wifi scanning
 

Im wondering if there isn any kind of program out there that will be able to tell me which channels are being used by other wifi users in my block, as i want to make sure i pick a channel that isnt being used..


thanks

Re: wifi scanning
 

Netstumbler might do the job for you, i can't remember if it shows channels though.

The best channels are: 1, 6 and 11.

Re: wifi scanning
 

Moved to 'Networking'.

Netstumbler will do what you're wanting to do, and it does show the channel numbers.

Re: wifi scanning
 

thanks guys

---------- Post added at 10:58 ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 ----------

ohh well that didnt work, my wifi adapter isnt supported..

Re: wifi scanning
 

Not good.

Options:

1. Borrow a laptop/machine with a supported adaptor;
2. Get yourself a copy of Linux and Kismet;
3. Use the wireless tools built into a security distribution like Back|Track.

Note that 1 would be the easiest, 2 would be reasonably simple, and 3's probably going to give you a headache.

Re: wifi scanning
 

ohh balls to it then lol i'll just leave it on channel 1 and be done lol

Re: wifi scanning
 

do a ping test and see if you get any high pings.

Will be something like: ping 192.168.1.1 /t (ip is your gateway)

This is loop a ping to your router. You should see constant low pings <1ms roughly.
If you get fluctuating pings the channel could have other different routers on it. Then you can change until it gets consistently low.

Re: wifi scanning
 

Ah, what you need is a Wi-Spy!

http://www.wi-spy.co.uk/

http://cpc.farnell.com/unbranded/72-...ser/dp/IN05456

Every wi-fi card I've used has some sort of configuration utility that lets you look at what channels are available. Here's a screen grab from one I use:

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/01/3.png

Crowded round here init! I've actually seen one more than that too. So there's no way I'd just fit and forget.

Re: wifi scanning
 

You're publishing your neighbours mac addresses on a public forum? Not cool

Re: wifi scanning
 

Yer, but those are wifi addresses and little to do with their internet connection. All this info is freely available to anyone who stands outside with a scanner.

Anyway, for your comfort, I've blurred the MAC addresses.

Re: wifi scanning
 

Dimwitted channel planning, wrong equipment & settings or what.
http://paradigma.pt/ja/slog/index.ph...s-overlap.html
Bigger - http://paradigma.pt/ja/slog/wp-conte...hannel-map.JPG
For a start, the UK/ETSI allocation is 1-13, not 1-11, but there are too many only implementing / set to 1-11 to gain much from the 1-13 allocation.

A spacing of 5 is required for no overlap, giving the ever popular 1-6-11 layout.
A spacing of 4 has minimal overlap, giving the optimum 1-5-9-13 layout for the 13 channel allocation, though 9 tends to be the centre of microwave oven interference.
A spacing of 3 (some overlap) gives the compromise 1-4-7-11 4 channel lineup.

At a spacing of 2, one sideband fully overlaps another, so those using channel 3 in that setup are not doing anyone any favours, as they will be going badly over CH1 and moderately over CH6.

If not close to a CH11 user, then using CH13 may be better.

Re: wifi scanning
 

Ah but, the actual power on each channel will follow the usual sin(x)/x hump so that the situation is not as bad as it seems.

That said, the licence-free ISM band was never intended to carry as much traffic as it does. No wonder we are having probs.