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The native and already powerful Wi-Fi Diagnostics Tool in Mac OS X got a redesign in modern versions of Mac OS X, and with it came some new features that make the utility better than ever. One of the best new additions is the built-in Wi-Fi scanner tool, which is a full-featured wifi stumbler to find and discover nearby Wi-Fi networks – even.

Last updated on December 24th, 2020

Spectrum Analyzers, Mac Spectrum Analyzers - Here you will find a collection of Spectrum Analyzers which allow you to analyze sound. These programs have a range of functions including Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT), Real Time 3D display, wavelet decomposition, harmonic analysis, note definition and much more. Many Wi-Fi networks use the same channel within a radio wave frequency spectrum, or band (the most common bands for standard Wi-Fi networks are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). As a result of sharing both a channel and a spectrum, routers placed near each other produce overlapping coverage areas, causing radio wave interference affecting the Wi-Fi signal. WiFi Surveyor - RF Spectrum Analyzer & 802.11 Network Software. WiFi Surveyor turns data collected from RF Explorer spectrum analyzers into graphical charts and displays in real time, enabling users to more readily visualize the RF environment, monitor RF signals, troubleshoot RF issues, and detect sources of RF interference. Spectrum Analyzer Software For Pc's; Spectrum Analyser Mac App Download; Wifi Spectrum Analyzer App; Spectrum Analyzer App For Laptop; Note: Most of these apps only work with the built-in WiFi adapter of your Mac and do not work with an external adapter. Your account at your fingertips. Sign in for the easiest way to view and pay your bill.

WiFi heatmapper software and wireless site survey tools for Windows 10, mac, iPhone, iPad and Android from 7 global vendors is presented in this article in a simple table format, along with indicative online prices as on March 11, 2020.

In this article:

1. Main uses of site survey tools
   1. Predictive Site Survey
   2. AP on a Stick Survey
   3. Passive and Active Site Survey
   4. Spectrum Analysis

List of WiFi heatmapper software tools

1. 1. Airmagnet
   2. Ekahau
   3. Visiwave
   4. Acrylic
   5. Netspot
   6. Tamograph
   7. iBwave

WiFi Heatmapper software definition

Ever since WiFi became popular, the need to scientifically manage corporate WLANs also grew. Since wireless communication happens over the air through electro-magnetic waves, it becomes impossible to manage it without sophisticated tools that can “see” the communication and troubleshoot it.

WiFi site survey software addressed this need. They can be used to plan, design and troubleshoot WLANs with scientific perfection. WiFi site survey software helps users to visualize the invisible wireless spectrum and fine tune the WLAN with confidence.

The software converts the signal strengths noted in different spots of a worksite into a corresponding color code. These colors can be displayed as an overlay on a site floor map, thus converting the invisible wireless signals in an area into a visible, human readable “heatmap”. This resulted in the map being called as WiFi heatmap and the tool being called as WiFi heatmapper software.

Main uses of WiFi Heatmapper Software and Site Survey tools

Predictive Site Survey

Predictive Site Survey is a virtual simulation of the planned WLAN, executed on a laptop or desktop, without visiting the work site. It is virtual WiFi heatmapping of the area using virtual access points.

The floor map of the work site is fed into the survey tool. Then the tool usually allows the user to build the whole site virtually in the software including obstacles like walls, floor, ceiling, furniture etc. The property of the obstacles can also be specified, like type of wall material, their dimensions etc.

Once the virtual site is ready, the planned WLAN can be simulated by specifying Access Point(AP) types and their locations. Some tools have an option to automate this process. The Access Points can be moved around to get the required coverage output at specific areas of site.

This predictive site survey process helps to build a virtual WLAN network with required coverage using same or similar virtual Access Points planned for purchase.

WiFi heatmapper for conducting AP on a Stick Survey

AP on a Stick Survey is conducted as a validation survey to ensure the virtual design made using predictive site survey is robust and without gaps.

The survey is conducted on-site. An Access Point similar or same as the one planned for purchase is activated using a mobile battery pack. Then the AP is placed at the site as per WLAN design and a passive site survey is conducted using WiFi heatmapper software around the AP area and the survey file is saved. This process is repeated for all planned AP locations.

Once the survey is completed at all the AP locations, all the individual survey files are merged to create a single file that will showcase the signal propagation of the AP across the whole work site in a WiFi heat map. This is equivalent to covering the whole site with required number of APs and then conducting the survey.

This step helps to validate a WLAN design and to close any design gaps that arise on an actual site.

