How to know which 802.11 standard is used by a router

Question

Is there a command that can help me get the 802.11 standard used by a router.

PS : My OS is Linux (Ubuntu).

Answer 1

Run sudo iw dev INTERFACE scan to figure out the used protocol. (requires kernel >=3.0)

If you don't have it then install it with sudo apt-get install iw

This answer over on Stack Exchange Unix explains how to determine what standard is being used.

Answer 2

Is there a command that can help me get the 802.11 standard used by a router.

It depends:

• The normal way would be to log into the accesspoint and check the capabilities on the device itself.
• Failing that you could check with which standard you are connected o the WAP (assing you have wireless in your system). See Jesse's answer.
• With no connection but with a wireless NIC installed you might be able to eavesdrop in what is send though the air. Essentially snif on the communication of what is actually used.
• And lastly, you could alway read the documentation for the WAP.