> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/hacking-wifi/wpa-wpa2-psk-network-attacks/reconnaissance-and-capture/airodump-filter-modes.md).

# Airodump Filter Modes

Focus an authorized capture by channel, ESSID, or BSSID.

`airodump-ng` can display many access points at once. Filter the capture to focus on an in-scope asset.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Capture approved equipment. A filter does not replace assessment authorization.
{% endhint %}

### Choose a filter

Use a channel when you know the access point frequency. Use an ESSID to follow a network by name. Use a BSSID to identify a specific radio.

### Filter by channel

```bash
airodump-ng -c 1 wlan0mon
```

The `-c` value must match the channel observed during reconnaissance.

### Filter by ESSID

Filter by the network's advertised name:

```bash
airodump-ng --essid WIFI wlan0mon
```

### Filter by BSSID

Filter by the access point MAC address:

```bash
airodump-ng --bssid BC:0F:9A:66:1A:8E wlan0mon
```

The BSSID removes ambiguity when multiple networks share the same name.

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2F1lRaUmNuvsfGqIuTwRUS%2F%7B974E63C1-098D-4D26-A6C5-9DEE787C41CF%7D.png?alt=media&amp;token=7dc91712-3a6c-4988-8950-a29ce782320d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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