WiFi heatmapper software for Passive and Active WiFi Site Survey

Indoor or Outdoor passive and active WiFi Site Survey is conducted on-site using laptops/tablets or mobile phones. For indoor sites a floor map is used. For outdoor surveys, a GPS tool is integrated with the WiFi heatmapper software.

Passive WiFi site survey is conducted using WiFi adapters connected to the site survey device. This survey captures all the 802.11 radio signals in the survey area. The survey data is visually represented on the indoor floor map or outdoor google map in different colors as per signal strength. Various other properties of each 802.11 signal like channel information, approximate location of its AP, MAC address, Manufacturer info etc is also recorded. This gives a fair idea about density of WiFi signals in a given area. This information is very useful in understanding and mitigating interference, WLAN signal gaps etc.

Active WiFi site survey helps in recording real throughputs available in a particular area from a given WLAN. Various other “active” data like collisions, transmission errors, round trip times etc are also recorded across a work site.

Spectrum Analysis

Some site survey software tools have the capability to integrate with in-house and 3rd party spectrum analyzers for inspecting non-802.11 signal interference in a given area. This aspect makes the site survey solution a complete package since both WiFi and non-WiFi interference can be recorded and analyzed effectively.

Multibeast el capitan. Non-WiFi interference creates severe difficulties in WLAN transmission. And the sources are usually discreet and unassuming like microwave ovens, certain CCTV cameras, cordless phones, bluetooth devices etc. Using WiFi spectrum analyzer tools to find and mitigate such sources of interference becomes very critical in WiFi performance management.

Dynamic solutions in an expanding market

IDC reported 3Q19 Gobal Enterprise WLAN market at $1.62 billion. It is expected to grow steadily due to the introduction of newer technologies like WiFi 6 (802.11ax). In this growing market the suite of solutions offered by WiFi site survey vendors are also dynamically changing.

Many vendors are offering reliable WiFi site survey software. It can be used to design and simulate a WLAN, do “AP on a stick” surveys for validating the design, conduct on-site WiFi site survey to generate WiFi heat map of the area, analyze non-802.11 signals using spectrum analyzer adapters etc.

Some vendors are also offering WLAN troubleshooting software as either integrated into their main WiFi site survey software or as a standalone tool. They can be used to find and fix WLAN issues effectively.

Mature vendors have an organized set of offerings, while upcoming vendors keep adding features and solutions to their kitty almost on a monthly basis. This makes the field difficult to keep pace with and to make quick comparisons when planning to buy. So we thought of making a chart showing WiFi heatmapper solutions from some of the known names in the Industry in 2020.

WiFi heatmapper software and site survey tools comparison

The below WiFi heatmapper software and site survey tools comparison covers both software and hardware options provided by few select vendors known across the globe. The vendors we have chosen are Ekahau, Airmagnet, Visiwave, iBwave, Netspot, Tamosoft and Acrylic. We are planning to update this table on a periodic basis to keep up with the developments.

Comparison of WiFi Site Survey Software Packages (As on March 11, 2020)

Overview of WiFi heatmapper products considered for comparison

AirMagnet

AirMagnet is now part of the company Netally (LinkRunner LLC). Netally was spun out in 2019 from Netscout Systems, Inc that bought AirMagnet product set from Fluke Networks in 2014. Netally is situated in Colorado, USA.

AirMagnet has a complete suite of WiFi design and analysis tools. Their tool set is segmented into multiple individual products. AirMagnet Survey Pro is their primary site survey tool. AirMagnet Planner is their standalone WLAN planning and design tool. AirMagnet Spectrum XT is their spectrum analyzer tool, supported by AirMagnet Spectrum USB adapter. AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer Pro is for WiFi analysis and troubleshooting.

AirMagnet is also launching a WiFi site survey and WLAN analyzer app for their in-house handheld network analyzers. EtherScope nXG gets the app in April 2020 and Aircheck G2 gets it in Q3 2020.

The rugged handheld network analyzers can be deployed quickly by frontline staff to analyze WLANs and associated wired networks as well. EtherScope nXG is used for testing and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks whereas Aircheck G2 is dedicated for WiFi.

AirMagnet solutions are available for purchase from NetAlly’s global partner network.

Ekahau

Ekahau is currently owned by Ookla, the broadband and mobile network testing company. Ookla bought Ekahau from Nexit Ventures in Oct 2018. Ekahau started in 2000 as a provider of GSM and WiFi based(RTLS) location positioning solutions and then moved into the WiFi site survey business. From 2016, Ekahau is focussing only on WiFi site survey business after selling RTLS business to Airista.

