---
name: "essidscan"
section: "8"
platform: "linux"
package: "ifscheme"
version: "1.7-6"
release: "Debian 11 (Bullseye)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/essidscan"
---

# essidscan(8)

scan for ESSID corresponding to available WLAN access points

## NAME

essidscan - scan for ESSID corresponding to available WLAN access points

## SYNOPSIS

In */etc/network/interfaces:*

**mapping \<interface\> script essidscan**

## DESCRIPTION

The essidscan utility is used to tell the ifup and ifdown utilities about the current SSID of the WLAN currently being accessed. It can be used to map the SSID name to an iface stanza.

## CONFIGURATION

A sample */etc/network/interfaces* may look like this:

   mapping hotplug\
      script /etc/network/essidscan\
      map SSIDONE  wlan-work\
      map SSIDTWO  wlan-work\
      map HOME

   iface wlan-work inet dhcp\
      wireless-key     1234-5678-9ABC-DEF0-1234-5678-9A\
      wireless-keymode restricted

   iface HOME inet static\
      address          192.168.2.4\
      netmask          255.255.255.0\
      gateway          192.168.2.1\
      wireless-essid   HOME\
      wireless-key     s:somepassword\
      wireless-keymode open

   iface DEFAULT inet dhcp

## FILES

- */etc/network/interfaces*

  the interfaces definition file

- */etc/network/run/ifstate*

  a record of the current state of the interfaces, managed by ifup and ifdown

## SEE ALSO

[**interfaces**(5)](/interfaces/5.md) [**ifscheme**(8)](/ifscheme/8.md) [**ifup**(8)](/ifup/8.md) [**ifdown**(8)](/ifdown/8.md)

## AUTHORS

Tor Slettnes \<tor@slett.net\>