Wireless Tools And Their Uses

Wireless Tools And Their Uses

*Disclaimer - I will say even though all of these site survey tools are helpful, nothing will beat you doing a test with the type of devices your trying to support.  Example:  Say you have Dell Laptop model X and it is getting -65dB in a location your site adapter is getting -55dB.  It is important to have a baseline of all your models compared to your survey model so that after doing your surveys you can make sure you actually do have the correct coverage. Also keep this in mind if a provider gives you an SLA...they may not know that it directly affects how good their WiFi will be after you do the install.  Learn to question the normal.

Extended listing and great resource also is WLAN Pros Site.
https://www.wlanpros.com/master-ecse-student-info-page/

Spectrum Analyzer/Full Site Survey Tool

• Ekahau Sidekick -   Before I list any other device/tool I have to say the most recent game changer was the Ekahau Sidekick which is the first of its kind that does all-in-one Wi-Fi diagnostics and measurement.  I would consider this a must in my toolkit until something better comes out.
• The second way to do the same thing was with two survey adapters, a USB hub, and a spectrum analyzer.  

Spectrum Analyzer

Discover, locate and eliminate wi-fi interference 

• Ekahau Spectrum Analyzer
• MetaGeek Wi-Spy DBx and 2.4Ghz/5Ghz (directional antenna)
• MetaGeek Wi-Spy Air + Air Viewer (Mobile Wifi Scanner and Spectrum Analyzer)
• Air Magnet Spectrum XT and directional antenna adapter(Netscout)
• RF Explorer

Testing DFS/Simulation

• WifiMETRIX -- Dual-Band, 802.11 Channel Analyzer

Site Survey adapters

Used for doing Active and Passive site surveys and tend to go with the software that supports them.

• Ekahau site survey adapter(CF-912AC)
• Air Magnet Survey Pro/Express adapters(Netscout)
• Tamograph (multiple vendors supported)

Misc.

• Wi-Fi Pineapple - This is used for wireless auditing. Scan, Target, Intercept, Report
• WLAN Pros NanoPi NEO2 kit - with pre-installed wireless tools for testing, IDS, mitigation, etc, etc, FUN YOU NEED TO BUY! ;)
• Custom Survey Tray - Who wants to hold their laptop or tablet all day!
• WiFi Stand - For AP on a stick site surveys.
• Accelerator - AP on a stick battery
• Specialty Accelerator Battery in carrying case - via WiFi Stand
• Cable Tester - After all those access points use copper to the switch at some point.
• Klein Laser Distance Measure - I picked a Klein tools more inexpensive model for helping me with getting accurate measurements for my site surveys and drawings.
• NetAlly Cable Tester for fiber/copper/Wireless - As a light-weight, handheld, multi-function instrument, EtherScope is perfect for remote site validation and troubleshooting, eliminating the need to purchase multiple testers, and the need to carry a fragile laptop PC or tablet. Android apps make the user’s workflow more efficient, by expanding the usage of the instrument beyond testing, allowing the user to check trouble tickets, run speed tests, configure networked devices, and complete other tasks with its smartphone-like features.