· Channel: This feature tells you how much interference there might
be when connecting with a nearby hotspot. If several other net-
works are in the area and on the same channel you might have a
bit more interference than if the channels of the nearby networks
are spaced apart.
The device you choose to purchase, if indeed you want one of these gadgets,
depends largely on the amount of information you want to gather. The follow-
ing list illustrates a few of the choices you have:
Intego WiFi Locator (www·intego·com): This keychain-type device
looks a bit like those remote door-lock devices everybody seems to
have. (I guess if I ever replace my `68 Ford pickup, I'll get one.) With only
a button and four LEDs, this device doesn't give you a whole lot of info.
Smith Micro QuickLink Wi-Fi Seeker (www·smithmicro·com): This
one looks exactly like the Intego WiFi Locater, and if you look at the specs
for both, those also match; they even cost almost exactly the same.
Kensington WiFi Finder Plus (http://us·kensington·com/html/
5703.html
): This is another key chain device with a string of LED signal
strength indicators. This one uses five lights and also includes a
Bluetooth detector.
Canary Digital Hotspotter (www·canarywireless·com/hs10·html):
The Digital Hotspotter is a bit bigger than keychain devices but offers
more information. With this device you can find out not only the presence
and strength of the signal, but also name, channel, and security status.
Another group of Wi-Fi detectors does double duty as wireless adapters. As
adapters, the ones I highlight are all USB-powered; as detectors, they use a Li-
ion battery and can be used independently of your laptop. Here are three:
Linksys WUSBF54G: SSID, signal strength, channel, and security status
are displayed on the LCD screen in the order of strength. The device can
also be configured so that only "open" 802.11b and g networks are
detected. See www·linksys·com.
TRENDnet TEW-509UB: You can customize hotspot searches to find
networks by SSID, signal strength, or security, and the Li-ion battery is
recharged when connected to the USB port. Find more at www·trend
net·com
.
ZyXEL AG-225H: Offering the ability to scroll through the available net-
works, this detector indicates, on its LCD screen, information including
SSID, signal strength, and channel. Besides 802.11b and g networks, the
AG-225H detects 802.11a networks, too. You can find details at www·us·
zyxel·com
.
Chapter 5: Spotting Hotspots
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