Current – This represents a single sweep from the Wi-Spy. The accumulation of these sweeps are used for the rest of the calculations below.
Grade – This calculation uses the entire 20 Mhz width of a a Wi-Fi channel. Higher power levels near the center of the channel will affect the grade more negatively. A high grade of 90 or above can be interpreted as an “A” while 80 or above is a “B.” Anything below 70 is not recommended for Wi-Fi deployment.
Average - For each channel range (for example, Wi-Fi Channel 1, 2401-2423MHz), Chanalyzer calculates the average power within that channel frequency range.
Max - This value is the highest amplitude point within the Wi-Fi channel frequency range.
Utilization – The percentage of all noise above a defined amplitude threshold. The default amplitude is -85dBm.
Networks – Once network scanning is initialized Chanalyzer will count list the amount of networks detected

The Utilization (Duty Cycle) is a relative score that helps determine how usable a channel is. It measures the percentage of time at or above the Utilization Threshold. This threshold can be adjusted in the top left corner of the Utilization tab. The selected time span in the waterfall navigation is used in the Utilization calculation.
[caption id="attachment_1726" align="alignright" width="300" caption="802.11g Utilization View at -75 dBm"][/caption]

The Density View displays how often a signal is detected at a specific amplitude. The graph shows signal amplitude over frequency. After a short time of gathering data, patterns begin to emerge in the Density View. The flat top pattern in the image represents a 40 MHz wide 802.11n file transfer. A density map view enables the user to quickly identify packet-based and analog patterns that may be interfering with your network. To see more specific information about a point on the graph, use the Inspector tool.

The display options currently available in Chanalyzer Pro are:

Current – This represents the received values at the most recent reading in the time span.
Average – This is the average of the received spectrum activity in the selected time span.
Max – This is the maximum points received across the band in the selected time span.
Color by Amplitude – Display option to show highly populated frequency amplitude points using opacity with colors representing amplitudes.
Color by Density – Display option to show highly populated frequency amplitude points using colors.
Color by Utilization – Display option to show how constant transmissions are within a selected time range.
Networks – By selecting Networks Chanalyzer will draw overlays of the SSIDs selected in the Networks Table.
Transmitters (Pro only) – Chanalyzer Pro will attempt to automatically identify transmitters. This display option will toggle on the drawing of detected transmitters within the threshold settings.
Outline – This represents the line Chanalyzer Pro attempts to match patterns too. This is most often used in creating a classifier.
Inspector – This creates a hovering box above the cursor that displays specific numbers regarding a particular frequency amplitude point.

With two Wi-Spy devices, you can simultaneously log the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. You can also alternate between them without creating additional files.

Once a Wi-Spy is plugged in Chanalyzer will automatically start logging the data from both Wi-Spys.

To toggle between each Wi-Spy use the session manager in Chanalyzer Pro:

In Chanalyzer 4 a drop-down selection tool will appear in the bottom left corner of the application.

Chanalyzer uses the Wi-Spy for the spectrum analysis, and the wireless card through the windows wireless connection manager. If you run a program such as Intel Proset you will need to change the advanced options to allow Windows to manage the Wi-Fi.  You may also need to make sure Windows WLAN Auto Config Service or Windows Zero Config Service is running.

The Device Finder tool (built into Chanalyzer Pro) is designed to track amplitude levels. Since the Wi-Spy is not capable of reading at the protocol level, the noise of a client can overpower an access point. The Wi-Spy itself cannot differentiate between two transmitters. This tool is designed to find cordless phones, hidden cameras, wireless headsets and any unknown interference sources.

To track down rogue access points, use the Networks Table in the details pane. Check the SSID you would like to track. Chanalyzer will now track the RSSI levels in the networks graph.

Please download Chanalyzer 2.1.7 to use in Windows XP only.

Please review MetaGeek's Limited Warranty Policy. Hardware products may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a refund (purchase price minus 10% restocking fee). During the warranty period, defective products will be replaced at no cost to you.

You can download a Chanalyzer Pro evaluation guide which will take you step by step through signature creation. Evaluation Guide

Or you can watch a 13 minute video. Fast Forward to 6:40 to see signature creation.

The Wi-Spy is not designed to read Wi-Fi data, it is designed to show noise generated by non-wi-fi and Wi-Fi together. Chanalyzer uses data from two sources, the Wi-Spy for the spectrum data and the computer's wireless card for SSID and signal strength. If your computer does not have a wireless card, Chanalyzer will still function properly displaying Wi-Spy spectrum data.

Some users have discovered that Chanalyzer will recognize their wireless card by using this hotfix for Windows XP from Microsoft.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968682#fixit4me