Wifi analysis program. Program for scanning wireless networks

One of the most interesting programs for analyzing wifi performance is considered to be “wifi analyzer” for Windows.

With its advent, the task of finding channels and problems with them has become much easier.

And today we will look at why such an analyzer is needed and how to use it.

Wifi analyzer – what is it?

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The analyzer is a program that allows you to scan available networks and analyze the availability of the Internet.

Its main task is:

• analyze channel distribution;
• analyze the signal quality;
• carry out interference analysis;
• issue a report bypassing analysis tools such as Aircrack.

Similar ones work in a slightly different direction, although they know how to conduct analysis.

You can download the application for free using the play market.

What is WiFi analyzer intended for?

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There are a huge number of programs that offer work on analyzing the Wi-Fi signal. The difference between them is not fundamental.

Somewhere the interface changes a little, somewhere some additional function is present. But the results of everyone’s work are approximately the same - the same tables with conclusions.

Today we will look at a completely new application that can easily make working with wifi easier. It is used for computers and Android phones.

Let's say you installed a router to distribute Wi-Fi in your home. It does not always happen that the settings are carried out efficiently the first time, and the signal is received perfectly.

What is this connected with? The neighbors also have Internet, they also have a router and there are several media that can be connected to it.

These are the reason for your troubles with the signal. There is simply interference caused by such a device.

The real find is that routers can work not on one channel, but use several of them. This is what an analyzer is required for.

It will help you decide on the most suitable channel that will not respond to extraneous interference.

If you have a router in your home, be sure to download a free one or purchase a paid analyzer. You shouldn’t hope that the interference will go away on its own, and you definitely shouldn’t be content with little. Even if, after using the application, you deleted it, for example, to save space. You still have to contact him anyway.

Wi-Fi analyzer - a miracle program

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By spending just a few seconds of your time, the user can easily get all the existing information about the fullness of the network and the quality of the received signal.

After checking, the user will have access to two tabs. The first contains data on the quality of the wifi channel.

This window will help you easily decide which of them would be most appropriate to join.

The second tab presents information for each channel individually. With its help, you will receive information about how much the option you are interested in is loaded.

Both pages are presented in table form. All networks are marked with different colors.

To the left of it are written all the found connection options.

In the upper right corner there is a program settings icon.

Advantages of the application and reviews about it

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All reviews that were found on the Internet about this application are only positive.

Some users who have installed it on their phone boast that they no longer need to run through the streets looking for free Wi-Fi.

Advantages:

• The great advantage of this program is that in a passive state it takes up practically no space;
• for it to detect a signal, even its weak manifestation is sufficient;
• there is a sensor to determine its strength;

• You can turn on the sound. The better the command, the louder its alert sound will sound;
• the application is free and accessible to anyone;
• provides advisory advice on solving problems that have arisen;
• automatically detects the existence of illegal devices and the presence of network vulnerabilities.

Where can I download the program from?

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The Wi-Fi analyzer is provided free of charge, and finding it on the Internet is not difficult.

1 For Android phones, it can be found on Google Play. This is the simplest option. It is very easy to do. Type a query like “download Wi-Fi analyzer program from Google Play” in the search bar and the required results will open to you. Follow the link provided by the system. In the application, next to the program we are interested in, there is only one “download” button. So it's impossible to make a mistake here. Click on it and wait for the results. After downloading, follow the system’s recommendations and install the application on your storage device without any problems.

2 On Windows 10, the official download source is the Microsoft website. It's free.

A feature or even a problem for this method is that for a successful result when downloading, you must have Windows at least version ten. If she is not like that, but the application is necessary. You'll have to make an update. If this is not done, downloading will simply be impossible.

Of course, you can install some alternative, for example, inSSIDer (which is paid), or Acrylic WiFi Professional. This is the user's choice.

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When you run a network check on your computer, a message will be displayed that will tell you which one is the best option for the given area. It looks like this:

On the screen of an Android-based phone, the information is presented in approximately the same form.

The utility file analyzer is designed for installation on Windows tenth series release. If you have a different version of the software on your computer, tablet or laptop, installation will not be possible.

If you really need this application, you will need to update for Windows or use one of the program’s analogues.

