FAQ

Wi-Spy 2.4x FAQWi-Spy 2.4x FAQ Wi-Spy FAQWi-Spy FAQ Chanalyzer FAQChanalyzer FAQ

Who are you guys?

We are a small group of geeks in Boise, Idaho who enjoy creating
innovative solutions to issues that vex today's wireless networking
users. For more information read About Us.

What is a Spectrum Analyzer?

There are a couple of great links found here.

What does Wi-Spy do?

The Wi-Spy 2.4x will show all activity on the 2.4GHz spectrum such as WiFi, Cordless Phones, Microwaves, Zigbee, Radio, Bluetooth, and many more devices.

Wi-FiWi-Fi ZigbeeZigbee MicrowaveMicrowave PhonePhone

How does it work?

The Wi-Spy scans and sends all of the RF traffic to a computer where the bundled software Chanalyzer, displays it in a readable format. As soon as you turn on a Wi-Spy 2.4x for the first time, you'll get a colorful graph.

The changes in color represent the radio activity around you. The brighter, red colors show where there is a lot of traffic. The darker areas represent clear ares for your WiFi access point. It is that easy!

Wi-Spy and its software, Chanalyzer, allow each user to record all of the activity, It is very simple, and fun to use!

 

The Spectral View displays Noise over Time in a very useful waterfall view.

The Topographic View is where Wi-Spy 2.4x and Chanalyzer shine! It aggregates all of the readio activity detected during the analysis session into a single display that shows overall use of the spectrum.

How can the Wi-Spy 2.4x help me?

  • If you install, maintain, or troubleshoot access points, find the open channel and minimize the interference.
  • If you work with consumers, avoid a revisit by keeping a Wi-Spy handy in case they have a microwave, or cordless phones.
  • If you experience WiFi interference on a regular basis, use Chanalyzer 3.1 to discover competing access points.

Can I use Wi-Spy with my Macintosh computer?

  • Right now MetaGeek does not offer software solutions for Macintosh, however Chanalyzer and Wi-Spy run in VmWare and Parallels.  (We actually use VmWare at our office to run Chanalyzer).  If virtualization is not desirable, you whould check out EaKiu which was featured at WWDC.  To have the Wi-Fi tab features we recommend using a USB Wireless Network adaptor. 
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