Wifi Spectrum Analyser - Wi-Spy 2.4x

[steve]

This week we had a problem with a wireless AP (Cisco 1200) that wouldn't allow anyone to logon. No config changes had been made. We could access the web interface via out LAN, everything appeared normal.

 

Clients could see the AP but not associate.

 

So we called in the company who installed the system.

 

Assumed the AP had gone crazy, we swapped it, but still nothing. Changed the aerial, nope not that either.

 

A function on the AP is to perform a carrier busy test. After performing this it was seen that something was totally over powering the channel 6 frequncies - the channel the AP is set to.

 

A change of the channel to channel 1 fixed this straight away.

 

So I have now purchased a WiFi Spectrum Analyser - Metageek Wi-Spy 2.4x

 

I bought mine from WiFigear Limited for what was a bargain £200 + vat + £6 del

 

This fantastic gadget allows you to view what's out there on the WiFi channels. So you can avoid interference and track down offending electrical equipment.

 

SmallNetBuilder has an in-depth review.

 

I've now identified the interference on our site but need to do some more investigation to isolate and remove it - if possible.

[ChrisH]

Looks interesting. Anyone else used something like this?

[craiglay]

Yup, Plexer has one!

 

Allowed me to find out that local NTL microwave towers were messing with my WiFi!! Very useful, and colourful too

 

Craig

[ChrisH]

Oh well if it's colourful or dare I even mention the word shiney then Ric will be purchasing one as well.

[plexer]

Yup I got the original with upgraded electronics version that doesn't have the external aerial port.

 

Ben

[apeo]

I think we need one too, there are times when certain areas go dead but it happens at (what seems like) random times/days and kill certain channels.

[contink]

Gotta admit I'm thinking this would be a very useful tool...

 

Can't help but think the last thing I'd do though is plug it into the side of a laptop... I could see someone coming along and catching it with clothing, etc... and that'd be that. Much better to get an extension cable and make it less susceptible to damage.

[Ric_]

@ChrisH: I know it's shiny but you forget we aren't all as rich as you

[elsiegee40]

Every time I've seen this topic today, I've read the title as

 

Wife Spectrum Analyser...

 

Need to see the optician methinks!

[OverWorked]

I'm seriously thinking of getting one of these since I saw Rupert Goodwins with one on ZDNet's Dialogue Box.

 

Have those who have one found it useful in finding the cause of wireless problems?

 

The wireless in part of our school is very dodgy - sometimes 100%, then just nothing for an hour or so.

[plexer]

Well I would think it could help you out there.

 

You can do some analysis and save it of when it works and then when it goes dead see what changes possibly something flooding the airwaves.

 

Ben

[steve]

Have those who have one found it useful in finding the cause of wireless problems?

 

They are great at identifying the problem frequencies, its can be lot more difficult to try and find the cause.

 

It can be a case of turning everything off, then turning one thing at a time back on until the interference comes back. Even then it could be something in the surrounding environment.

[Heebeejeebee]

... got one of these built into our Aruba controller. It's great at picking up 'rouge' wifi units and can even go so far as to try to disable them! Bwahahaaa

 

HBJB

[OverWorked]

They are great at identifying the problem frequencies, its can be lot more difficult to try and find the cause.

 

It can be a case of turning everything off, then turning one thing at a time back on until the interference comes back. Even then it could be something in the surrounding environment.

 

If you do discover that the cause is beyond your control, then at least that's something.

 

Our sister school can't use wireless because they're next to the transmitter for the local radio station - lucky things! I wish I couldn't use wireless - it's a pain in the bot.

 

My purchase req for a Wi-Spy and is now sitting on the Head's desk for signing.

[powdarrmonkey]

I want one!

[RabbieBurns]

I bought one of these along with a wifi jammer for use for research for my dissertation.. both work great

[OverWorked]

When mine arrived, I spent a couple of days surveying the school with it.

 

I found the source of the interference in just a couple of hours. An anonymous grey box in a corridor (part of the fire alarm system I think), is emitting a great big spike between channels 8 and 9, effectively blocking out anything above channel 6 in half the school. I would never have found it without the Wi-spy.

 

I recommend one of these to anyone who's having trouble with wireless networking. £200 well invested.

[contink]

Got mine today although there was an element of bitter sweet with this... Wifigear are apparently unable to read their own "Shipping Address" information so the item went home where I'm not due to the 11 hour days I'm pulling. Wasn't best pleased

 

That aside, the kit is very simple to use and it's already helped ID a few potential problems at home. Be interesting to see how it works out in school tomorrow... I have to admit though, I'm no longer sure that it's worth the price tag unless you're looking at a build that's surrounded by a large amount of suburban sprawl with their BT and Sky wireless routers, DECT wireless phones, etc...