We couldn’t do our work without the valuable apps used in the Windows operating system. That’s what we’ll discuss in this episode. Wi-Fi apps for Windows.
This episode is brought to you by
Here are the Wi-Fi apps for Windows that Rowell and I use regularly when we are working at client sites or for any other Wi-Fi project. We certainly have our favorite apps and there are some we use on special cases but take a look at the list below and let us know what you think in the comments.
Metageek Chanalyzer
- Spectrum Analysis software (For more, listen to CTS066, CTS039, CTS073)
- Required a piece of hardware to feed spectrum information to the software
- Wi-Fi Spy dBx
- Cisco CleanAir AP (much better resolution)
- Required a piece of hardware to feed spectrum information to the software
- Simple and user friendly interface
- Different views
- Waterfall view
- Current spectrum view
- Different views
- Ability to record spectrum analysis
- Can scan both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands at the same time (if proper adapter is used)
- Built-in Wi-Fi network scanner
- Present channel utilization
- Link to Chanalyzer
Metageek Eye P.A.
- A different way to analyze a Wi-Fi network
- Very visual
- Ability to capture packets (if proper Wi-Fi adapter is used – Airpcap Nx) and display different valuable statistics
- How much the airtime is used? By who? You will see how much your neighbours affect you!
- Compare size of packets with amount of data transfered. Helps to visualize that Wi-Fi generate tons of management traffic
- Ability to import packet capture taken from other programs (Wireshark, AirTool, CommView…)
- Ability to see the packets
- With filter capabilities
- Great to visualize issue and present to customers
- Geat to gather statistics on how a Wi-Fi network is performing
- Side note: Great tool to use to learn more about Wi-Fi
- Link to Metageek Eye P.A.
Ekahau Site Survey
- Swiss Army knife of Wi-Fi (for more listen to CTS069, CTS009)
- Site Survey tool (Design, validation, troubleshooting)
- Wi-Fi scanner
- Spectrum Analyzer
- Complete solution meeting the needs of Wi-Fi Engineers
- Updated on a regular basis
- Take advantage of the Wi-Fi community to improve the tool (#ESSRequest)
- Reference in terms of Wi-Fi design and site survey tool today
- Looks way way way better than AirMagnet
- Complete set of features
- 3D Wi-Fi design
- Reporting and Reporting customization
- Spectrum Analyzer
- macOS version (beta)
- Link to Ekahau Site Survey
Metageek InSSIDer Office
- Wireless network scanner
- See what channels are used by other networks
- RSSI
- Data rates
- Protocol
- Plug in WiSpy dBx for Chanalyzer lite
- Link To Metageek InSSIDer Office
Savvius Omnipeek
- Heavy Duty Network Analyzer
- Use to troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks
- Capture packets and provide insight on the quality of the network (more than just Wi-Fi)
- Ability to drill down into the packets
- Ability to use multiple adapters to captures on multiple channels to analyzer things like roaming behaviours
- Can be overwhelming at first but very powerful
- Link to website
- Video from WLPC2016
Netsh Tool
- Provide information from the Wi-Fi NIC on Windows
- BSSID associated to
- Association events (roaming & disconnections)
- Signal Level
- Used for troubleshooting purposes (especially when being remote)
- Useful commands used for Wi-Fi analysis
- netsh WLAN show interfaces
- netsh WLAN show networks
- netsh WLAN show drivers
- Useful References from the community
- Using netsh WLAN show interfaces to Monitor Association/Roaming from Matt Frederick
- Getting Data Out of the Windows ‘netsh wlan show interfaces’ Command from Nigel Bowden
- Official Windows documentation
Some other programs worth talking about
- Packet Capture Tool: Wireshark – Free (We talked about it in CTS080)
- Use AirPcap to gather frames
- Tamograph Throughput Test – Free (We talked about it in CTS080)
- Wi-Fi Network Analyzer: Tamograph CommView for Wi-Fi – 500$
- For the Cisco Guys: WLC Config Analyzer – Free
- Open CAD file: Autodesk DWG TrueView – Free
- Cisco Spectrum Expert
- WiFi Tool – http://wifi-tool.com/
What apps are you using in Windows? Did we miss any?
Motorola lanplanner
Choice information you have discussed within the post. Readers should locate related info at a site such as http://www.madbeetech.com. This type of site can be useful for individuals that needs to create their own site to sell downloadable files. The whole thing is automated so customers buy a file and the file gets auto-emailed to them. Built-in shopping cart, the buyer’s money goes direct to your PayPal account, and hosting is just a few dollars a month.