What Channels are broadcasting?

[Pghpooh]

HI
Is there any software that I can use to see what channel is being used?
As I mentioned in another post I can see up to 10 networks out there.
I am curious to see what ch they are using and could possibly use that info to set a unused ch for me to use.
Thanks
Merry Christmas to All!!
And to all a Goodnight.
Pghpooh

 

[SirGeeO]

^What does them using channels got to do with you using channels (or are you in a dorm, office, etc.?) Otherwise I would put it on a non-overlapping channel (1, 6, 11) and enjoy myself!

 

[JackMDS]

http://majorgeeks.com/WirelessNetView_d6102.html

 

[Pghpooh]

I am in a normal house! One neighbor is running at least 2 different networks.
Also, this laptop is a lot more sensitive then my old one at picking up signals!
And,, just trying to get info for my own use so I can set up things better here for me and maybe help my kids and grandkids when they need it.

 

[Pghpooh]

JackMDS
Thank You!

 

[SirGeeO]

I'm suprised (if you have one, that is) that your wireless NIC didn't come with a WLAN Utility that let's you monitor those things ... ? this wack ass dell I have does.. :-/

 

[Pghpooh]

JackMDS
I downloaded the software and installed it
I have it running now and I can say is,,,, WOW!!!
3 networks are using ch 11
4 are using ch 6
3 are using ch 1

Every so often a 11th network pops up for a second or so.
I like being able to see the ch speed as my daughter has a Linksys wrt106n router. I tried to connect with my laptop and it connects at 54mbps and the rate will vary down and then back up to 54.
This is a nice tool for a old guy like me!! LOL
Thanks!!!!

 

[spidey07]

Interference is a very big problem with 2.4 Ghz as you're seeing. Pick a channel 1, 6, 11 that has the lowest signal to noise ratio from the list or just try all 3 to see what works best. The spectrum is VERY crowded/noisy these days.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

As spidey said, 2.4 is getting congested, if possible try checking out a wireless setup in the 5ghz range (802.11a, 802.11n) it tends to be MUCH less crowded (for now)

Also remember there are things other than wireless access points that use the 2.4 spectrum. Everything from wireless security systems to microwave ovens to baby monitors and more.

 

[SirGeeO]

^Correcto....and my WiFi does the same thing (fluctuating from 54Mbps down to as low as 36Mbps), never seen it as a problem to me. Just always thought well, it's 2 microwaves here, lord knows how many TV's and other objects that interfere with the radio signals. (I almost have to browse the web in the dark, besides the laptop light)

 

[JackMDS]

Use 1 or 11, choose the one that the other users show weaker signal.

This is one screen of two that shows what is around my Network.

I tried both 1 and 11. I get good clean signal on both, 1 is a little better.

 

[LikeLinus]

Use 1 or 11, choose the one that the other users show weaker signal.

This is one screen of two that shows what is around my Network.

I tried both 1 and 11. I get good clean signal on both, 1 is a little better.

Thanks for that app. I actually used it to change one of my routers to a free channel. I now have the only router on channel 9 and 10 in my range!

 

[spidey07]

Thanks for that app. I actually used it to change one of my routers to a free channel. I now have the only router on channel 9 and 10 in my range!

Be aware that might not be a good thing. You get all the interference of channel 11 AND channel 6.

 

[LikeLinus]

Be aware that might not be a good thing. You get all the interference of channel 11 AND channel 6.

How so. I have no idea how wifi broadcast channels work.

Oddly enough, one of my routers channels changed to 7 because i did a Tomato firmware upgrade on the linksys router..so now I'm on 7 and 9.

 

[JackMDS]

What we call channels are actually bands of frequency within 2.4GHz

Electronic device's always transmit on a band of frequency.

Look at the color map on this page, http://www.moonblinkwifi.com/2point4freq.cfm

The frequency band of ch. 1, 6, 11 are not overlapping, so they are not affecting one the other as the other channels.

That said there is no uniform Good or bad, ch. 9 can still be good for you if in your specific environment it less affected by others.

Thus if you tried and it works well for you stick with it.

 

[LikeLinus]

What we call channels are actually bands of frequency within 2.4GHz

Electronic device's always transmit on a band of frequency.

Look at the color map on this page, http://www.moonblinkwifi.com/2point4freq.cfm

The frequency band of ch. 1, 6, 11 are not overlapping, so they are not affecting one the other as the other channels.

That said there is no uniform Good or bad, ch. 9 can still be good for you if in your specific environment it less affected by others.

Thus if you tried and it works well for you stick with it.

Good to know. Channel 6 had 7-8 routers on it! That's why i stayed away from it.

 

[santz]

awesome software, i will download it when i get home, just for the fun of it