There are dozens for Windows, but such as WiFi SiStr unique in its kind. This is an extremely simple application that will allow you, as a user, to know the signal strength of any Wi-Fi point. Of course, if it is within the reach of the sensor.
Interestingly, the strength of the wireless signal is displayed numerically on the screen. After you click downloadWiFi SiStr and install the program, a small panel will appear on the desktop. You can place it anywhere on the screen: bottom, top, or even in the middle. The digital and graphic values of the signal level will be visible on it.
It often happens that a user cannot enter the site for unknown reasons - especially if you are connected via Wi-Fi. There is another situation: a messaging client periodically interrupts the connection - you have to constantly reconnect. To solve this problem, just look at the signal status bar and make sure that it is sufficient for a stable and fast Internet. If you have a WiFi SiStr program, it is quite easy to do this.
Features of the WiFi SiStr program:
- Flexible in customization. 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 will be able to monitor the signal level right on the desktop of your PC or laptop.
- It does not consume a lot of system resources, it has not just a small - a miniature size.
- For WiFi SiStr to work correctly, you need .NETFramework version 1.1 or higher.
- At startup, it always minimizes to tray and does not interfere with computer work at all.
Wifi scanner is a special program that will determine the networks that are currently available for connection. But in addition to such scanning of networks, the analyzer allows you to determine the most successful location for the router. A Wi-Fi analyzer is a reliable assistant that can troubleshoot existing problems and provide a good radio signal.
Wi-Fi analyzers are designed to determine the fastest and most reliable way to connect to the Internet. Thanks to the use of analyzers, a stable and fast signal can be achieved. They enable scanning of Wi-Fi channels.
How the wifi network scanner works
Wi-Fi analyzers are programs that are installed on devices. In general, the main task of the scanner is to analyze the channels and display summary information to the user to select the optimal connection channel.
Channel - the communication path through which the signal is transmitted. Several networks are "powered" from one channel, so they are often overloaded, which causes failures.
Note! The most successful frequencies for a router are 2.4 and 5 gigahertz, with 5 GHz appearing quite recently.
To avoid interference, you need to switch to a less loaded channel. In total, there are 13 such paths on the territory of our country, of which 12 accept many operating systems.
Important! In Russia, 13 channels are allowed, in the USA - 11, so Apple may not catch the remaining two channels. You will have to reconfigure the router to work with all available channels.
Analyzer options
The scanner does the following:
- detects interference, but not from household microwave ovens, namely channels;
- search for available networks;
- selects a place where the signal is not affected by interference;
- shows traffic packets;
- works with mac addresses.
Important! Interference often occurs in apartment buildings due to the "congestion" of different networks, when signals overlap, causing the signal to drop out. To solve the problem, it is enough to change the parameter about automatic channel selection in the analyzer.
Many analyzers have other advantages as well:
- they are often free;
- identify and fix problems;
- exclude illegal networks;
- find hidden SSIDs.
Important! Probably, many users at least once met with the fact that in the list of available networks there is Wi-Fi without protection, that is, you can connect to it without a password, pin code. In fact, this is a trick of scammers. If a user connects to this Wi-Fi, then hackers will gain access to personal data, which is especially dangerous for bank card holders. With this technique, fraudsters nullify user accounts.
Analyzer programs
There are many such utilities that scan networks, consider which ones are suitable for a specific operating system.
For Windows
Many programs are suitable for the notorious "Windows".
An example of network analysis using inSSIDer 4
This utility determines the type of security (encryption protocols WEP, WPA, WPA2), SSID, signal strength, speed, channels.
You can download it online from the developer's website or from the Microsoft website, but you will first need to install the NET Framework package. Installation is performed with an ordinary restart of the computer.
You can download the program in the following ways:
- follow the link https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/download/details.aspx?id=48130 - this is the link for installing the NET Framework package higher than 2.0, when downloading it will automatically install innSSIDer;
- download from the link https://www.metageek.com/support/downloads/ - installation from the official website of the developer.
Important! You can download the analyzer only if you have a network adapter. Please note that the NET Framework package is not suitable for Windows 10, so the first installation method is not suitable for this OS.
Wifi search and scan mode
The name of the network card is displayed at the top of the window. You can start viewing and scanning using the start / stop button. A menu with network statistics appears.
Scanning Wi-Fi networks
A graph with the frequencies of the networks and their overlays will appear in the program window.
Also displayed:
- SSID is the common name for the network, for example, "My Windows + Router";
- Channels - the most important parameter, the very channels due to which the signal often gets lost;
- RSSI - signal strength;
Note! A good signal has the smallest value.