Ekahau’s core product is Ekahau Pro, that can be used to design and analyze WiFi networks, including spectrum analysis. Ekahau Sidekick is the in-house all-in-one adapter that can be used for site surveys, spectrum analysis, packet capture etc.

Other than Windows and macOS, Ekahau also provides WiFi site survey and analysis solutions on iOS platform. Currently iOS solutions are available as part of an annual support subscription.

Ekahau claims to have more than 15,000 customers and 30% market share of Fortune 500 companies. It is headquartered in Virginia, USA.

Visiwave

Visiwave belongs to AZO Technologies, Inc., and located in Michigan, USA.

Visiwave’s core product is Visiwave Site Survey Pro, that includes the site survey and planner modules. And through its alliance, provides a combo solution including Wi-Spy DBx spectrum analyzer hardware and software.

Visiwave also has a standalone packet capture tool, called Traffic.

Visiwave products can be purchased online from their website as well as through their official resellers.

Acrylic

Acrylic WiFi site survey products belongs to the company Tarlogic Research S.L., Spain. Tarlogic is a cybersecurity company founded in 2011. It is also focusing on WiFi site survey and WLAN analysis.

Acrylic has 2 Enterprise products: Acrylic Wi-Fi Heatmaps and Acrylic Wi-Fi Professional. The Wi-Fi Heatmaps product is for WLAN design and site surveys. Wi-Fi Professional is for WLAN troubleshooting and analysis. They also have a free WiFi scanner tool for home segment.

The products are available on their website for online purchase. Products are available either as monthly subscriptions or for outright purchase.

Netspot

Netspot product belongs to the company Etwok Inc, situated in Delaware, USA.

Netspot was first launched in 2011 for macOS. It is now available on Windows and Android platforms as well.

There are 2 Enterprise grade products: Netspot Pro and Netspot Enterprise. While Netspot Pro is a single user license, the Enterprise version can be used by 10 users. They also have a paid single-user Home version for non-commercial purposes. They also provide a free download of their WiFi analysis tool, with limitations.

The software provides SNR visualizations on macOS without any additional adapters. They do not have detailed non 802.11 spectrum analysis capabilities as of now.

Tamograph

Tamograph belongs to Tamosoft, which was founded in 1998. The company is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Their main product is Tamograph Site Survey Pro which can do predictive, passive and active site surveys. The tool can also integrate with Wi-Spy DBx spectrum analyzer for analyzing non-802.11 interference.

Their “CommView for WiFi VoIP” software helps in troubleshooting a WLAN through packet capture techniques, including VoIP issues troubleshooting.

The company also has other paid and free wired and wireless network monitoring and analysis tools available.

All paid products are available for online purchase from their website. Os x 10.11 download dmg.

Wifi Spectrum Analyzer Mac Free Online

iBwave

iBwave site survey products belong to iBwave solutions, founded in 2003 and located in Quebec, Canada.

iBwave company is involved in developing software solutions for indoor cellular and WiFi design. They have standalone solutions for both the technologies.

iBwave’s main WiFi design products are called iBwave Wi-Fi(for PC) and iBwave WiFi Mobile. Multi adapter active & passive WiFi site surveys and predictive surveys can be conducted using the tools. The WiFi design software also helps to arrive at a total network bill of materials. Through virtual cable routing and network device placements, quantities of components like data cables, switches, routers, controllers etc can be arrived at. 3D modelling is also available.

The design files can be shared and worked upon between the Mobile and PC versions of the design tool. The company gives 10 GB free online storage for the design files. They also have a read-only project file viewer (iBwave viewer) for helping end-customers to view the wireless design files.

Summary

In this WiFi heatmapper software and tools comparison showing Ekahau vs Airmagnet vs Visiwave vs Netspot vs Acrylic vs Tamograph vs iBwave offerings, we have not got into comparing the technical features of the products. Rather we have made an attempt to compare the overall WiFi design and WiFi site survey solution packages offered by these select set of companies. This post could serve as the first step in the buying cycle , before one gets deeper into comparing individual technical details and capabilities of each package.

Disclaimer: Product/pricing information presented in this article should strictly be considered as indicative. Manufacturers continuously change/upgrade product features through software releases and change prices based on sales promotions or newly launched feature sets. One must always refer the manufacturer website or talk to their local representatives to get latest information on product features/prices in their respective region.

