A Wi-Fi network accomplishes more than what it costs in care and maintenance. However, peak performance does require due diligence. If you have Wi-Fi installed at home, you are familiar with issues such as slow speed, network drop, and Wi-Fi blind spots. The prevalence of home Wi-Fi has caused many users to act as network admins and stay on top of Wi-Fi issues. But it is a lot to ask from someone with basic computing skills. Thankfully, we have a specific tool to aid Wi-Fi inspections and address network issues. The following article will cover Wi-Fi analyzers to explain why it is a must for modern Wi-Fi network owners.
What is a Wi-Fi analyzer?
First, we have to understand the need for analyzing a Wi-Fi network. Is it for better connectivity, security, or speed? But no matter the reason, most people can’t do anything regarding their Wi-Fi setup. Hence, the need for a Wi-Fi analyzer. It can spot the necessary issues and aid users in solving them.
Most Wi-Fi analyzers are physical devices a professional network admin uses to manage and maintain a Wi-Fi network up-to-speed. However, recently, we saw a few powerful software Wi-Fi analyzers that get the job done. Unlike hardware counterparts, software analyzers are cheaper. And they are also used sparingly, no matter the device or platform.
Although both are too different in how they approach the problem and their applications, the gist remains the same, and that is to identify the problems impacting the network speed, security, and or connectivity. They both collect data for the admin to act upon and increase the performance of a Wi-Fi network.
How does it work?
Since we have established the objective of a Wi-Fi analyzer, it is time to highlight how the tech actually works. According to its objectives, a Wi-Fi analyzer collects network data, identifies problems, and studies the connection from different access points. It then forwards all this information to the network admin for further troubleshooting purposes.
Initially, hardware analyzers were used in large corporations and other facilities to maintain an optimum Wi-Fi connection. However, with time, tech became more and more common, to the point where we can find a Wi-Fi connection anywhere. But such a large environment couldn’t be managed simply by using hardware analyzers.
Hence, the advent of software analyzers. Sure, they aren’t as powerful or resourceful as the hardware ones, but they do get the job done, especially if you are using them for private use.
- Hardware Wi-Fi analyzer – It is solely used for professional purposes by network admins and security analysts. The device is physical and can perform network troubleshooting and testing. Furthermore, some hardware Wi-Fi analyzers do not require a computer connection to function. Hence, being a powerful tool, it is ridiculously expensive and impractical for private use.
- Software Wi-Fi analyzer – On the other hand, software Wi-Fi analyzers are basically apps. They can run on most platforms and devices and provide a somewhat superficial overview of the network, save a few that actually works the way it was intended. These are perfect for home or private use as the user doesn’t have a large amount of money to spend. Lastly, they are sufficiently easy to use and provide enough information for the user to act upon.
Is there a need for a Wi-Fi Analyzer?
The importance of a Wi-Fi analyzer lies in the fact that it helps network admin with management and maintenance. Admins can use the analyzer to find out faulty nodes, endpoints, and much more information pertaining to a Wi-Fi connection. Then they can proceed to troubleshoot the problems.
Furthermore, a Wi-Fi analyzer also helps admins to locate the area of flaws. It can recognize the channel with suboptimal traffic and solve bandwidth congestion issues. Not only the analyzer helps with improving and maintaining the quality of a network, but it also helps to locate suitable spots to avoid network disturbances.
Some uses of a Wi-Fi analyzer
Given below are some specified uses of a Wi-Fi analyzer:
- It showcases network statistics in a friendly UI.
- Shows changes made to the current network usage.
- Spots traffic bottlenecks and overlapping channels.
- Locates the optimum location for the Wi-Fi router.
- Network monitoring and administration.
We have further explained some of the points below:
No more Dead Spots
A Wi-Fi analyzer will help the admin get rid of the network dead spots. A mobile analyzer can take readings of different locations and help users with choosing the optimum place for router installation and positioning. It can also help the placement of various devices within the network by showcasing the network strength in a particular area. And finally, it can help with additional data that can help users in choosing an additional access point.
Dropped Connections handled
Connection drops are becoming more common. A Wi-Fi analyzer can figure out the dead spots, so it can also help with dropped connections. By using a Wi-Fi analyzer, users can figure out the signal strength in a particular location and thus solve the issue of dropped connections.
Tackle Slow Wi-Fi Speed
If you ask anyone, slow speed will always be amongst their topmost complaint regarding a Wi-Fi connection. There are times when multiple users access the network simultaneously, and due to traffic overload, they suffer from slow internet speed. Arguably it is one of the most annoying things about a Wi-Fi network connection. But with a Wi-Fi analyzer, you can scan for and switch to a channel with less congestion or manage the traffic on your own network by limiting the shared internet connection.
Identifying and addressing signal leaks
And lastly, we can also use Wi-Fi analyzers from a security point of view as they can easily spot signal leaks. A signal leak is a phenomenon when someone outside your purview gains access to the network. Such unauthorized access can cause great harm to not only the network but also to the devices connected to it. But with a Wi-Fi analyzer in place, admins can easily spot any unauthorized connection or signal leaks. Thus, based on the results, you can adjust your router position or even upgrade security measures to stop such activities.
Different data points obtained due to a Wi-Fi analyzer
A Wi-Fi analyzer can provide an overview of your network which then can be used to make calculated decisions. This information includes:
- Network name – Although Wi-Fi routers generally broadcast their names or SSIDs (Service Set IDs), sometimes it remains hidden. It is so that traffic can be steered onto different networks. A good analyzer will even show the hidden SSID.
- Band and Channel in use – The IEEE 802.11 standard provides the radio frequency range, within which a Wi-Fi operates. Furthermore, it also dictates the band in which communication would occur. Lastly, these bands are further divided into channels. Hence, multiple Wi-Fi routers can broadcast signals within the same band without any interference. However, if there are some overlapping channels, making the network congested, a Wi-Fi analyzer can spot it and suggest a different channel.
- Signal strength – Typically, we gauge Wi-Fi signal strength with the bar icon. Five bars represent a strong network while 1 or 2 is generally considered poor. However, it is not an accurate display. A Wi-Fi analyzer gives out exact data using dBm measurement for signal strength.