- Max Rate - the highest speed;
- Security - type of protection (WPA, WPA2);
- map of signal changes over time.
If the menu items interfere, you need to uncheck the unnecessary items in the View item.
Note! If necessary, you can filter networks by known parameters (ssid, channel) in order to find your own faster.
Search for free channels in Wi-Fi networks
Scanning wifi channels is quite simple.
In order to connect to the desired channel, you need to go to the direct settings - find the "Wireless settings" panel. Then enter the IP address 192.168.0.1 or another (can be found on the router). In the window that opens, select the appropriate item, for example, channels and set the desired number. Then you should select the "Save and reload" function.
Wi-Fi Analyzer
Universal utility for all "Windows" - 7, 8, 10. Visualizes overlapping networks, has all the functions of other programs, and provides full monitoring of networks.
Acrylic Wi-Fi Home
This is a modification of the famous Tarlogic Security. It has all the capabilities of other utilities, but additionally allows you to detect hidden SSIDs, provides factory passwords from Wi-Fi of all found routers. The minus of the utility is in data export, it is very limited.
Cain & Abel
Quite an interesting program that stores many passwords of neighboring routers and passwords of the user himself.
Note! Also known are WirelessNetView, Ekahau HeatMapper, LizardSystems, the main feature of which can be called heat mapping.
For Android
Google took care of the users by creating the Android OS, with which many analyzers are compatible.
Wi-Fi Analyzer and Surveyor
A popular scanner for Wi-Fi networks in Russian. The utility is completely free, it does not have a paid version. The principle of operation of the application is based on measuring the radio signal using an additional tap on the smartphone screen. You need to follow the instructions in the app.
You can download the apartment / office plan into the application. Then it will create a "heat map" of the room.
Wi-Fi Visualizer
Similar to the previous analyzer. Also finds networks, maps.
The app has a Chart of Signal Strenght function. It allows you to identify the dependence of the signal level on time.
Iphone
As you know, the iPhone has its own operating system - iOS, which works only with the ARM architecture.
NetSpot
Free professional application. The utility scans networks every 10, 30 and 60 seconds. Works in several modes - Survey (makes a map of the premises), Discover (shows networks).
Also suitable for Windows 7, 8, 10.
Important! According to the developer, this utility is used by Google, Motorola and other corporations.
ISSH
This scanner is suitable for iPhone and iPad. Quite easy to use.
IP Scanner
Has an intuitive interface. Eliminates the ability to connect to an unwanted router using the whitelist function. Free is available for only six devices.
Wi-Fi Analyzer
Shows the capabilities of the channels, which of them are the most beneficial for speed. Calculates their rating.
INetTools
This application has an interesting option - saving a list of all used servers.
Important! In addition to the legal AppStore, you can download it from the Cydia service, but in this case, the phone must go through a special jailbreak procedure. This is a rather risky method, the user is responsible for the consequences on his own.
The speed of modern Wi-Fi leaves much to be desired, but the problem can be solved thanks to Wi-Fi analyzers. With their help, the user can use the network almost uninterruptedly, saving his time for more important things.
Hidden network scanners.
The overwhelming majority of routers today come to the user with a good set of security settings, such as:
- WPA encryption;
- Filtering MAC addresses;
- Ability to work at reduced power of the signal transmitted to clients;
- Ability to disable DHCP and use a static IP address;
- Ability to hide the wireless AP name (SSID).
All these settings lower the chances of a hacker not only to break into wireless access, but also to find the point itself. They lower it, but cannot prevent it. In the next article Computer76 we will talk about the last of the settings I have specified - SSID.
Anyone who has come across a router setting knows that the network name is an option, open by default. Beginners give it a name, thinking only about how to make their point unique among others. Pros - hide the name of the network to hell.
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 Cali Linux can do it just as easily with his network. The network with the broadcast name is minus one serious obstacle for the hacker.
Let's hide the name of the network and the business is over? No matter how it is.
You don't need to be a hacking guru to find the hidden web. The software market presents a sufficient number of utilities and programs that will "cope" well with your hidden network. The list of detected networks will, of course, depend on the selected modem model. Further. These programs will not be able to "hook" the name of unnamed SSID networks. Some of the programs show a blank field instead of a name, some identify the network as Non-Broadcasted.
In order to feel the difference, I suggest you first use the search tool built into windows. Open the command console and type:
As you can see, even though the team exists, you can't really get along with it. Let's move on to third-party utilities.
The simplest and perhaps the most popular of them is WirelessNetView... If you are doing security testing, then the option to select scanning with a specific modem card in the Options menu will definitely come in handy. There is a sound signal when a new AP is detected. It will not require installation.