All product/company/standards names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Last updated on December 24th, 2020

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer for Windows 10, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android comparison chart along with prices from select wireless spectrum analyzer manufacturers is presented below. Only WiFi signal analyzers that are available for purchase as a separate standalone unit is compared in this article.

In this article:

• Examples of measurements
  • Spectrum trace graph
  • Spectrogram(Waterfall graph)
  • Signal density graph
  • Interference pattern matching
  • WiFi signal analyzer

Enterprise WiFi Spectrum Analyzer For Windows 10, Mac, iphone, ipad and Android considered:

1. Metageek Wi-Spy DBx
2. Oscium WiPry 2500x
3. RF Explorer WiFi Combo
4. Airmagnet Spectrum XT
5. Triplett WiFi Hound

What is a WiFi Spectrum Analyzer ?

It is a well known fact that WLAN interference should be found and mitigated for WLAN optimization activities to be fully effective. 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz WiFi frequencies are congested in most of the office locations. Features of WiFi 6 standard tries to address many of the existing pain-points of WiFi communications.

In fact the upcoming WiFi 6E (6 GHz WiFi) will be the best thing to have happened for interference mitigation in a very long time. The High Efficiency(HE) 802.11ax standard combined with a freshly unlicensed 6 Ghz frequency band would relieve a lot of indoor interference worries for Enterprise customers, at least in the early days.

But in any frequency band externally induced interference cannot be ignored by IT teams.

Operating frequency based interference is generated from 2 types of sources:

1. WiFi signals from neighboring WLANs and other 802.11 sources, and

2. Non-WiFi signals from sources like cordless phones, wireless CCTV devices, microwave ovens, bluetooth enabled devices etc.

Various WiFi site survey tools are used to inspect wifi networks and wireless interference affecting them. For understanding interference from neighboring WLANs and 802.11 sources, WiFi heatmappers are used. WiFi heatmappers use specialized WiFi adapters or the internal WiFi cards of survey devices like laptops/tablets/mobile phones to capture and analyze WiFi interference in a location. Many popular heatmapping tools are available from top wireless site survey OEMS for this purpose.

However, to specifically find and analyze non-WiFi interference, a WiFi site survey tool called WiFi spectrum analyzer is used. WiFi spectrum analyzer is a wireless spectrum analyzer that inspects the OSI layer 1 (Physical layer) of WiFi networks. This is achieved by using specialized wireless signal processors that are capable of capturing and analyzing data from this layer. Although, data from OSI layer 2 is also captured for analysis purpose.

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer Measurements

Spectrum Trace Graph

Spectrum trace graphs provide a live measurement/ trace of maximum strengths of different signals operating in the selected frequency range. The signal strength is measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). In a sample measurement shown above, the frequency is plotted on x-axis and signal strength on y-axis to display captured signals.

The signal strength gives a fair idea about the proximity of signals from the measuring devices. Stronger the signal, closer is the source. Hence when moving around with a spectrum analyzer, focus is given to locations where interfering signals are found to be higher/maximum as rogue signal sources can be found nearby.

A continuous hunt for increasing signal strengths, combined with physical investigation of the area would reveal the interference source.

Spectrogram (Waterfall Graph)

The waterfall graph (Spectrogram or spectral waterfall graph) provides a rolling timeline view of signal strengths measured in a frequency range. In the selected band, frequencies with highest signal strengths are brightly colored for easy understanding. Different color shades are used to mark other frequencies corresponding to varying signal strengths. Through such coloration, the distribution and variation of energy across the selected frequency bands can be easily understood for a selected period of time.

When viewed over a reasonable time span, spectrogram gives a clear snapshot of the frequencies where continuous or intermittent energies are present. WiFi signals appears in bursts, thereby showing a scattered pattern around the channel frequencies. But non-802.11 interference from many known non-radio sources have patterns of constant signal strength (high duty cycle) around a frequency range. This can be seen as a continuous line or pattern as shown in the sample image above.

When such a spectrogram is recorded over a longer duration, any sporadic signal bursts can also be easily identified. By simply looking at the overall waterfall recording and noting the frequencies with sudden short color changes, such interferers can be found and focused on for further analysis. This will help immensely in identifying noise sources that have low duty cycles.

All this information will help to identify the WiFi channels affected by interference in a work space. This will in-turn help the Enterprise IT teams to take corrective action like WiFi channel management, interference mitigation etc.

Some WiFi spectrum analyzer devices also show the waterfall graph based on WiFi channels. They clearly mark out the affected channels using bright colors. This will help to quickly identify the affected WiFi channels, leading to optimization efforts.

