We couldn’t do our work without the valuable apps used in the Windows operating system. That’s what we’ll discuss in this episode. Wi-Fi apps for Windows.

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Here are the Wi-Fi apps for Windows that Rowell and I use regularly when we are working at client sites or for any other Wi-Fi project. We certainly have our favorite apps and there are some we use on special cases but take a look at the list below and let us know what you think in the comments.

Metageek Chanalyzer

Spectrum Analysis software (For more, listen to CTS066, CTS039, CTS073)

Required a piece of hardware to feed spectrum information to the software

Wi-Fi Spy dBx

Cisco CleanAir AP (much better resolution)

Simple and user friendly interface

Different views

Waterfall view

Current spectrum view

Ability to record spectrum analysis

Can scan both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands at the same time (if proper adapter is used)

Built-in Wi-Fi network scanner

Present channel utilization

Link to Chanalyzer

Metageek Eye P.A.

A different way to analyze a Wi-Fi network

Very visual

Ability to capture packets (if proper Wi-Fi adapter is used – Airpcap Nx) and display different valuable statistics

How much the airtime is used? By who? You will see how much your neighbours affect you!

Compare size of packets with amount of data transfered. Helps to visualize that Wi-Fi generate tons of management traffic

Ability to import packet capture taken from other programs (Wireshark, AirTool, CommView…)

Ability to see the packets

With filter capabilities

Great to visualize issue and present to customers

Geat to gather statistics on how a Wi-Fi network is performing

Side note: Great tool to use to learn more about Wi-Fi

Link to Metageek Eye P.A.

Ekahau Site Survey

Swiss Army knife of Wi-Fi (for more listen to CTS069, CTS009)

Site Survey tool (Design, validation, troubleshooting)

Wi-Fi scanner

Spectrum Analyzer

Complete solution meeting the needs of Wi-Fi Engineers

Updated on a regular basis

Take advantage of the Wi-Fi community to improve the tool (#ESSRequest)

Reference in terms of Wi-Fi design and site survey tool today

Looks way way way better than AirMagnet

Complete set of features

3D Wi-Fi design

Reporting and Reporting customization

Spectrum Analyzer

macOS version (beta)

Link to Ekahau Site Survey

Metageek InSSIDer Office

Wireless network scanner

See what channels are used by other networks

RSSI

Data rates

Protocol

Plug in WiSpy dBx for Chanalyzer lite

* Link To Metageek InSSIDer Office

Savvius Omnipeek

Heavy Duty Network Analyzer

Use to troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks

Capture packets and provide insight on the quality of the network (more than just Wi-Fi)

Ability to drill down into the packets

Ability to use multiple adapters to captures on multiple channels to analyzer things like roaming behaviours