The nameless net is immediately visible: it is ... without a name. Plus, you can cancel the more active work of the built-in or connected translator. If you find with the help WirelessNetView open network, you can connect to it directly from the options menu. No, of course, social networks and online payments.
Hidden network scanners
The following 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 most importantly, hidden networks are displayed accurately. The program works on all versions of Windows.
Hidden network scanners
Next program NetSurveyor at startup, it will also prompt you to select a wifi receiver and immediately start continuous scanning of nearby networks. A very informative window, however, in terms of functionality, does not differ from previous programs:
Hidden network scanners
Compared to other programs of this kind, this - Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector- weighs the most - over 20 MB. It will require installation. The interface is colorful, but all the information and settings are in one tab ... In a part of the program window you can see an animated radar, which shows the nearest access points.
Yes, the operating system will allow you to find nearby networks and connect to them, but what about the add-ons? What if you need to have detailed information on all the Wi-Fi networks around you, solve problems with 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 that Windows cannot, and more. Five out of six apps are free, while the sixth is not expensive at all.
MetaGeek is an excellent tool for finding and collecting information on Wi-Fi networks in the area where your computer is located. It 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 manufacturer of the router (if the program can determine it, it usually can), the channel used, SSID or public name of the network, security type, network speed, and the like. In addition, the program shows the current signal strength of the network.
How would you use the program to solve problems with your wireless network? Seeing that a nearby network with a strong signal is operating on the same channel as you, you would change the channel of your network (most routers allow this) to avoid 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 enabled. In the future, you can either avoid these places, or try to rearrange your router.
Regardless of what you need - to solve problems with your network or find Wi-Fi hotspots to connect - InSSIDer is the program that you will want to download and try.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista and 7 (32- and 64-bit)
Download InSSIDer
Here is another great program for finding Wi-Fi networks and providing information on them, such as their distance from you. A radar-like screen shows all nearby hotspots. A separate panel offers detailed information on all found hot spots, 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 on the network you are currently connected to, including your personal IP address, external IP address, DNS, gateway information, and more.
Why use Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector over MetaGeek InSSIDer? For example, because a simpler and more intuitive layout, Wi-Fi Inspector makes it easier to present information on hotspots. The program also shows the relative physical distance of you 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 getting more detailed information on surrounding Wi-Fi networks.
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP SP2 +, Vista and 7
Download Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector
Is a great, free program that allows you to turn a Windows 7 computer (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 colleagues' tablets.
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 have to be wired at all (although it does not interfere), because the Wi-Fi card of a computer can perform a double function - on the one hand, it acts as a Wi-Fi receiver, and on the other, as a transmitter.
Setting up a hotspot is simple: Once connected to the internet, launch Connectify, give your hotspot a name and set a password. After that, the Wi-Fi card of your computer will start broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal to which other devices can connect. It is worth noting that your computer will operate using the Wi-Fi protocol for which it was created. In addition, it will also support earlier protocols as well. So, for example, an 802.11n signal will allow connecting devices with 802.11b / g / n.
Setting a password will restrict outsiders' 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. Run the program as a hotspot and nearby devices will be able to connect to its network, even if you have no Internet access. This can be used, for example, for transferring files within a workgroup or for multiplayer games.
It's worth noting that connecting my Mac to a Windows 7 computer based hotspot and Connectify caused me problems. However, other computers and devices connected without problems.
One of the most interesting programs for analyzing the work of wifi is considered to be "wifi analyzer" for windows.
With its appearance, the task of finding channels and problems with them has become much easier.
And today we will look at what such an analyzer is needed for and how to use it.
Wifi analyzer - what is it?
Read also: [Instructions] How to reset a router to factory settings: a description for popular models of routers | 2019
Analyzer is a program that allows you to scan available networks and analyze the availability of the Internet.
Its main task is:
- analyze the distribution of channels;
- analyze the signal quality;
- analyze interference;
- issue a report bypassing analysis tools such as Aircrack.
Similar ones work in a slightly different direction, although they know how to carry out analysis.
You can download the application for free using the play market.
DownloadWhat is WiFi analyzer for?
Read also:[Instructions] How to change the password on a Wi-Fi router: TP-Link, D-Link, Zyxel Keenetic, Asus | 2019
There are a huge number of programs that offer work on analyzing the Wi-Fi signal. The difference between them is not major.
Somewhere the interface changes a little, somewhere, some additional function is present. But the results of the work of all are approximately the same - the same tables with conclusions.
Today we will look at a completely new application with which you can easily make working with wifi easier. It is used for computers and android phones.
Let's say you have installed a router for distributing Wi-Fi in your home. It does not always happen that the first time the settings are carried out efficiently, and the signal catches perfectly.