To make such settings, you need to go to the program tab called “Analyze”. Quality indicators of different types of channels will be displayed here.

The designations are deciphered as follows:

• Wi-Fi performance of different users who live in the nearby range.
• The force with which the apparatus of each of them works.
• The channels themselves.

Based on the data in such a table, it is difficult to understand where the largest number of access points are located and to select the best option.

But this is not the most understandable option for ordinary people. It will be much more convenient if you enable the SSID parameter.

Then each line is signed with a specific name, which makes working with it easier.

The application is also very convenient because it not only carries out the analysis, but also displays the result in the form of a table with a rating of channels that are best suited for your device.

What to do if the signal quality has not improved after the settings?

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If after all the parameters are set, and the supplied Internet still leaves much to be desired, you need to check the following points:

• Try placing your router away from the wall. This will help remove the interference that comes from other people's devices. Moreover, these interruptions do not necessarily come from another router. They can be caused by any technique.
• Move the device around the apartment until the best place with the highest quality signal and, accordingly, Wi-Fi speed is found.

Analyzer for Android

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After downloading the program, there are no problems with it. To get started, just launch it. A check will begin for available network options and display the results on the screen.

This utility for a mobile phone is the most understandable and acceptable. Another advantage is that it requires virtually no free memory space.

After the analysis, information will appear on how actively this or that network is used in a given territory.

How often does the router operate? This entire history will be displayed in the “properties” and “channels” tabs.

If your settings are similar to the example, this means that the phone you are using is not blocked by any of the available networks. After all, they practically do not intersect with each other.

You can also find out information about how strong a particular signal is.

To do this, go to the “Properties” tab “Channels”. The performance rating will be displayed as stars.

Although such an application will not take up much space in the phone’s memory, after the test is completed, you can simply delete it and, if necessary, download it again. It does not take a lot of time.

On the phone version, there is also a tab with a speedometer, which is responsible for the signal frequency. This feature is very convenient.

To choose the best quality, the user needs to move around the area and pay attention to the arrow indicators.

When she is in her highest place, your search work is done.

Just like in the version for a personal computer, you can enable sound for this page.

Then, as the quality increases, the sound output from the device will also increase.

Yes, the operating system will allow you to find nearby networks and connect to them, but what about add-ons? What if you need to have detailed information about all the Wi-Fi networks around you, troubleshoot your network, turn your laptop into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, or stay safe on public hotspots? Windows won't help you with all this.

That's why we've found six apps for you. They do everything Windows can't do and more. Five of the six applications are free, while the sixth is not expensive at all.

From MetaGeek is an excellent tool for searching and collecting information on Wi-Fi networks in the area where your computer is located. The program is also useful in solving problems with your own Wi-Fi network.

For all found Wi-Fi networks, InSSIDer shows the MAC address of the router, the router manufacturer (if the program can determine it - usually it can), the channel in use, the SSID or public name of the network, security type, network speed, and the like. In addition, the program shows the current network signal strength.

How would you use a program to solve problems with your wireless network? If you saw that a nearby network with a strong signal was on the same channel as you, you would change the channel of your network (most routers allow this), thereby avoiding potential conflicts.

The program also allows you to identify “dead zones” in your area where there is no sufficiently reliable Wi-Fi signal. To do this, just walk around your home or office with InSSIDer turned on. In the future, you can either avoid these places or try to move your router.

Whether you need to solve problems with your network or find Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to, InSSIDer is the program you'll want to download and try.

Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista and 7 (32- and 64-bit)
Download InSSIDer

Here's another great program for finding Wi-Fi networks and providing information on them, such as how far away they are from you. The radar-like screen shows all nearby hotspots. A separate panel offers detailed information on all found hotspots, including signal strength, network type (for example, 802.11n), router manufacturer, transmission channel, etc.

Next to the radar, the panel provides even more detailed information about the network you are currently connected to, including your personal IP address, public IP address, DNS, gateway information, and more.

Why use Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector over MetaGeek InSSIDer? For example, because the simpler and clearer layout of Wi-Fi Inspector makes it easier to present information on hotspots. The program also shows your relative physical distance from the hotspot. And probably no one will deny the usefulness of the radar itself.