Signal Density Graph

Signal density graphs give cumulative signal strength measurements. It is basically the summation of all the live spectrum trace measurements. The signal strengths that occur frequently are more brightly colored. Infrequent signals are denoted with different colors. Such color differentiation helps a surveyor to quickly understand the spectrum characteristics of an area.

Density graphs can give a quick reckoning of unusual signal strengths noted in an area. Any anomalies in the signal strength can be easily understood by deviations from the general signal density noted.

This again can help to re-confirm the frequencies where non-802.11 signals operate so that the WiFi channels can be managed accordingly and the interference can be mitigated.

In some products the spectrum trace and density graph are combined into a single view.

Interference Pattern Matching

Interference signal pattern matching is provided by some WiFi spectrum analyzer manufacturers.

Many types of non-802.11 interference have recognizable signature patterns that can be distinguished in the measurements.

By comparing a known signal pattern with a live signal graph, it can be quickly understood whether the interference noted in an area comes from a particular type of non-802.11 source. If the signal pattern matches, then it would simply mean that a particular interference causing device like wireless CCTV or cordless phone is operating in the survey area. Now since the device type is known it can be easily searched, identified and neutralized.

Also signal pattern matching helps to cut down the time taken to find multiple interference sources operating in a WLAN area. Various signal patterns can be compared one after the other till the patterns match with the live signals. This process will greatly cut the time spent hunting for different interference sources in a highly congested area.

WiFi Signal Analyzer

A WiFi Spectrum Analyzer also captures 802.11 WiFi signals for analysis. That is, going above the OSI Layer 1 to capture and analyze WiFi radio signals. This is important because the WiFi signals and non-WiFi signals need to be compared and analyzed together for quicker resolution of issues. Usually, basic information like signal strength, density graph, channel utilization, channel history, network names (SSID) etc are captured.

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer Comparison Chart (April 2020)

Overview of products considered for comparison

Metageek

A popular name in the WLAN Signal Analyzer industry, their solutions have been well tested in the market and proven to be effective in identifying non-802.11 interference in the work areas operating WLAN radios.

Metageek’s solutions consist of both hardware and software. The hardware solution offered by Metageek for spectrum analysis is a USB based spectrum analyzer called Wi-Spy DBx. This can be used to simultaneously analyze both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi spectrum for interference using their latest analyzer software. There is also a 2.4 GHz version of Wi-Spy, which could be available with local distributors. It is not showcased on the Metageek website right now (April 2020).

Wi-Spy DBx pairs with a PC software called Chanalyzer, which is used to analyze the data captured by Wi-Spy. Chanalyzer captures WiFi data from the internal* WiFi cards of the laptop that is used for the analysis work. ( *external USB WiFi adapters needed when used on windows virtual machines in Macs)

Chanalyzer provides detailed spectrum data like density graphs, waterfall graphs, pattern matching (Fig2), channel utilization graphs etc. It also provides intuitive analysis of data captured from WiFi devices in the area.

Chanalyzer has an option to connect remotely to a Cisco CleanAir enabled access point and conduct a spectrum analysis. It works with Cisco access points in local, monitor or SE-Connect modes. The model numbers with which this Chanalyzer feature will work has been specified by Metageek.

Metageek also provides an optional dual band directional antenna attachment to Wi-Spy DBx that can be used to replace the standard omni-directional antenna on the analyzer. This directional antenna helps to reduce the effort spent in physically locating the interference sources. There are specific live graphs available in the Chanalyzer that work together with device finder antenna towards this effort.

Metageek has a mobile phone based dual band spectrum analyzer solution as well, called Wi-Spy Air. This works on standalone AAA batteries and connects to Android or iOS devices through their free Air Viewer App that only works when Wi-Spy Air is connected. An on-board WiFi chip set allows to measure WiFi related information like retry rates, actual data rates, connected client count, channel utilization etc.

Oscium

Oscium spectrum analyzers belong to the company Dechnia, LLC from Oklahoma, USA.

They have spectrum analyzer solutions in various frequency ranges. Their WiFi spectrum analyzer is called WiPry 2500x, which can analyze both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges. All WiFi and non-WiFi signals can be viewed and analyzed in these frequency ranges . It can be used to visualize ZigBee ( which uses IEEE 802.15.4 standard) channels as well. Hence it can be used to troubleshoot spectrum issues that are affecting home automation products that are using ZigBee standards in 2.4 GHz frequency ranges.

