In the context of networking, what is the function of the 'iwconfig' command?

The 'iwconfig' command is specifically designed for managing and configuring wireless network interfaces in a Linux environment. It allows users to set various parameters for wireless devices, such as the SSID (Service Set Identifier), encryption keys, and mode of operation (e.g., managed or monitor mode). When working with wireless connections, this command is essential for ensuring the interface is correctly set up to connect to wireless networks, thereby facilitating proper communication over those networks.

In contrast, configuring IP addresses is typically done with commands like 'ifconfig' or 'ip', showing routing tables involves commands such as 'route' or 'ip route', and monitoring network traffic can be achieved with tools like 'tcpdump' or 'Wireshark'. Each of these functions serves a distinct purpose within the network management domain, but only 'iwconfig' focuses on the specific needs of wireless interfaces.