However, InSSIDer is better than Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector in terms of obtaining more detailed information on surrounding Wi-Fi networks.

Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP SP2+, Vista and 7
Download Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector

is an excellent, free program that allows you to turn a computer with Windows 7 (the program only works with Windows 7) into a Wi-Fi hotspot, which can then be used by nearby devices - such as a smartphone or tablets of colleagues.

Of course, the computer itself that you would like to convert into a Wi-Fi hotspot must be connected to the Internet and support Wi-Fi. At the same time, the connection to the Internet does not necessarily have to be wired (although it does not hurt), because a Wi-Fi card on a computer can perform a dual function - on the one hand, it can act as a Wi-Fi receiver, and on the other, it can act as a transmitter.

Setting up a hotspot is simple: Once you're connected to the Internet, launch Connectify, give your hotspot a name and set a password. After this, your computer's Wi-Fi card will begin broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal to which other devices can connect. It is worth noting that your computer will work using the Wi-Fi protocol for which it was created. In addition, it will also support older protocols. For example, an 802.11n signal will allow you to connect devices with 802.11b/g/n.

Setting a password will allow you to restrict unauthorized access to the Internet. The hotspot signal itself is protected by WPA2-PSK encryption.

You can even use Connectify to set up a local network without an external Internet connection. Launch the program as a hotspot and nearby devices will be able to connect to its network, even if you do not have Internet access. This can be used, for example, to transfer files within a workgroup or for multiplayer games.

It's worth noting that connecting my Mac to a hotspot based on a Windows 7 computer and Connectify caused me problems. However, other computers and devices connected without problems.

Hidden network scanner programs.

The vast majority of routers today come to the user with a good set of security settings, such as:

• WPA encryption;
• MAC address filtering;
• Ability to operate at reduced signal strengths transmitted to clients;
• Ability to disable DHCP and use a static IP address;
• Ability to hide the wireless AP name (SSID).

All these settings reduce the chances of a hacker not only to hack the wireless access, but also to find the point itself. They reduce it, but they cannot prevent it. In the next Computer76 article we will talk about the last of the settings I mentioned - SSID.

Anyone who has dealt with setting up a router knows that the network name is an option that is open by default. Beginners give it a name, thinking only about how to make their point unique among others. Pros hide the network name far away.

Why does the network name appear in the settings as an open setting? Yes, everything is simple - I found the network among the others, entered the password - and on the Internet. After “a couple of problems” with the network, the user begins to realize that a neighbor who is skilled in Kali Linux can do this to his network just as easily. A network with a broadcast name is minus one serious obstacle for a hacker.

Let's hide the network name and that's the end of the matter? No matter how it is.

You no longer need to be a hacking guru to find a hidden network. The software market offers a sufficient number of utilities and programs that will work well with your hidden network. The list of detected networks, of course, will depend on the selected modem model. Further. These programs will not be able to “pick up” the name of unnamed SSID networks. Some of the programs show an empty field instead of a name, some define the network as Non-Broadcasted.

In order to feel the difference, I suggest you first use the built-in search tool in Windows. Open the command console and type:

As you can see, even though the team exists, you can’t make much money with its help. Let's move on to third-party utilities.

The simplest and perhaps most popular of them is WirelessNetView. If you are involved in security testing, then the ability to select scanning using a specific modem card in the Options menu will definitely be useful. There is a sound signal when a new AP is detected. It does not require installation.

The nameless network is immediately visible: it... has no name. Plus, you can cancel the more active operation of the built-in or connected translator. If you found using WirelessNetView open network, you can connect to it directly from the options menu. Of course, no social networks or online payments.

Hidden network scanners

The next program has a more beautiful design. Utility inSSIDer will allow you to scan at two frequencies simultaneously or separately for each. Other filters are available. But the most important thing is that hidden networks are shown accurately. The program works on all versions of Windows.

Hidden network scanners

Next program NetSurveyor upon startup, it will also prompt you to select a wifi receiver and immediately begin continuous scanning of nearby networks. A very informative window, however, the functionality is no different from previous programs:

Hidden network scanners

Compared to other programs of this kind, this one is Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector– weighs the most – for 20 MB. It will require installation. The interface is colorful, but all the information and settings are in one tab... In part of the program window there is an animated radar showing the nearest access points.

