Home ›

Android Candy: WiFi Analyzer

Jan 23, 2013  By Shawn Powers
 in

I have a new day job, and as part of the hiring package, I was issued a smartphone. I'm a little bitter that it doesn't include a tethering plan, but that doesn't upset me nearly as much as the lack of Wi-Fi analysis apps. See, my new job issued me an iPhone. I really like the iPhone (it's true, I can't lie), but in order to scan Wi-Fi, I'd have to jailbreak my phone!

Thankfully, the world of Android has no such silly limitation. If you've ever wanted to scan for access points or check signal levels in different parts of your house, WiFi Analyzer is an excellent (and free!) tool. WiFi Analyzer will show currently available access points, graph signal strength as you walk around the house, and even give information on signal quality.

Screenshot from the Google Play Store

I've used WiFi Analyzer to determine the best placement of access points when deploying a building-wide wireless infrastructure. I've used it to pick the best channel for my home access points. I've even walked down the road with it to see what my neighbors use as SSIDs. (That last one might be a little creepy, but really, if people name their wireless networks after Teletubbies, you want to keep an eye on them.)

Because it's incredibly useful, completely free and not available on iOS, WiFi Analyzer gets this month's Editors' Choice award. Check it out at http://a.farproc.com/wifi-analyzer.

______________________

Shawn Powers is an Associate Editor for Linux Journal. You might find him chatting on the IRC channel, or Twitter

Comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

Then more testing was

Albert's picture
Submitted by Albert (not verified) on Sat, 04/20/2013 - 06:35.

Then more testing was performed to search out what the boots ended up truly designed of ?a with shocking effects. Travel to Europe by car you are one of the coolest blogger I ever saw. Thanks for posting this useful information. This was just what I was on looking for. I'll come back to this blog for sure!I agree with you. This post is truly inspiring.

Thanks for java Tutorial

Java's picture
Submitted by Java (not verified) on Fri, 04/19/2013 - 09:50.

Did you read the article at all? You missed the whole point! You must jailbreak your Apple device to get this level of visibility. Are there better apps, sure... but without jailbreaking, no.

Java Tutorial

Java's picture
Submitted by Java (not verified) on Fri, 04/19/2013 - 09:48.

Java, Core Java, Java Tutorial, basic java tutorial, jJava Tutorial
, java interview questions, java tutorial online for beginners, easy java tutorial for beginners, core java tutorial for beginners, java beginners tutorials, basic java tutorials for beginners, java for beginners tutorial, java tutorials for beginners, java language tutorials, core java tutorials, java video tutorial, java easy tutorial, java basic tutorials for beginners, core java programming tutorial, java basic tutorial, java coding tutorial, java tutorial software, java programming tutorials, easy java programming tutorial, java language tutorial, learning java tutorials, basic java coding tutorial, java programing tutorial for beginners, beginners java programming tutorial, java tutorial for beginners, java programming tutorial beginner, java tutorial pdf, core java tutorial, online java tutorials for beginners, basic java program tutorial, online java tutorial, java online tutorial, online java tutorials, online java tutorial for beginners, basic java tutorial for beginners, core java tutorials for beginners, sun java tutorial, java video tutorials, java tutorial online, complete java tutorial for beginners, java learning tutorials, java learning tutorial, learn java tutorial, Java simple java tutorial for beginners, advanced java tutorial, sun java tutorial for beginners, learning java tutorial, java tutorials online, basics of java tutorial

I wanted to thank you for

Kobe's picture
Submitted by Kobe (not verified) on Tue, 04/16/2013 - 06:41.

I wanted to thank you for this unique read. I definitely savoured all bits and pieces of it including all the comments and I have added you to my bookmark list to check out new articles you post. jamon iberico Creating an unfunded PhD tier could have dire consequences for the accessibility and diversity of the graduate school,

Yes, that's right, I love the

abufariz's picture
Submitted by abufariz on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 11:28.

Yes, that's right, I love the the page because it contains a good article and a very interesting web design, http://beamcharged.com/keretamini-com-pabrik-kereta-mini-no-1-ready-stock and http://www.centerwaralaba.com/

This tool is priceless for my business

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/13/2013 - 21:30.

In my business as a headshot photographer, I need to find access points constantly. If you've ever wanted to scan for access points or check signal levels in different parts of your house, WiFi Analyzer is an excellent tool.

