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    inSSIDer Lite

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by WhatsThePoint, Oct 30, 2018.

  1. WhatsThePoint

    WhatsThePoint Notebook Virtuoso

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    Some years ago Metageeks had a FREE version of their Wi-Fi scanner but it was discontinued and replaced by paid versions.

    For those of you who don't know,there is again a free version that only requires an account be created with a varified email address and password.

    A WiFi scanner uses your computer's WiFi adapter to scan for wireless networks. It lists out all of the networks that are nearby, as well as some information about them.

    Using the information revealed in inSSIDer you can make informed choices when you select the 5ghz and 2.4ghz channels in your routers settings.

    This free version will show the Data Rate.

    https://support.metageek.com/hc/en-us/articles/360006299614-Getting-Started-with-inSSIDer-Lite

    https://www.metageek.com/support/downloads/download-inssider-lite-win.html
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
    WhatsThePoint, Oct 30, 2018
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  2. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

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    Starlight5, Oct 31, 2018
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  3. WhatsThePoint

    WhatsThePoint Notebook Virtuoso

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    With inSSIDer Lite and paid v4.6 I can view the current data rate and see conflicts with other networks on selected band.

    The issue I have with inSSIDer is it doesn't show 100(best) link score if I'm on a channel other than the one the app says is best.
    Example-I'm on channel 36 and inSSIDer says channel 40 is best thus I get a link score of 83.

    If I change router 5ghz channel to the suggested 40 I'll get a 100 link score but it's usually short lived because the app will most probably then tell me 48 is best and reduce the link score back down to 83.

    With inSSIDer displayed Data Rate is a very good feature but it can jump around a lot depending which other test apps may be running at the same time.

    Seeing the signal strength in real time is a feature I like and use it to find the best signal receiving spots in my humble abode.I walk around the house with laptop or tablet in hand and watch the dBm readings.

    I find both apps useful and have both installed.

    On my desktop PC I have I have a paid version of inSSIDer installed and it's probably not worth the price when the FREE Lite version comes very close to offering up almost all the same info I find valuable for my needs.
     
    Last edited: Oct 31, 2018
    WhatsThePoint, Oct 31, 2018
    #3