Anyway to get realtime signal strength readings?

[dcpsoguy]

What I want to do is move around my wireless USB adapter and get the best possible signal possible. I want to know a way to do this without having to use the Windows XP built in signal strength reader.

Thanks in advance.

 

[demon42]

Do you have a laptop?
What about walking around with it and looking at response times from a ping? like... "ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx -t" and seeing where it's fastest/most consistant?

 

[TGS]

netstumbler?

 

[gsaldivar]

http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

 

[TGS]

NEF! 😉

 

[dcpsoguy]

Originally posted by: TGS
NEF! 😉

Correct me if I'm wrong but this seems like it can only be done with a network card. I have a wireless USB adapter. Anybody know?

Edit: nevermind. I found out.. now how the hell do I read this thing? Heh.

 

[TGS]

Should be a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)

You are looking for the largest number possible from your setup. Try right next to your AP and move until you find the place you want.

Don't forget if your AP has an adjustable antenna, you can tilt them and angle the signal towards the area you want to have the laptop in.

Though under appreciated, the usb adapter can be coupled with a few household parabolic dishlike items for a big signal gain.

Of course you will get the raised eyebrows from this.

 

[nweaver]

Don't Use the spoons for antenna! TGS's mom keeps getting mad at him for that...


Oh, and Netstumbler is a great app for this...and wardriving 😛

 

[TGS]

Actually something more along the lines of this

normal link