Increase the signal

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 10:41.

It would be an interesting test to see if you can increase the signal with a tin can or empty pringles cup. (If the phone fits in there) I know it works with a smaller wifi adapter but I am not sure about a cell phone.

Mike S.
injury resources

There was a time when you

Real Estate in Sioux Falls's picture
Submitted by Real Estate in Sioux Falls (not verified) on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 00:48.

There was a time when you couldn’t monitor the Wi-Fi network from the end user perspective.I also use Wi-Fi scanner on my android device to see how my wi-fi's signal works well. This app also allows me to see the level of strengh of signal.

I am using Wi-Fi analyzer to

how to find android apps's picture
Submitted by how to find android apps (not verified) on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 00:26.

I am using Wi-Fi analyzer to search and select the place of best available connection. This apps is awesome, If you would emphasis some of jailbreaking's strength, I could appreciate you.

A very interesting read and a

accident's picture
Submitted by accident (not verified) on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 12:03.

A very interesting read and a great post alltogether. thanks for sharing this information.
car accident claim
car accident claims

wow

de primaterra industri dan gudang bandung's picture
Submitted by de primaterra industri dan gudang bandung (not verified) on Sun, 03/31/2013 - 05:48.

You make very good points here and I appreciate your opinion. This is a pretty decent blog and I hope you keep on producing such a quality content. Thank you!
DE PRIMATERRA KAWASAN INDUSTRI DAN GUDANG BANDUNG INDONESIA, industri dan gudang

Apple Vs Android phones

Denny Zee's picture
Submitted by Denny Zee (not verified) on Sat, 03/30/2013 - 17:23.

This issue of apple restricting their smartphone's capabilities is one thing I have never understood. All in all, no matter what features I would like to unlock on an iphone, i would not dare jailbreak it due to its cost and I would not risk my investment. Breville bov800xl

Regards,
Dennis
http://brevillebov800xlv.com

Apple Vs Android phones

Denny Zee's picture
Submitted by Denny Zee (not verified) on Sat, 03/30/2013 - 17:22.

This issue of apple restricting their smartphone's capabilities is one thing I have never understood. All in all, no matter what features I would like to unlock on an iphone, i would not dare jailbreak it due to its cost and I would not risk my investment. Breville bov800xl

Regards,
Dennis
http://brevillebov800xlv.com

I love the the page because

kata bijak's picture
Submitted by kata bijak (not verified) on Sun, 03/24/2013 - 09:56.

I love the the page because it contains a good article and a very interesting web design, my page : http://mutiarakatadangambargambar.com/kumpulan-puisi.html

Recently installed this App

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/13/2013 - 11:43.

Recently installed this App on my Ideos U8150 it is very helpful and useful :) Conference Table

It is good enough (at least for me)

ΝΤΕΤΕΚΤΙΒ's picture
Submitted by ΝΤΕΤΕΚΤΙΒ (not verified) on Tue, 03/05/2013 - 08:10.

This application is good enough at least for me...
Do you know any iPhone app to do all these and free?
ντετεκτιβ

Detective / Private Investigator usage of WiFi Analyzer

ΝΤΕΤΕΚΤΙΒ's picture
Submitted by ΝΤΕΤΕΚΤΙΒ (not verified) on Sat, 03/02/2013 - 12:08.

As a professional detective / private investigator I am using android WiFi Analyzer to check for available access points and measure graph signal strength as I perform my investigations all around the town of Athens and get information on signal quality of the Access Points that I use to connect to the Internet.

Please check my Web Site www.erevna.gr or www.insider.com.gr for further information.

If you need further information on how you can use the WiFi Analyzer for Spy purposes please contact my private investigations office.

I am glad to found such

JOJO's picture
Submitted by JOJO (not verified) on Wed, 02/27/2013 - 07:41.

I am glad to found such useful post. I really increased my knowledge after read your post which will be beneficial for me.Thank you for such a fantastic blog. Yellow Pages Cybo Where else could anyone get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the look out for such information, and I many Thank to you.

Nice tool

Sara Danes's picture
Submitted by Sara Danes (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2013 - 11:10.

