> 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 href="#when-to-use-them" id="when-to-use-them"></a>

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  <a href="#syntax" id="syntax"></a>

```none
WIFI_PCAP_START
```

Start a pcap capture

```none
WIFI_PCAP_STOP
```

Stop a pcap capture

### Results  <a href="#results" id="results"></a>

`WIFI_PCAP_START` will return the filename of the pcap log