
### Results
`WIFI_PCAP_START` will return the filename of the pcap log
---
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