What is the reason for this? The neighbors also have the Internet, there is also a router and there are several carriers that can be connected to it.
So they are the reason for your troubles with the signal. It simply creates interference caused by such a device.
A 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 determine the most suitable channel that will not react to extraneous interference.
If you have a router in your house, be sure to download a free or purchase a paid analyzer. One should not hope that the hindrances will go away by themselves, and certainly one should not be content with little. Even if, after using the application, you deleted it, for example, to save space. All the same, you still have to contact him.
Wi-Fi analyzer - miracle program
Read also: [Instructions] How to set up a router: TP-Link, D-Link and other brands | 2019
Spending just a few seconds of his 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, two tabs will be available to the user. The first contains data on the quality of the wifi channel.
This window will help you easily decide which one would be most appropriate to join.
The second tab presents information and each channel individually. With its help, you will receive information about how much, the version you are interested in is loaded.
Both pages are presented in the form of a table. All networks are marked with different colors.
To the left of it are written all the options found for connection.
The program settings icon is located in the upper right corner.
Benefits of the app and reviews about it
Read also:
All reviews that are found on the Internet about this application are only positive.
Some users who have installed it on their phone boast that now there is no longer the need to run around the streets in search of free Wi-Fi.
Advantages:
- the great advantage of this program is that it practically does not take up any space in the passive state;
- in order for it to identify the signal, even a weak manifestation of it is enough;
- there is a sensor to determine its strength;
- you can turn on the soundtrack. The better the command, the louder the sound of its notification will sound;
- the application is free and available to anyone;
- gives advice of a recommendatory nature on how to solve the problems that have arisen;
- automatically detects the existence of illegal devices and the presence of network vulnerabilities.
Where to download the program from?
Read also: TOP-12 Best Wi-Fi Adapters for PC or Laptop: USB, PCI, PCI-e | Rating 2019
The Wi-Fi analyzer is provided free of charge, and it is not difficult to find it on the Internet.
1 For android meringue phones, it can be found on Google Play. This is the simplest option and is very easy to do. Type in the search box a query like "download the program wi-fi analyzer from google play" and you will see the required results. 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 is impossible to make a mistake here. We click on it and wait for the results. After downloading, follow the recommendations of the system, and install the application on your media 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 of at least the tenth version. If it is not like that, but the application is necessary. We'll have to update. If this is not done, the download will simply be impossible.
Of course, you can install any alternative, for example, inSSIDer (it is paid), or Acrylic WiFi Professional. This is already the user's choice.
Read also: TOP 12 Best Wi-Fi Signal Repeaters for Your Home | Review of current models of 2019
When you run a network test on a computer, a message will be displayed that will tell you which one is the best option for a given area. It looks like this:
On the phone screen, based on android, the information is presented in approximately the same form.
The utility file analyzer is designed to be installed on Windows of the tenth series of the release. If you have another 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 some of the analogs of the program.
To make such settings, you need to go to the program tab, called "Analyze". The quality indicators of the channel of different types will be displayed here.
The designations are deciphered as follows:
- Wi-Fi metrics 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 of such a table, it is difficult to understand where the largest number of access points are located and to choose 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 it easier to work with it.
The application is also very convenient because it not only analyzes, but also displays the result in the form of a table with a rating of the channels that are best suited for your device.
What if the signal quality has not improved after the settings?
Read also: How to share Wi-Fi from a laptop? The easiest ways
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 those interference that comes from other people's devices. Moreover, these interruptions do not necessarily come from another router. Any technique can be the cause.
- Move the device around the apartment until you find the best place with the best signal quality, and therefore Wi-Fi speed.
Analyzer for Android
Read also:
After downloading the program, no problems arise with it. To get started, you just need to start it. Checking the available network options will start and the results will be displayed on the screen.
This utility for a mobile phone is the most understandable and acceptable. Also, its advantage is that it practically does not require free space in memory.
After the analysis, information will appear on how actively this or that network is used in a given territory.
How often the router operates. All this history will be displayed in the "Properties" and "Channels" tabs.
If your parameters are similar to the example, it means that the phone you are using is not obstructed by any of the available networks. After all, they practically do not intersect with each other.
Also, you can find out information about how strong a particular signal is.
To do this, you need to go to the "Properties" in the "Channels" tab. The metric rating will be displayed as asterisks.
Although such an application does not take up much space in the phone's memory, at the end of the test, 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 select the best in quality, the user needs to move around the territory and pay attention to the arrow indicators.
When it is at its highest place, your search job is done.
As well as in the version for a personal computer, you can enable sound design for this page.
Then, as the quality increases, the sound output in the device will also be amplified.
