For Wi-Fi analysis tools, my go-to-person is Nuts About Nets owner Steve Leytus. Basics Virtually Nets offers tools that measure out Radio Frequency (RF) characteristics, ranging from network discovery to spectrum assay. This mail and this post look at some of the tools tendered by the company.

Wi-Fi tech wish list

I tool that many Wi-Fi techs have on their wish listing is an RF spectrum analyzer. That'due south considering when tasked with tracking down an RF interference problem like that shown in Effigy B, other than guessing, using an RF spectrum analyzer is the merely way to determine the source and exact frequency of the interference. However, adept RF spectrum analyzers are expensive.

A good and inexpensive RF spectrum analyzer

One reason Basics About Nets is interesting is the visitor'due south ability to offer slap-up tools (software and hardware) that are cheap. And, it appears Leytus has done it again with his newest offer: RF Explorer, a depression-cost spectrum analyzer. The Wi-Fi version is less than $120. "RF Explorer is a remarkable device — and it would scoff its truthful value to even authorize that argument by saying for the money," mentions Leytus. "Performance and sensitivity are on par with instruments that cost many times more."

Figure C

RF Explorer (Figure C) is the blueprint of Ariel Rocholl and his team of engineers in Spain, manufactured by Seeed Engineering in Mainland china, and distributed past Basics Nearly Nets. This YouTube video explores the screens on the hand unit of measurement. RF Explorer also operates with a PC. The PC app, too shown above, is the production of Nuts About Nets.

See the full listing of features and specifications. Some of the more notable features are:

  • Spectrum Analyzer modes: Height Max, Normal, and Averaging.
  • Supports frequencies from 15 to 2,700 MHz, including sub-ane GHz ISM bands and 2.4 GHz ISM band (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc.). In early on 2015, a dual-band device supporting both the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz ISM bands will be available.
  • Integrated RF Signal Generator for the ISM ring of choice in a subset of models.
  • Lifetime free firmware upgrades available, open up to customs-requested features.
  • High-chapters battery for 16 plus hours of continuous run, rechargeable by USB.
  • Windows PC client.
  • Internal expansion port for optional extensions with RF Explorer Expansion Modules.

For Wi-Fi techs, here are the specs:

  • Dynamic range: -115 dBm to 0 dBm (depends on the model)
  • Accented Max input power: +5 dBm
  • Boilerplate racket level (typical): -115 dBm (depends on the model)
  • RF generator aamplitude: -30 dBm to 21 dBm (depends on the model)
  • Included matched and calibrated antenna
  • Frequency stability and accurateness (typical): +-x ppm
  • Amplitude stability and accuracy (typical): +-three dBm`
  • Frequency resolution: one Khz
  • Frequency bridge: 112 KHz – 600MHz (depends on the model)
  • Resolution bandwidth (RBW): automatic ii.6 Khz to 800 Khz (depends on the model)
  • Weight: 185 grams
  • Size: 113x70x25 mm

More goodies for those who like to dig inside the hardware and software:

  • Windows PC Client source code: Developed in C# and Visual Studio 2010, you can customize it for your ain needs under the GPL license.
  • RS232 – USB protocol specification: Full documentation to interface RF Explorer with whatsoever RS232 capable software or operating system. The limit here is the CP2102 USB commuter, now supported in Windows, Linux, and Mac Os by Silicon Labs.
  • RF Explorer circuit schematic: RF Explorer is based on the microchip PIC24FJ64GA004 sixteen bits MCU along with a Silicon Labs Si4432 transceiver.

A standalone RF spectrum analyzer that likewise connects to a PC running more graphical diagnostic software is unique in the wireless manufacture. Rocholl adds, "Some library licensing limitations preclude us from opening RF Explorer native firmware as open source, yet we volition offer a fully open Arduino uniform internal expansion module and then you can complement, extend or fifty-fifty override original firmware with your ain."

One of the first things I did when I met Leytus was ask almost the name Nuts Nigh Nets. Leytus a Biochemistry PhD with a BS in Informatics answers, "We wanted a name that conveyed what we practice (the "Nets" function) and that we enjoy it (the "Nuts most" part). The globe is full of serious bug — troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks should not exist one of them."