sundance-communications.com/forum Forums VOIP Phones & IP PBX Networking recommend wifi analyzer

I've started looking for a reasonably-priced wifi analyzer I can use in the field for finding dead spots or locating undocumented APs. I like the Fluke options I've looked at but wanted to know if anyone here had suggestions for me.

A standalone device would be superb but I'll settle for something laptop-based if I have to.

Fluke Airmagnet is a proven solution, not the cheapest option but it will do everything you need it to.

On the free software side, there is
NetStumbler
InSSIDer

Both will show you all AP's around you and their signal strength. I tend to like InSSIDer best.

There is also Ekahau HeatMapper that when used with a room CAD file will allow you to map out the coverage for all AP's. You can use it without a room CAD file, but it's not as accurate.

Flukes new AirCheck Wi-Fi tester is a great device. I took one of Flukes free classes on it and it is very impressive.

See, that's the one I really want... we just don't do enough wifi work to justify the expense. I've tried both NetStumbler and inSSIDer but haven't used them enough to have an opinion. That said, I have to locate a 'lost' AP tomorrow afternoon in a massive old (1899) factory building that's been turned into a mall/outlet store so I'll give 'em both a run just for fun.


If we buy anything, Airmagnet will probably be the one. I just wish I could play with it before I commit.

Always learning...

Go to the Fluke website and check out the product page.

Fluke offers a 5 day trial on most of their networking products.

What's your price range. My understanding is the AirCheck goes for around 2 grand.

yeah, the cheapest I've seen it was in the ~$1800 range... there's no way we're going over a grand - we simply don't do enough wifi work to ever come up.

I hear you.

I'm working on getting the LinkRunner and AirChecker kit, model ACK-LRAT2000. It has everything you need to troouble shoot most network problems.

www.flukenetworks.com/sites/flukenetworks.com/files/assets/Fn-ACK-LRAT2000kit_.png

I enjoy using Gmon on my Android phone for a quick check if a customer is looking to add APs.

Like the other guys said, InSSIDer is valuable considering both it and Gmon are free.

The more I think about this, I think your best luck is going with Ekahau HeatMapper or similar program.

NetStumbler and InSSIDer are both great tools if you know where the AP's are, but neither make finding one very easy.

Ekahau HeatMapper will help you find hidden AP's with the heat map layout even when using the not to accurate grid function as it finds all AP's in physical space and shows you where they are in relation to the other AP's.

Here is the link to the HeatMapper

https://www.ekahau.com/products/heatmapper/overview.htmlr