Checking WiFi signal strength

[stockhausen]

I am trying to work out where best (in terms of signal strength) to site an ADSL Modem/Router in someone's house.

Using the built-in network card in a laptop which I move around the house and the Windows XP 'Wireless Network Connection Status" display I get pretty meaningless details such as:

• Speed = anywhere from 1Mbps to 54.0Mbps
• Signal Strength = usuall4 4 (Very Good) or 5 bars (Excellent)

etc.

I have also tried Network Stumbler v0.4.0 which does give more detail (SNR & Signal+ seem to vary) but wondered if there is anything any more useful?

I have tried using Belkin & Hawking USB WiFi devises but they aren't any better than the built-in jobbie.

 

[Sunbed]

http://tools.meraki.com/stumbler#q=

Or

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/2113...ter-channel-to-optimize-your-wireless-signal/

Or

If you have a smartphone you could use an app like Wifi analyzer

 

[stockhausen]

Thanks for that Sundance.

I have had a go with Meraki WiFi Stumbler and the 'Signal (dB)' figure seems pretty handy - pity it is a Java applet rather than a stand-alone application but thanks anyhow

 

[Sunbed]

No probs