Configure hostapd as an access point on Slackware

1. When to use it

Useful for network testing, field recovery, or small isolated environments without a dedicated controller.

2. Base setup

printf 'interface=wlan0\nssid=lab-slack\nchannel=6\nwpa=2\nwpa_passphrase=StrongPass123\n' > /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf
hostapd -B /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf
ip addr add 192.168.50.1/24 dev wlan0

Adjust host names, IPs, interfaces, paths, and versions to the real system before making the change persistent.

3. Quick verification

ss -lntup | grep hostapd
iw dev wlan0 info
ip addr show wlan0

Confirm that the output matches the expected state before considering the intervention complete.

4. Operational notes

Check first that the chipset supports AP mode, otherwise the configuration may look right but remain unusable.

Quick checklist

[ ] Steps completed\n[ ] Config updated\n[ ] Tests executed\n[ ] Rollback ready\n[ ] Logs checked

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