Analysis of wireless networks. Wireless analysis with NetSpot

Very popular among Internet users, in particular wireless, is the question of choosing and changing the Wi-Fi channel. These actions can be carried out by looking at the settings of your router. The fact that this problem occurs very often is not at all surprising.

The reason for this is the occurrence of many interruptions in the operation of the Internet due to interference on the channel. Here is what users complain about most often: low data transfer rates, the Internet is jerky (that is, there is access, then it is not), sometimes the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted for a long time. All these snags have one root cause - the workload of your channel.

As another negative consequence of increased load, one can name the following problem: your computer stops seeing this particular Wi-Fi network, despite the fact that it sees others.

How to find another channel, make the transition from the old one to the new one, how to do all this, we will tell further in the article. We will review the solution based on the parameters of the most popular router models. Among them you can find such as Tp-Link, Asus, D-Link, Zyxel, as well as Tenda

The essence of the Wi-Fi channel. The need to change it.

Let's start the debriefing from the most basic. A little theory about wireless channels. Currently, most routers are tuned to a frequency 2.4 GHz. So this indicator is considered standard. There are more numbers - for example, 5 GHz, but they are found in recently released models, so there are still fewer of them.

The frequency of 2.4 GHz assumes the possibility of using the following range of channels: from the first to the thirteenth. It is easy to conclude that any Wi-Fi router operates on one of these thirteen channels. This applies to countries such as Russia and Ukraine. In America, things are different: they can only use 11 channels. Take note of this feature, because when purchasing any American device, you can easily find that it will not see Wi-Fi channels 12 or 13.

Problems with channel congestion occur when several networks are connected to it at once. How does this happen?

1. You set, for example, the 5th channel.
2. The neighbor nearby also decides to make a choice in favor of the 5th channel.
3. Thus, several networks have already used the 5th channel. And imagine when there are several such neighbors.
4. The channel is overloaded.

This problem is very common in apartment buildings, and less often in private ones, since the distance to neighbors is large.

The initial settings are as follows - when you turn on the router, any channel is automatically selected (the one that is less loaded). When you turn the router off and on again, another channel is selected.

Of course, you can set such a setting - when turned on, the router will connect to a specific channel, for example, the second one. This will always happen. But one day this channel may be very busy, and you will encounter the problems that we talked about at the beginning of the article. Therefore, the advantage of automatic channel selection. You can always reboot your device and it will find another, freer option.

A useful thing is special programs that are designed to keep track of which channels are busy and which are free. They will be discussed further.

But still, the easiest and most affordable way to deal with wireless connection problems is this. If after the first time you can not solve the problems, then do it again. You can also experiment with the settings:

- if the installation of a static, that is, permanent, channel was selected, switch to automatic selection;

- if, on the contrary, the router automatically selected the channel, set its specific number - first try 1.6 and 11.

Such manipulations help to cope with the problems that have arisen.

If the attempts were unsuccessful, you can turn to special programs. They're called inSSIDer, WiFiInfoView. Helpful assistants will inform you about free channels to which you can connect.

However, interruptions with the Internet are not always associated solely with the congestion of a particular channel. Sometimes problems with the power system, interference from other gadgets, and breakdowns of individual parts are detected.

How to work with special programs?

When your device (be it a laptop, smartphone or something else) shows that there are many different networks in the nearby radius, use special programs that will indicate to you that there is a free channel.

The most famous program for this purpose is considered to be inSSIDer. Its main advantage is free access, that is, it is absolutely free. The menu in Russian is not provided, it will not be difficult to understand English.

A good alternative is the WiFiInfoView program (I advise you to use it).

Searching for a channel in the inSSIDer program

The algorithm of actions within the framework of this program will be as follows:

1. To get started, you need to download it. Home version 3.0.3.53 (for now) for Windows 7 and Windows 8.
2. Next comes the installation. Run the installer, follow the recommendations suggested in the instructions.
3. Run it by clicking on the appropriate shortcut (the shortcut will be on the desktop).
4. The program is easy to install not only on computers, but also on phones (based on Android/iOS).
5. Turn on Wi-Fi.
6. After starting the program, go to the tab NETWORKS. Your eyes will see a list of available Wi-Fi networks that are nearby, including yours. You can find out about connecting to the latter if there is an asterisk next to it.
7. We pay attention to the Channel, namely, to what is displayed under this tab (information about busy channels).