A really helpful tool for those who wish to make their android phone become a handy Wi-Fi analyzer; it's totally free as well. This is great tool for those who love working on the go like me.
Regards,
Sara Danes
Manager at http://www.prodesks.com

thats why android is the best

Dzak's picture
Submitted by Dzak (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2013 - 04:39.

thats why android is the best cause the others OS are with limitations.

Android without WiFi Scanner

http://www.ofors.com's picture
Submitted by http://www.ofors.com (not verified) on Tue, 02/19/2013 - 02:11.

Android without WiFi Scanner is unthinkable! :) It's available and free too, then use it. Very useful tool IMO.

Santosh
http://www.ofors.com

thanks for information

kata mutiara's picture
Submitted by kata mutiara (not verified) on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 10:57.

thanks for information Android Candy: WiFi Analyzer ailike this article || kata kata cinta 

This is pretty write up

surveillance camera's picture
Submitted by surveillance camera (not verified) on Sun, 02/03/2013 - 03:40.

This is pretty write up with Android apps! In today's usefulness of iPhone, android devices is increasing day by day because of it is simple and comfortable then desktop and PC. Even such device can be use for security solution too. Thanks for good analyzing with us!
surveillance camera Miami

G-Mon is good as is Wifi

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/31/2013 - 09:18.

G-Mon is good as is Wifi Overview 360.

There is also WiFiFoFum,

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/28/2013 - 11:52.

There is also WiFiFoFum, which has an actual radar layout. Uses Wifi and GPS. It's available on Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dynamicallyloaded.wifi...), and on the Cydia (from BigBoss), and just about every other mobile OS out there. I haven't tried taking the ipa and adding that to iTunes, and then adding that to my iPhone, but that usually works anyways.
http://www.aspecto-software.com/wififofum/

Here's the image of the radar that is advertised in the Google Play Store: https://lh6.ggpht.com/JthV0z1fxrk_paxFijXPjjN6K6v6yo6BoxQOKxt-LdqZn4lE5b...

Fantastic App

Michael Knisely's picture
Submitted by Michael Knisely (not verified) on Sun, 01/27/2013 - 15:40.

I've used this tool to find APs stuck up in drop ceilings, forgotten under desks, and even one jammed in the floor joists in one building.

I use it for basic coverage testing too; it has pretty much replaced my use of Chanalyser, a software I payed a pretty penny to have. I find the form factor of my tablets and phones to be much more preferential to even a Slate 500 for doing this type of testing.

I wholeheartedly agree with this pick!

This is true

GeorgeKip's picture
Submitted by GeorgeKip (not verified) on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 10:41.

That is true.

----
ντετεκτιβ

WTH

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/23/2013 - 17:06.

You might want to do some reasearch. There are several app that help w/ active scans.

really?

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/23/2013 - 16:47.

Useful but very limited, seen better apps on iOS that gives detail of active scans.

i agree...

dennishobson's picture
Submitted by dennishobson on Wed, 04/17/2013 - 10:27.

i agree...

Madeira plastica | plastic lumber | korando |

Did you read the article at

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/23/2013 - 17:29.

Did you read the article at all? You missed the whole point! You must jailbreak your Apple device to get this level of visibility. Are there better apps, sure... but without jailbreaking, no.

Webcast
More Resources
How to Build an Optimal Hadoop Cluster to Store and Maintain Unlimited Amounts of Data Using Microservers

Realizing the promise of Apache® Hadoop® requires the effective deployment of compute, memory, storage and networking to achieve optimal results. With its flexibility and multitude of options, it is easy to over or under provision the server infrastructure, resulting in poor performance and high TCO. Join us for an in depth, technical discussion with industry experts from leading Hadoop and server companies who will provide insights into the key considerations for designing and deploying an optimal Hadoop cluster.

Learn More

Sponsored by AMD

White Paper
More Resources
Red Hat White Paper: Using an Open Source Framework to Catch the Bad Guy

Built-in forensics, incident response, and security with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6

Every security policy provides guidance and requirements for ensuring adequate protection of information and data, as well as high-level technical and administrative security requirements for a system in a given environment. Traditionally, providing security for a system focuses on the confidentiality of the information on it. However, protecting the data integrity and system and data availability is just as important. For example, when processing United States intelligence information, there are three attributes that require protection: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Learn more about catching the bad guy in this free white paper.

Learn More

Sponsored by DLT Solutions