Test individual access points in a dense wireless network

[monkey_boy]

As per the title really... How can/should it be done. Are there any tools out there that can connect to an individual access point and then test it thoroughly? We're using Netgear WG302s all over the site, and there's normally 3 within reach of any classroom.

Any ideas??

[eean]

You can use the software that comes with your wireless card, certainly on the d-link stuff that comes with mine. You'll need to install their full driver package (unfortunately) and not use the windows zero config.

[Ric_]

If you have a Mac, KisMac is really good at doing things like this.

[m25man]

To do it properly you do need some decent tools.

Starting with a decent chipset in your wifi sniffer.

Most of the cheap ones don't display the noise levels anymore.

My weapon of choice, an Orinoco Gold A/B/G and AirMagnet.

[spc-rocket]

Try netstumbler, this will display graph with signal strength and will also reveal other info as well, i.e. encryption used etc.

Ash.

[StewartKnight]

and with net stumbler, you can detect the individual AP from the channel that it's on.

[monkey_boy]

Hmm, the dell utility seems to everything that net stumbler does, but i cant lock on to an individual ap and give it a thorough testing, using either.

Has anybody got any experience of AutoCell from Propagate Networks? We have the firmware installed and working, but the viewing/managing app costs £300!!

[Heebeejeebee]

Try netstumbler, this will display graph with signal strength and will also reveal other info as well, i.e. encryption used etc.

Ash.

NetStumbler is great. We were getting all sorts of dropouts on our wireless and NetStumbler pointed out that there were loads of BTHomeHubs in the area all on the same channel and all overlapping some of ours.

These HomeHub things seem to have a really really wide transmit area since we can pikc them up when we're 300m from the nearest house. It's causing havoc so I've elected to go with a 11a setup. It should keep us safe for a while.

HBJB

[eean]

Has anybody got any experience of AutoCell from Propagate Networks? We have the firmware installed and working, but the viewing/managing app costs £300!!

I checked out their website and this looks interesting, but they don't go into specifics!

True Client Load Balancing— Autocell distributes all network clients among all of the available access points (APs) regardless of where they first attach. It continuously checks for the best connection and dynamically adjusts as users move. Autocell clients automatically switch to the best AP without interruption.

I've always wanted to do this but, as a primary, there is no way we can afford the thousands for bluesocket. Do you have any idea how this works? I always thought that it should be possible simply using software on the client. You have the firmware installed? How much did you pay for this? Is this specific to your AP or do they make it for other brands? (we have D-Link, unfortunately!).