Detector Device

[iolair]

Is there some kind of device that can detect what radio frequencies are near you, and how strong they are? Is there a device that will tell you what wireless devices are in an area? Can cell phones interfere with wireless APs and Bridges?

Iolair MacWalter
Director of IT

 

[kjv1611]

If you want to use a laptop for this, you can get Net Stumbler.

Or you can find many little pocket gadget things that will at least tell you that there IS a wireless network in range.. though I can't really vouch for them. I once got one free after rebate just to try it out. I had no use for it, b/c the laptop did just as well at picking up a signal, and I really don't need Internet out and about. Besides that, the little cheapie thing broke pretty quickly on, and I had only even TRIED it a couple times.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[G0AOZ]

Here's a portable device which may be what you're looking for:-

http://www.firebox.com/product/1803/Digital-WiFi-Detector

Google for WiFi detector and you'll find more...

"Can cell phones interfere with wireless APs and Bridges?". Assuming we're talking 802.11 (2.4GHz) WiFi, cell phones don't normally operate in that band. I believe the nearest is highband on 1.8GHz. So unless the device is faulty I'd not expect it to cause interference. A cordless phone is a different matter however, and some models do occasionally cause problems for close by WiFi networks.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[iolair]

Thanks. No cordless phones in the area, but lots of students use cell phones. I had also heard about a program called "kismet", but I don't know it's capabilities yet. The Digital WiFi Detector is exactly what I'm looking for, Thanks!

Iolair MacWalter
Director of IT