A Wi-Fi monitor detects local wireless networks, providing detailed information and traffic data. It can be useful for locating hotspots and is available as software or gadgets. The software expands on the operating system’s functionality, displaying signal strength and network speed. Additional features include saving favorite networks and creating a priority list. Standalone gadgets detect Wi-Fi signals with visual cues but have fewer features than software.
A Wi-Fi® monitor is typically a type of software designed to detect the status and quality of local wireless networks. Besides reporting detailed information about nearby networks, it can also provide traffic data, allow a user to store preferred networks for future use, or perform other functions. A Wi-Fi® monitor can be useful for locating hotspots to find Internet access in unfamiliar areas. This type of program is typically available for a variety of different operating systems (OSs) and can take the form of shareware or paid-for software. There are also Wi-Fi® monitoring gadgets available that are about the size of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive and can do the same basic tasks.
Most operating systems include some functionality for discovering and connecting to wireless networks, although the feature set is typically sparse. Depending on the operating system, the user may be able to see network names, signal strength and the type of encryption it uses. Wi-Fi® monitor software typically expands this information and presents it in an easy-to-understand interface. Rather than a simple three or four bar graph, a Wi-Fi® monitor can show a more detailed representation of signal strength. The speed of wireless networks can also be displayed, along with the specific Wi-Fi® each is using.
Additional features sometimes included in Wi-Fi® monitor software may be oriented towards accessibility and ease of use. The Wi-Fi® monitor may play a sound or have a visual indicator when a new network is detected. This type of feature can be useful if the user wanders around while searching for a wireless network. There may also be the functionality to save your favorite networks for later use or create a priority list. Wi-Fi® monitoring software can provide a historical list of all detected or connected access points, along with signal quality, network speed, and transmitted data.
Standalone gadgets can also be used as Wi-Fi® detectors, without needing a laptop or other computer to function. Designs vary, although some sort of visual cue is usually included to indicate that a Wi-Fi® signal has been located. Less expensive devices may use an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), while other units have more detailed displays. These Wi-Fi® detection gadgets typically have fewer features than Wi-Fi® monitoring software. Typically they will only show that there is a network and how strong the signal is.
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