Scan Wi-Fi channels. Wi-Fi network analyzer - select the fastest and highest frequency channel

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 windows tool search. 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 following program has 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 hidden networks are shown correctly. 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.

And launch NetSpot. By default, the program will open in Search Mode, which will help you monitor those around you in real time wireless networks. Please note - NetSpot remembers the active mode before exiting the program - search mode or polling mode.

Step 2

Search and scan mode

In search mode, within a few seconds you will receive the first data about surrounding wireless networks. And the longer NetSpot works in search mode, the more accurate and complete the data received will be.

All found Wi-Fi networks are clearly visible

Search mode in NetSpot 2.x is a separate interactive list with information about all unhidden wireless networks. The list is updated depending on the interval you set, every 5-10-30 seconds. If a network disappears, you will still be able to see it for a while and determine how long ago it disappeared.

Scan Wi-Fi networks

To stop scanning, simply click on the "Pause" button in the lower left part of the program window. The scan will be paused until you start it again. If too many found wireless networks are displayed, you can filter them by any parameter or simply exclude them from the general list.

Step 5

Multifunctional radio space scanning

In NetSpot Search Mode, you can configure a list to display the parameters of interest for the found networks; this list is configured by right-clicking on the table header. Typically, users are interested in signal strength, network name, network signal-to-noise ratio, BSSID, channel, mode, security, etc. You can also configure the order in which parameters are displayed: just press and hold the parameter of interest in the table header and move it left/right depending on its priority.

Step 6

Visualization and export

NetSpot provides the ability to visualize and export the received data. To visualize the data, click in the lower left part of the “Details” window, where you can see a graph built in real time and analyze the received data for the network of interest. To export the received data to CSV, click "Export" on the main toolbar.

There are dozens for Windows, but such as WiFi SiStr unique of its kind. We are talking about the utmost simple application, which will allow you as a user to find out the signal level of any Wi-Fi points. 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.

Yes, 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 across all the Wi-Fi networks around you, need to 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 A. 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

- this is wonderful, free program, which 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 that wifi card your computer will start 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 for installation local network without external connection to the Internet. 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.

Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is one of the most used standards wireless communication in modern world. Mobile Internet has not yet received widespread development due to limited technical capabilities and high cost. But there are different kinds of routers in every apartment and almost every office. Moreover, Wi-Fi zones appearing in more and more parks, squares, and public transport. High-speed free access is one way to lure people to a cafe or supermarket.

No wonder they are gaining popularity special applications, which allow you to find available networks and show their characteristics. Such programs are called scanners or analyzers. Before looking at what a Wi-Fi scanner is and how to use it, let's clarify what characteristics a network basically has and what useful things you can learn 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 is the very first and practically not used now, with a low level of security, unreliable WEP encryption type, low speed up to 11 Mbit/sec.
  2. 11g is more advanced, speed reaches 54 Mbps, supports WPA2 security protocol.
  3. 11i is even more modern, supporting WPA2 encryption, speed 125 Mbit/s.
  4. 11n - relevant today, provides higher throughput, coverage area, speed of 300 Mbit/s.
• Different types of security:
  1. WEP is not a very reliable option, since part of the key is dynamic and changes periodically, and is repeated at certain intervals, which makes it susceptible to hacking.
  2. WPA - works on the same algorithm, but with a more frequently changing key and packet integrity protocol.
  3. WPA2 is an improvement on WPA with a stronger encryption algorithm.
  4. 1X is a security standard that includes several protocols and is used in corporate networks.
  5. VPN - virtual private network, provides almost 100% security, also used for corporate networks.
• Channel - frequency range on which the router operates. In Russia there are 13 channels with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, 3 of which do not overlap (1, 6 and 11). Some more expensive routers operate at a frequency of 5 GHz, there are a larger number of non-overlapping channels.

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

Scanning networks in Windows

Designed for Windows networks analyzers 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 be useful? If you need access to the network, then using it you can quickly analyze those in the access zone and not protected by a password. The application is also used to increase connection speed, as it allows you to analyze channel congestion 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. A list of networks and their parameters is displayed at the top of the program window.
3. Below there are four tabs: a welcome tab with advertising, TimeGraph - shows a signal graph, then 2 tabs with a frequency of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. They show channel usage graphs on those frequencies.
4. Look at the busiest channels: those on which a large number of routers intersect - and change yours to a freer one. Moreover, if there are channels that are equally loaded, but on one of them the routers weak signal, then it is better to choose it. There will be less interference and better speed work.

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