There are dozens for Windows, but such as WiFi SiStr unique of its kind. This is an extremely simple application that will allow you, the user, to find out the signal strength of any Wi-Fi point. Of course, if it is within the reach of the sensor.

Interestingly, the wireless signal strength is shown digitally on the screen. After you click downloadWiFi SiStr and install the program, a small panel will appear on the desktop. You can place it in any part of the screen: bottom, top or even in the middle. It will show digital and graphical signal level values.

It often happens that a user cannot access a website for unknown reasons - especially if you are connected via Wi-Fi. There is another situation: the messaging client periodically interrupts the connection - you have to constantly reconnect. To solve this problem, just look at the signal status panel and make sure that it is sufficient for stable and fast Internet. If you have the WiFi SiStr program, then this is quite easy to do.

Features of the WiFi SiStr program:

• Flexible in setup. Despite the simple interface of the panel, you can even customize it. Just right-click on the status bar and a menu with settings will open.
• Convenient. You can monitor the signal level directly on the desktop of your PC or laptop.
• It does not consume a lot of system resources, it is not just small - it has a miniature size.
• For WiFi SiStr to work correctly, you will need .NETFramework versions 1.1 and higher.
• When started, it always minimizes to tray and does not interfere with computer work at all.

Diagnostics of Wi-Fi networks and detection of free channels

In this article we will talk about how to detect a free channel WiFi network for more accurate (reliable) configuration of an access point or other wireless equipment. Wi-Fi diagnostics networks is performed by specialized utilities. Among them there are both paid and free versions, the most popular are presented below:

Let's focus on the utility inSSIDer, as it is a powerful tool for diagnosing wireless networks. This program will help you measure signal strength and evaluate the performance of your Wi-Fi equipment in different locations. You can clearly see and check how walls, stairs, doors, and in general the layout and materials of your premises affect the coverage area of ​​the wireless network being served. Moreover, the Home version is completely free.
Currently, in any modern city, every home or office is literally teeming with an abundance of Wi-Fi networks. At the same time, when several wireless networks overlap the channel on which they operate (i.e. several AP In a building, a Wi-Fi network is distributed over one channel), a situation arises when the operation of all Wi-Fi networks on this channel slows down. Scanner inSSIDer will help you discover the best channel for your Wi-Fi.

Features of this software:

• inSSIDer uses your current wireless card software and Wi-Fi connection
• works with Microsoft Windows Vista, 7 and 8.1 (32 and 64 bit)
• tracks the strength of received signals in dBm over time
• Sorting by MAC address, SSID, channel number, RSSI, and time is available

Installing the utility does not cause any difficulties. It is worth noting - if you use several wireless adapters, then in the menu Network connection select the desired wireless adapter - it will be used to scan. Next, the program will automatically scan wireless networks and display information about the airwaves. Below is a screenshot of the inSSIDer working window:

Working window of the inSSIDer program

Let's take a closer look at the information provided:

SSID– name of the wireless network.
Channel– channel number on which the wireless network operates. It is recommended to use a wireless channel that has the least number of other networks.
RSSI– power level of the received signal. The higher the RSSI number, or the less negative it is, the stronger the signal. Try not to share the Channel number with access points that are close to your network in terms of signal strength.
Security– type of security. In some versions of the utility, the security type WPA2-TKIP denoted as RSNA, A WPA2-AES How CCMP.
MaxRate– the maximum speed of the device at the physical level (maximum theoretical speed) provided by the access point.
Vendor– access point manufacturer.

In Russia, 13 wireless channels are allowed for use, three of which are non-overlapping (these are channels 1, 6 and 11).
If the wireless adapter installed on your computer/laptop/tablet/smartphone is intended for use in the US, it will only be able to use channels 1 through 11. Therefore, if you set the channel number to 12 or 13 (or if one of them was selected by the automatic channel selection algorithm), the wireless client will not see the access point. In this case, you must manually set the channel number from the range 1 to 11.

So, we got acquainted with one of the utilities used for Wi-Fi diagnostics - inSSIDER. In the next article we will talk in more detail about the reasons for the unstable operation of wireless networks - stay tuned to the blog site.