Monitoring Wi-Fi Traffic with ESP32

Introduction to Probe Requests
Introduction to Probe Requests
Probe requests are Wi-Fi signals sent by devices seeking network availability. These 802.11 management frames enable devices to discover and connect to nearby wireless networks efficiently.
ESP32 Wi-Fi Capabilities
ESP32 Wi-Fi Capabilities
The ESP32 is a versatile microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi. It can monitor wireless traffic, including probe requests, through its 'promiscuous' or 'sniffer' mode, allowing deep network inspection.
Setting Up ESP32
Setting Up ESP32
To monitor probe requests, configure the ESP32 in promiscuous mode using the 'esp_wifi_set_promiscuous' function. This taps into Wi-Fi packet metadata without connecting to a network.
Capturing Probe Requests
Capturing Probe Requests
While in promiscuous mode, ESP32 can capture probe requests with a callback function. The function logs the sender's MAC address, signal strength, and sometimes the SSID.
Analyzing Traffic Patterns
Analyzing Traffic Patterns
Captured data can reveal patterns such as device presence, movement, and preferred networks. With careful analysis, it's possible to infer behavioral patterns or network preferences.
Privacy and Ethics
Privacy and Ethics
Monitoring probe requests raises privacy concerns. Ethical considerations should guide the use of this technology, ensuring compliance with privacy laws and respect for individual consent.
Advanced Applications
Advanced Applications
Beyond basic monitoring, ESP32 can be programmed for tasks like Wi-Fi deauthentication detection, creating makeshift Wi-Fi 'intrusion detection systems' to enhance network security.
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What are probe requests for?
Sending emails via Wi-Fi
Discovering wireless networks
Encrypting data transmissions