The first thing you want to do after starting NetStumbler is set some session
parameters:
1. Click Options, and click the General tab. Set the scan speed to fast, as
shown in Figure 5-3.
This increases the frequency of the scans, which, in turn, increases the
accuracy of the updates. It also makes it easier to use the available infor-
mation to aim a directional antenna.
Figure 5-3: Speed up the scan speed.
2. Still working with the Options dialog box, click the MIDI tab, and
select the Enable MIDI Output of SNR check box.
When you enable this feature, NetStumbler gives an audible indication of
each AP's signal strength. The higher the tone, the stronger the signal.
The other choices alter the tone sound and pitch, and you can fiddle
with them until you've found a sufficiently annoying sound.
3. Click Apply, and then click OK.
The Options dialog box closes, and the settings are applied.
Finding a network
When you first launch NetStumbler on your laptop, your screen is a lifeless
gray. To find a network, follow these steps:
1. Click the New icon to start a new session and open a new session dis-
play window.
You should notice, in the right pane of the window, a number of APs
within your view. If, at the bottom of the NetStumbler window, you see
the words No APs active, you're either in an area without any wire-
less networks, or NetStumbler isn't using the correct device.
Chapter 5: Spotting Hotspots
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