1. We make a choice in favor of one or the other.

A small recommendation: when you analyze busy channels, pay attention to such as 1, 6, 11. If other networks have not selected them, then first try setting the router specifically for them. This is because these three channels never intersect, which cannot be said about others, for example, about 10 . When the network is set to it, it turns out to be busy 2 before and 2 after, that is, channels from 8 to 10. For example: 8,9,10,11,12.

Channel selection using WiFiInfoView

This program is even easier to learn than the previous one. You don't even have to install it. Yes, it will give you less information, but it will be enough.

1. Opening the downloaded file. launch WiFiInfoView.exe.
2. Column Channel contains information about which channel is used by the network.

1. We analyze the employed, make a choice in favor of the most free. The number is set in the settings of your router. Next, we will tell you how to do it.

Change the channel on the Tp-Link router

In the case when your router is Tp-Link, follow the instructions below if you want to change the channel:

• We establish a connection to the router (wireless or wired - no difference);
• In the browser line, enter the following numbers - 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.1 .
• A window will pop up asking you to enter data. The default values ​​are admin, admin. In your case, they may be different - all of a sudden you changed them.

The further path is: Wireless — Wireless Settings(Wireless - Wireless Settings) - Channel(Channel) - Select a channel.

Before doing this, it is worth checking the correctness of the specified region. To do this, look at the tab region- She is right here.

Changes are saved when clicked Save. Next, you should restart the router and check how well the Internet works. A little more information on Wi-Fi passwords and logging in changes can be found in the article: "".

D-Link: changing channel parameters

For routers of this brand, the algorithm will be basically the same: Connect to the network - enter the settings - enter the address 192.168.0.1 and data ( admin And admin). Are there difficulties? Use this one.

D-Link has a great hint in the settings. You can see at the same time which channel you are using and the load scales of other numbers. A visual diagram allows you to make a more correct choice. You can even not install special programs that we talked about earlier.

What about Asus?

Working with Asus routers is no different from the options discussed above. We also make a Wi-Fi connection, enter the settings (the address is the same - 192.168.1.1 , both name and password - admin, admin). More detailed steps can be found if you open this .

tab Wireless network, specifying the channel number, Apply- ready. The router will reboot automatically.

What are the steps for the Zyxel Keenetic router?

We establish an Internet connection. Open the settings page, which is located at the standard address 192.168.1.1 . Enter the required data. Here the default password is not admin, but 1234.

In the settings window, go to the tab called WiFi network, edit the region (if necessary), and then set the desired channel. For the settings to take effect, click Apply.

We set a specific channel on Tenda routers

To get to the settings page, you must specify the address 192.168.0.1 . Standard fields - login and password - will be as follows: login - admin, password is an empty cell. Go to tab Wireless settings. In the Channel line, put down the selected number. Let's save the changes - OK.

conclusions

If your situation has not changed in any way after all the methods that were proposed in this article, there is only one solution left - to buy a more powerful router, exactly the one that we talked about at the beginning - with a frequency of 5 GHz. In practice, there were such cases, and no manipulation of changing channels helped to solve the problem with interruptions.

Also remember that sometimes problems can be of a technical nature - some element may break in the router. Then no action to change the settings will be useful.

The article turned out to be very informative and useful for all users of the World Wide Web. In it, we tried to analyze the easiest and most affordable ways to fix the most common problems with the Internet and wireless connection to Wi-Fi.

A modern router is able to perform a scan, check if the channel is free, or fix an excess signal. You can easily find a free window. Often the router firmware needs to be updated. Be careful! Loss of power will interrupt the update process - instead of a Wi-Fi channel scanner, you will get a pile of scrap metal. A wireless access point will be restored only by an official service center, or by a technically enlightened Kulibin.

Reasons for use

External interference reduces the speed of information passing. The bitrate drops noticeably. Try to place the router next to a working microwave oven - miracles will begin immediately. Interference is created by telephones, the Sun, industrial, military facilities. Even the USB 3 interface is a little phony.

The channel scanner shows a list of available SSIDs, ignoring extraneous factors. Therefore, even a visually free niche sometimes works poorly. Consider software features when building a home network.

If you notice a significant decrease in speed, use shielding, install directional antennas. Avoid crossing the beam line with your body. Microwave radiation is extremely harmful, it is perfectly absorbed by the body's aquatic environments. Memory, intelligence, blood counts worsen, sleep is disturbed. Immunity drops.

