What is a Station?

In the context of Wi-Fi networks, a station (often abbreviated as STA) is any device that can connect to a wireless network. While an Access Point (AP) creates the network, stations are the clients that use it.

Think of it like this:

• Access Point (AP): The router or hotspot providing the Wi-Fi signal. It’s the “base” of the network.
• Station (STA): Any device connected to that AP.

Common Examples of Stations

• Laptops
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Smart TVs
• IoT devices (like smart plugs, cameras, or sensors)
• Gaming consoles

Why are Stations Important in Wi-Fi Security?

The Recon tool in the Hacker’s Nightlight WebUI shows you both Access Points and the stations connected to them. This information is valuable for several reasons:

• Network Mapping: Seeing which devices are connected to which AP helps you understand the structure of a wireless environment.
• Identifying Targets: Individual client devices can be targets for certain attacks. For example, a deauthentication attack can be directed at a specific station to disconnect it from its network.
• Handshake Capturing: To capture a WPA/WPA2 handshake, you need to capture the 4-way exchange that happens when a station connects (or re-connects) to an AP. Knowing which stations are active on a network helps you target them to provoke a re-connection.

By observing the relationship between APs and their stations, you gain a much more complete picture of the wireless landscape around you.