inSSIDer

There are all sorts of problems you can encounter with Wi-Fi networks and Windows can't do much to help you. A much better solution is to use inSSIDer, which can provide you with a full picture on what is going on around you. It displays all wireless networks around you, along with a huge amount of information, which can help you figure out how to solve your problems. Used together with a Wi-Spy Mini or DBx adapter, this piece of software can be an invaluable tool.

The software is free to try for a short time, but without any restrictions. It comes in a small package and it can be installed quickly, but you will have to wait several minutes to receive a trial key. inSSIDer doesn't have any special requirements, but a Wi-Spy adapter is recommended.

When launched, inSSIDer will automatically detect all wireless networks in your area and immediately display a wide range of information on its user interface. Networks are displayed in a list, along with various details, including SSID, channels, signal strength, radio count and others. What's more, the detected networks are grouped in two ways, for which you have different view modes. You can switch to Physical mode, to see virtual SSIDs on the same access point or, if you want to see all access points with the same name grouped together, then you will want to switch to Logical mode.

If you have a Wi-Spy adapter, the software will be able to show you more than wireless data. inSSIDer can also analyze all the raw radio frequency activity. Besides the wireless signal strength of the detected networks, which are color-coded in a graph, you will also be able to see how busy a selected channel is.

When you select a network in Physical mode, the software will analyze it automatically and display warnings and messages if it detects any configuration, signal or security problems. What's more, inSSIDer can recommend the best access point, based on the data it gathers.

Anything you need to know about the wireless environment around you is presented in a clear and well organized manner, on inSSIDer's sleek and modern user interface.