Oscium provides a real time view of spectrum signal strengths and a waterfall view to analyze the spectrum. Different colored heat mapping is also available to understand about the persistent and sporadic signals(Fig4).

Oscium grades each WiFi signal based on levels of congestion noted on the respective channels. Also the SNR and SINR info is displayed for each SSID when it is selected from the common view. There is raw view and average views of signals available. These are superimposed on the density view of the signals for easy understanding.

Oscium also provides optional directional antennas to help pinpointing interference sources. The standard antenna that comes with the device is omni-directional.

The Oscium spectrum analyzer is supported on PC, MAC, iOS and Android.

RF Explorer

RF Explorer is a standalone handheld Spectrum Analyzer, unlike the above 2 examples. RF Explorer comes in various frequency options, including sub-1GHz models. The WiFi spectrum analyzer is called the WiFi combo, which can scan 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WLAN frequency ranges.

The WiFi combo Spectrum Analyzer is lightweight and comes in a pocket friendly aluminium casing. The LCD screen has good visibility in both indoors and outdoors. 2 SMA connectors are provided for connecting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz antennas.

The unit has an internal battery that can be charged through a Mini USB cable. The cable can be used to connect the unit to the free PC based software provided by RF Explorer for deeper analysis of data. For extended functionalities, graphs and reporting, a paid “WiFiSurveyor” application is available for download from the website. The WiFiSurveyor software provides detailed graphs and reports about WiFi and non-WiFi signals for easy troubleshooting of WLAN.

The standalone handheld option of RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer helps in doing rapid spectrum analysis scans at either indoor or outdoor locations. Moreover RF Explorer also provides directional antenna options for quick physical identification of interference sources.

AirMagnet Spectrum XT

Spectrum Analyzer For Wifi

AirMagnet Spectrum XT from NetAlly is a USB based WiFi spectrum analyzer solution that can be accessed using laptops and tablets to perform WiFi Spectrum analysis using an AirMagnet Spectrum USB adapter. Optional directional antenna is available for increased accuracy in detecting interference sources.

The AirMagnet Spectrum XT software provides detailed analysis of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum by capturing both WiFi and non-WiFi signals in the spectrum.

The software provides detailed spectrum trace, waterfall graph, density graph, pattern matching features etc.

The AirMagnet Spectrum USB also seamlessly integrates with AirMagnet Survey Pro, the WiFi heatmapping and survey software. This helps to conduct simultaneous WiFi and Spectrum Surveys in a single walk and save time.

AirMagnet XT provides a list of non-wifi devices noted during the survey, organized under various categories like cordless phones, bluetooth devices, wireless cameras, microwave ovens etc. This helps to quickly understand the scale of non-wifi interference present in an area. There is an event spectrogram graph that color codes interferers and plots them on a graph based on frequency and duty cycles.

There is a device finder feature, assisted with audio alert. Any particular device can be selected and the software will show real time signal strength of the device and audio alerts will get louder on approach. There is also a live recording feature to record and playback the live spectrum analysis data anytime in the future.

Free Wi Fi Analyzers

AirMagnet Spectrum XT also provides detailed information of WiFi channels and rates them under various graphs like channel power, speed, 802.11 protocol, address type, utilization, occupancy etc.

WiFi Hound

WiFi Hound from New Hampshire, USA based Triplett is a standalone Android based handheld WiFi spectrum analyzer. The product covers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, including Zigbee.

WiFi Hound has a 10 inch screen and 6000 mAh LiPo battery and weighs about a kilogram. It comes with a shock resistant case. There is a mini-HDMI port to mirror the screen to a larger display. Files can be backed up through a Micro USB port.

Video recording of the screen is possible, as well as taking snapshots of the screen. Notes can be made to the videos and snapshots for easy reporting. Data logging is available in .csv format. The snapshots can be emailed from the device itself after setting up email in the device.

The overall interface looks simple to use and the device should be useful for doing quick onsite spectrum analysis surveys at home and office by technicians of any skill level.

Summary

WiFi Spectrum Analyzer is available from many manufacturers in various form factors and price points. In this post we have looked and compared standalone spectrum analyzer solutions offered by a select set of vendors. The target of this post was to look at the overall solution package with pricing and not go deeper into technical comparison. A deeper technical comparison article would be covered in a future post. Information in this post can be used as a starting point to dig deeper into each solution before arriving at a purchasing decision.

Note: All product/company/standards names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.The product features mentioned in this article are not exhaustive. All prices are indicative only. For the full list of product features, capabilities and prices, kindly contact the manufacturer or its local representative in your region.