Much has changed with wireless networks in the past decade.
Smart devices with built-in wireless networking capabilities are everywhere.
This makes the quality and availability of Wi-Fi an essential feature at home
and at work. But problem-solving is an area that is often overlooked.
It's helpful to know how to check for interference between
channels or the appearance of your Wi-Fi coverage. We've put together some of
the best Wireless Survey Tools analysis
tools for 2019 that let you do all of that and more. Some of these tools are
free, while others require a license or subscription. Let's see.
Wireshark: Packet Analysis
Wireshark is an
amazing packet detection tool for general network analysis and troubleshooting.
It's great when you also need to explore wireless network problems. Wireshark
allows you to search all traffic on your wireless network and explore packages
and headers to see what is happening. Wireshark is mainly used by professionals
who know what they are looking for.
Therefore, using
Wireshark requires some knowledge and networking skills, because there are many
deep-level concepts that must be known to make the most of it. Select your Wifi Survey Tool interface and start
listening to traffic. You can generate a capture file, which can be saved for
further investigation. You can also view the captured data in real time.
However, the analysis is usually performed when the capture process is
completed. You can find all user documentation on your website.
Kismet: Package Analysis
Kismet, an open
source project which is also a package tracking tool, has added functionality
aimed directly at solving Wi-Fi problems. It is an ideal tool to use if you are
looking for hidden networks in your organization. If you cannot find the
physical device, identify it using Kismet and block it in your Network Site Survey infrastructure. It
is a tool for multiple operating systems that can run Linux and Windows, but it
lacks some of the graphics features that many users generally prefer.
Kismet makes heavy
use of RFMON, so Linux is preferred because it is lightweight and works very
quickly. Kismet also works in passive mode, which means it does not leave its
own digital tracks when intercepting packets. Kismet is unique in that it can
be run as a standalone application and as a multi-client tool. All
installations send their captured data packets to the main server installation
for further analysis.
Ekahau HeatMapper
Sometimes, it may
be necessary to view the status of Wi-Fi coverage in your current commercial
settings. Applications like Ekahau HeatMapper allow you to generate accurate
maps with many signal details. It also allows you to generate heat maps that
show how your Wi-Fi enters your building and property. Upload it to a laptop
and you can start walking with the application running with Wireless Site Survey Tools.
This means that you
should have a general idea of where you want to walk if you plan to mark the
facilities around your building, parking lot or where you need Wi-Fi. The
images you generate can be placed on the site plan or on the main map of the
area, showing the tick sign. It is a powerful representation, especially if you
need to show your bosses why there is no Wi-Fi in the meeting room.
Wi-Fi Thermal Maps: Network Design
Acrylic works by
defining locations such as buildings and floors, in the same way as they would
be represented on a map or plan. Allows you to mark the location of Wi-Fi
devices, such as access points. If your GPS coverage is poor inside the
building, you can add objects manually and place the access points as they are
currently.
There are also many
business reporting tools that make it ideal for designing and planning future Wireless Network Site Survey. The tool also
provides the ability to see what hardware is currently running in your
environment and can help you find problems with your current Wi-Fi settings.
Wi-Fi Scan Tool: Troubleshooting
This tool shows you
how many other Wi-Fi networks are nearby. Channel overlay can cause performance
and reduce connectivity problems. It helps you find the quietest channels. You
can then move your network through that channel, which offers a much better
Wi-Fi experience due to the lack of interference in a less populated area of
the Wi-Fi spectrum.
Channelizer Essential: All
It is one of the
most expensive applications. There are many things that this app can do for its
network analysis capabilities, especially in a complex environment. It comes
with its own antenna which connects to your laptop and provides a much more
detailed view of the surrounding Wi-Fi networks and channels. The device is
called Wi-Spy DBx, which is essentially a dual-band spectrum analyzer that
operates at 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz.
The antenna is
directional, which means that it can search for particularly problematic
signals, even if they come from a source other than Wi-Fi. Some electronic and
electrical equipment can emit false signals that interfere with frequencies
Wi-Fi. Professional product, it also has valuable reporting tools. This makes
it easier for customers to see what's going on on the network and why there are
bad areas in the building where Wi-Fi isn't working properly.
