Netstumbler alternative for Windows, Android and Mac OS X: inSSIDer – Free WiFi scanner

Functionality: When it comes to free WiFi scanners, the name NetStumbler usually comes up quickly. However, this has not been further developed since 2004, which means that errors and incompatibilities occur again and again, especially under Windows Vista or Windows 7. The inSSIDer tool is therefore a welcome alternative, which is also actively being developed. In addition, inSSIDer is also available for Mac OS X and Android. The WiFi scanner offers all the functions that are also available in Netstumbler, and also prepares the networks found a little better graphically. For example, you can see at a glance how many networks found are transmitting on which channel. This allows you to quickly set a little-used channel for your own WLAN and thus avoid interference.

Installation: inSSIDer up to version 3.1.2.1 is available for download as a ready-to-use installation package. The application for Microsoft operating systems runs from Windows XP, but requires .NET 2.0 to work correctly.

Service: inSSIDer is pretty much self-explanatory. Use the drop-down menu to select the appropriate interface, usually a WLAN card. Please note, however, that this card must not be connected to an access point. In addition, select the appropriate channel, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are available. Then press “Start scanning” and inSSIDer gets to work. To get more accurate maps of the scanned area, you can connect a GPS module. inSSIDer supports the map formats NS1 and KML, so you can import your route directly into Google Earth, for example.

1. inSSIDer
   An installation wizard helps with the setup of the program.
2. inSSIDer
   The tool at work. At the top you can see the access points found together with the associated information, at the bottom the signal strength of the access points over time.
3. inSSIDer
   Filter setting for showing signal strength and channel usage.
4. inSSIDer
   Detailed display of a WLAN user.
5. inSSIDer
   The number of access points to be monitored can be restricted using filter functions (e.g. channel number, signal strength, encryption).
6. inSSIDer
   Filter for using the 802.11 standard.
7. inSSIDer
   Calling the help option.
8. inSSIDer
   Detailed program information.

Conclusion: Netstumbler may still be the most widely used WiFi scanner, but inSSIDer is now superior to it. inSSIDer runs on Windows XP and is also available for Mac OS X. Even when preparing the data, inSSIDer does not have to hide behind Netstumbler. (mya/hal)