mookaloid
|
| posted on 12/7/06 at 10:14 AM |
|
|
Wireless testing software
Any one know of any free software which will look at wireless networks?
I can see about 6 other networks from my office and I just want to know which channels they are using so that I can avoid them.
Not interested in hacking etc.
Cheers
Mark
|
|
|
|
|
davida
|
| posted on 12/7/06 at 10:27 AM |
|
|
Hi Mark,
It's usually possible to get Windows or your existing wireless adapter utility to report the available networks.
There are lots of tools available for digging a little (or a lot...) deeper but I've found this tool to be pretty simple:
http://www.passmark.com/products/wirelessmonitor.htm
Regards
Dave
[Edited on 12/7/06 by davida]
|
|
|
mookaloid
|
| posted on 12/7/06 at 10:45 AM |
|
|
Thanks Dave, just the job!
Cheers
Mark
|
|
|
DaveFJ
|
| posted on 12/7/06 at 10:49 AM |
|
|
Although there are channels available, changing doesn't really help much. the channels are so close together and the tolerances that the cheap
routers work to so wide that you get interference across all the channels.. 
Basically anywhere you can detect more than 4 networks (possibly less) you can pretty much be assured that your connection will be crap. (que 10
people saying otherwise). this is based on recently having to carry out over 100 home installations for our employees using a variety of kit.
Dave
"In Support of Help the Heroes" - Always
|
|
|
mookaloid
|
| posted on 12/7/06 at 11:07 AM |
|
|
Well I found 4 on channel 11 including me and 2 on channel 6 so I've moved to channel 2.
In fairness I wasn't experiencing much in the way of problems, I just wanted to be a bit proactive in keeping my network healthy.
Cheers
Mark
|
|
|
jamesbond007ltk
|
| posted on 12/7/06 at 12:32 PM |
|
|
There is a very useful piece of software called netstumbler that will tell you anything you need about networks in your area.
|
|
|
need4speed
|
| posted on 12/7/06 at 04:53 PM |
|
|
You should only use channels 1,6 & 11 other wise you interfere with the others as each channel covers 5 bands, so rather than use channel 2 use 1
and if you can't find a free one your still better using the same as someone else as 802.11 is designed to cope with that but it won't
cope with interference.
Not as it's part of my day job or anything!! Airmagnet it best to use but expensive to buy.
Dave
|
|
|
