NetworkManager, the open source tool for network detection and configuration, has reached an important goal, version 1.16 is here with many improvements.
Network Manager 1.16 came a few days after the release of GNOME 3.32 and promises many improvements among which we find the support for the new WireGuard protocol implemented in Linux Kernel to create secure IPv4 and IPv6 VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).
"Unlike other VPN solutions that NetworkManager supports, WireGuard depends entirely on the Linux Kernel. This has advantages in terms of performance and eliminates the need for a VPN extension.”Is mentioned in the release notes.
NetworkManager 1.16 also adds support for the latest WPA3-Personal standard for better security of personal networks with password thanks to the implementation of SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) authentication, as well as support for establishing connections with Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi P2P).
Better options for DHCP, support for AP and Ad-Hoc
There are many other novelties in this release, among which we can best mention IWD backend for AP and Ad-Hoc support to create Wi-Fi access points, support to check connectivity by address family, new PolicyKit permissions to control Wi-Fi scanning.
On the other hand, Network Manager 1.16 supports “main.systemd-resolved” for direct configuration of DNS settings in systemd-resolved without DNS extension, better handling of DHCP router options through the default DHCP extension.
You can download NetworkManager 1.16 sources en this link and will soon be available for installation through the official repositories of the different GNU / Linux distributions.
How do you install?