Wi-Fi Scanner 22.11

Overview

Wi-Fi Scanner by LizardSystems is a Wi-Fi connection tool that can scan the available Wi-Fi networks in the area to see what is available.

The tool can pull in many bits of information about the wireless networks it can actually see presently. This includes their SSID, MAC address, connection speed, channel number, signal strength, authentication method, router vendor and more.

There are filters that can be applied to rule out certain types of connections like those who signal strength is too weak to connect with because the signal will likely keep cutting out over time.

The package can be a valid alternative to using the wireless system tray tool that comes with Windows. The standard system tray tool dramatically simplifies what information is shown about a given Wi-Fi network that the wireless network card has picked up. The Wi-Fi Scanner from LizardSystems doesn't do that and instead provides ample information to make an informed choice as to which network would be best to initiate a connection with.

Installation

The installation proceeded without any issues.

There were no adware, spyware, toolbars or other unwanted extras including with the setup program.

Wi-Fi Scanner by LizardSystems requires Windows 7 or Windows 8.

Interface

The interface presents all the Wi-Fi networks that the software and the wireless card are able to find.

The menus at the top provide various options to filter networks and narrow the search parameters. There is a toolbar below the menu with more actions that can be taken.

The main window is split between a filter list on the left side where types of wireless connections can be de-selected by unchecking the checkbox.

The located wireless networks show to the right with columns of information about them including their SSID, MAC address, connection speed, channel number, signal strength, authentication method, router vendor and more.

Several network graphs and a connection log can all be viewed in the wide display at the bottom of the application window which has several tabs to choose between which change the selected view.

Pros

• Get a better idea about the details and capabilities of local Wi-Fi networks
• See complete information about each network including SSID, MAC address, connection speed, channel number, signal strength, authentication method, and router vendor
• Filter what networks are of interest and which are not
• View graphs and logs of access records

Cons

None.

Alternatives

WeFi, NetSpot.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi Scanner by LizardSystems is a handy little alternative to using the standard wireless system tray tool to connect to the internet. The package provides plenty of additional information to help the user decide which Wi-Fi network to connect to.