Router admin panel

Even the 300th TP-Link series is able to recognize network congestion. The updated firmware works wonders. Iron itself begins to look for free channels, choosing (even automatically) free bands. The screen will show amazing things: the neighbors literally occupied the same rooms. The smart device will monitor, show the status of the networks for user to check.

The screenshot clearly demonstrates the above. If the neighbors bothered to update the firmware regularly, a check with the analyzer would show a fundamentally different picture.

Updating the firmware of the router

The TP-Link firmware update option is the best. You immediately get a ready-made tool for monitoring frequencies. Of course, the router is able to check only its own operating range (2.4; 5; 60 GHz).

1. Always take the firmware from the official site.
2. Make sure the following settings match:
   • Version.
   • Model.

The range of information is very different. Choose a file by carefully examining the label. If the latter is missing, wait a little to despair. Versions of hardware, firmware are often indicated by the admin panel. Avoid arbitrariness: an experimental test can kill equipment.

The software refresh procedure will require access. We believe that setting up the router itself is as simple as possible. As a last resort, perform a hardware reset by pressing the appropriate button.

1. Download the firmware file.
2. Record on PC.
3. Update the software through the cord by selecting the appropriate item in the router's admin panel.
4. The program requires a cable connection. Otherwise, a fatal flight is possible. Make sure to provide uninterrupted power as well.

inSSIDer

Software that can determine the load density of Wi-Fi channels is widely known. The strange name inSSIDer implies the ability of the device to catch SSIDs surfing the air. Replacing the aging NetStumbler will please mostly Windows users.

1. Visit the official website of the project metageek.com/products/.
2. Find the right product.
3. Get ready to pay for the license.

The utility will get the user:

• Workload.
• Achievable speed.
• Will write available SSIDs (access point names).
• Displays specific parameters, like RSSI, that allow you to analyze the signal.
• The program is able to catch MAC addresses.

Attention! The utility is powerless to track the interference of household appliances, broadcasting, mobile phones, Bluetooth.

Free option

Considering what has been said, Android users breathed a sigh of relief: they will have to unambiguously sort through the channel numbers with handles. However, there is another option. Yes! Acrylic WiFi (acrylicwifi.com/). The novelty is still free, have time to download.

The utility collects:

1. SSID.
2. BSSID.
3. Channel load.
4. Security type and more.

1. Free WiFi Scanner.
2. wirelessnetview.

Android

Download the right software:

1. WiFiAnalyzer
2. WiFi Visualizer.
3. iMapper WiFi Pro.
4. WiFi Analyzer and Surveyor.
5. WTuners Mobile.

Note! In December 2017, Kaspersky unveiled a number of applications (official stores) that carry a threat. Therefore, it is better to use router firmware.

linux

1. LinSSID.
2. iwScanner.

Mac

1. iStumbler.
2. airradar.
3. wifi explorer.
4. WiFi Scanner.

iOS

Use Fing - Network Scanner. iOS owners just need to visit the AppStore.

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

That's why we've found six apps for you. They do everything Windows can't and more. Five of the six apps 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 manufacturer of the router (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, etc. 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? If you see that a nearby network with a strong signal is 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 turned on. In the future, you can either avoid these places or try to rearrange your router.

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

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

Here's another great program for finding Wi-Fi networks and providing information about them, like how far away they are from you. The radar-like screen shows all nearby hot spots. 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, external IP address, DNS, gateway information, and more.

Why use Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector over MetaGeek InSSIDer? For example, because the simpler and more understandable layout of Wi-Fi Inspector simplifies the presentation of information on hot spots. The program also shows the relative physical distance of you from the hot spot. 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 about surrounding Wi-Fi networks.

Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows XP SP2+, Vista and 7
Download Xirrus WiFi Inspector

is a wonderful, 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 - like a smartphone, or colleagues' tablets.

Of course, the computer itself, which you would like to turn into a Wi-Fi hotspot, must be connected to the Internet and support Wi-Fi. At the same time, the Internet connection does not have to be wired at all (although it does not hurt), because the computer's Wi-Fi card can perform a dual function - on the one hand, act 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, your computer's Wi-Fi card will start broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal that other devices can connect to. It is worth noting that your computer will work on the Wi-Fi protocol under which it was created. In addition, it will also support older protocols. So, for example, the 802.11n signal will allow you to connect devices with 802.11b/g/n.

Setting a password will restrict access to the Internet by strangers. 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 don't 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.

Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity (translated as "wireless fidelity"), is one of the most used wireless standards in the world today. Mobile Internet has not yet been widely developed due to limited technical capabilities and high cost. But there are various kinds of routers in every apartment and in almost every office. Moreover, Wi-Fi zones appear in more and more parks, squares, and public transport. High-speed free access is one way to lure people to a cafe or supermarket.

Not surprisingly, special applications are gaining popularity that allow you to find available networks, show their characteristics. Such programs are called scanners or analyzers. Before considering what a Wi-Fi scanner is and how to use it, let's clarify what characteristics a network has in principle and what useful information can be learned about it.

Wi-Fi network settings

Below are the main parameters of wireless networks that characterize their quality and availability:

• Standard - affects speed, quality and encryption. The following standards exist:
  1. 11b - the very first and practically not used now, with a low level of security, an unreliable type of WEP encryption, low speed up to 11 Mbps.
  2. 11g is more advanced, speed reaches 54 Mbps, supports WPA2 security protocol.
  3. 11i - even more modern, supporting WPA2 encryption, speed 125 Mbps.
  4. 11n - relevant today, provides higher bandwidth, coverage area, speed of 300 Mbps.
• Various types of security:
  1. WEP is not a reliable option, since part of the key is dynamic and periodically changes, and is repeated at certain intervals, which makes it available for hacking.
  2. WPA - works on the same algorithm, but with a more frequently changed key and packet integrity protocol.
  3. WPA2 is an enhancement to WPA with a stronger encryption algorithm.
  4. 1X is a multi-protocol security standard used in corporate networks.
  5. VPN - virtual private network, provides almost 100% security, is also used for corporate networks.
• Channel - the frequency range on which the router operates. There are 13 2.4 GHz frequency channels in Russia, 3 of them do not intersect (1, 6 and 11). Some more expensive routers operate at 5 GHz, where there are more non-overlapping channels.

The Wi-Fi scanner is designed to collect information on the above indicators, as well as data on the network name (SSID), MAC address, signal strength.

Network scanning in Windows

The analyzers developed for Windows networks are the most functional and provide detailed information. In addition, they sometimes allow you to change settings where possible.

Where can such a scanner program come in handy? If you need access to the network, then with the help of it you can quickly analyze those in the access zone and not protected by a password. Another application is used to increase the connection speed, since it allows you to analyze the congestion of channels and switch the router to a less loaded one, where there is less interference.

Popular programs for Windows OS are:

1. Download the program from the manufacturer's website (it provides a free trial) and install it on your computer.
2. The top part of the program window displays a list of networks and their parameters.
3. Below are four tabs: welcome with advertising, TimeGraph - shows the signal graph, then 2 tabs with a frequency of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. They show graphs of channel usage at those frequencies.
4. Look at the most loaded channels: those on which a large number of routers intersect - and rebuild yours to a freer one. Moreover, if there are channels equally loaded, but on one of them the routers have a weak signal, then it is better to choose it. There will be less interference and better speed.

Thus, with the help of specially created software, it is possible to find free Wi-Fi networks and improve the speed of your router by switching to a less busy channel. The standard Windows utility does not have such capabilities. The router settings often have auto-selection, but it does not always work well. Such scanners also exist for Android and iOS mobile devices, they can be downloaded from PlayMarket and AppStore. They have less capabilities, but nevertheless allow you to get the necessary information.

Sometimes in everyday life, when using Wi-Fi networks, the most stable access point, which shows the best coverage, does not give the most stable Internet. In order to easily detect wi-fi access points giving stable Internet, without any interference, you need a wi-fi analyzer, which will be discussed in this article.

What is wifi analyzer

wifi analyzer- a program or device that scans, analyzes the network; as if Captain Evidence tells us. The goals and implementation of such an analysis can be very different from finding a cleaner channel to Aircrack-ng methods, which is highly desirable to consider when looking for a wifi scanner. Nevertheless, speaking of an analyzer, they mean a tool for building a coverage map, analyzing channel distribution, analyzing interference and signal strength, excluding traffic analysis tools like Wireshark, Aircrack, tcpdump, they are still a slightly different direction, although they can also be used in interference analysis if ask.

To put it simply, a wifi analyzer is a program to see why Wi-Fi is not “driving”.

This class of tools is needed to observe the mutual influence of centimeter-range radio devices, which is any equipment that can wi-fi, or in simple terms, in order to see in real time not only who is to blame, but also what to do, to restore stable communication in the sense of where and how to bring down, yeah, a kind of tractor of Peter the pig.

Wi-fi analysis is a common and necessary task when setting up, diagnosing, restoring and hacking a network. Naturally, depending on the task, the aspects of analysis are different, if during setup and diagnostics the physical properties of the channel (frequency, field influence, channel occupancy) are more interesting, then when hacking, more attention is paid to logic (protection, encryption, etc.).

The task is so important that for devices like Ubiquiti NanoStation, the release of the possibility of such an analysis is not a feature, but a necessity.

Yes, and endure on your favorite tablet, tearing one megabit, when you can take a couple of steps around the room to five stripes ... in order to know where to step, analysis is needed.
The stability of the connection depends on many hard-to-calculate factors: the relative position of the devices, the influence of close frequencies, and even the state of the surface. All this is almost impossible to calculate, but you can see it in real time and choose the frequency and position in which there is a minimum of negative influence. Since its speed depends on the stability of the connection.

Programs wifi analyzers

There are countless software implementations of analyzers. Both well-known software writers and specialized offices were noted here, some of which, in general, are iron manufacturers, such as the Ubiquiti mentioned above with their AirView. All programs differ slightly in interface and visualization method, they do about the same thing and even the same way.

Some differences are dictated by the purpose of scanning, for example, TamoGraph Site Survey is focused on the placement of WiFi devices by area; InSSIDer - to analyze the connection of available networks in allowed ranges; and AirView exists to make life easier for the Ubiquiti tuner in range and beyond. Nevertheless, the most well-known of the entire family is the Wi-Fi analyzer, presented by utilities for Android and Windows devices, because “I'm an android, I need the Internet and an outlet.” The program allows you to find a place where no one and nothing interferes, it is simply mastered and used, while it is sufficient for home use.

An example of wi-fi network analysis

Any Analysis is meaningless without a goal. It's such an abstract thought. The purpose of the first example will be to restore the width of the channel between Vasya and Petya. The channel is tuned on Ubiquiti equipment, has only two antennas for simplicity. Finding a drop in speed, Vasya goes to 192.168.1.20 and sees there, say, “transmit ccq 50%”. Swearing at the slow connection, Vasya downloads JAWA and finally he presses the big blue Launch AirView button. From this moment, the analysis actually begins, which, by the way, needs to be allowed to work for 10 minutes to accumulate statistics.

Most analyzers display information in the form of graphs, there are many of them, but usually they duplicate each other to one degree or another. Vasya has three of them - short-term (power) displays changes in the last minutes of work, long-term (power) displays the scale from the moment the scan was started, and long-term (energy).

Having recalculated the peaks on the “Waveform View” graph (a long-term graph of power changes), Vasya not only sees that some device has appeared nearby in frequency, but also, by the depth of the blue color, finds out which frequencies the channel can be changed to.
The second task for the example will be the task of finding a wider channel for the android. We launch the Wi-Fi analyzer, look at the channel rating for the point on the “channel rating” tab, and get the numbers of free channels. Somehow the example didn't work. Take, for example, the task of finding a more powerful point signal. We launch the Wi-Fi analyzer, turn on the meter and see how the readings change when we walk around the room, by the way, if we link the device data to coordinates in the process, we will get a coverage map.

wifi analyzer for android

A portable device used in a difficult radio environment must have the means to analyze the surrounding lawlessness, it is simply a must. By typing Wifi analyzer, we get a list of positions for 10, similar functionality and implementation, well, I said - a place for bread.

Having chosen a program that is convenient for you personally, sometimes you don’t understand how you lived before installing it. Assess the network, find the optimal location, and due to the size of the wifi wave, the connection depends on the position and orientation of the device. Yes, in the end, the choice of a connection point from among the possible ones is also an analysis hardwired into the phone's carrier.

WiFi Analyzer for Windows

All thoughts about a portable device are valid, only in the store the choice is smaller, the prices are higher, although there is a Wi-Fi analyzer and it is even also free. On the Internet, there is InSSIDer and many, many others. The TamoGraph Site Survey mentioned above is also from this sandbox.

Having Wi-Fi on board, you should also have its analyzer. The elders say that even if they remove it for the sake of free space, they still have to install it again and again.

Do not pin your hopes, this is just a utility for “look with your eyes”, by seeing and correcting the channel frequency, the position of the device and the antenna, you can have a more stable contact at a higher torrent speed, especially if you move the welder away from the antenna.

3 more helpful articles:

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