On the side of the unit you’ll also find the power input port for recharging and a USB Mini Type B port for performing upgrades or optionally connecting with the PC-based AirCheck Manager software.Īfter pushing the instant-on power button, you see the main menu, allowing you to open the following screens: Networks, AutoTest, Access Points, Clients, Channels, and Tools. On the back, you’ll find you can remove the rechargeable battery and above that an SMA port for optionally connecting an external antenna, such as an directional antenna for easier locating of access points or clients.

On the front of the unit, you find status lights, a 2.8-inch LCD screen, and buttons for controlling the unit. + ALSO ON NETWORK WORLD ‘Free’ Wi-Fi for first born? … Well, about that + Too expensive for us to do drop-testing, we trust its plastic outer body is durable enough to withstand collisions with the floor and other accidental abuse. Though it’s too big for a comfortable ride in your pocket, it could at least be slipped into a laptop bag when not in use. The unit is relatively small, measuring about 8 inches high, 3 ½ inches wide, and 2 inches thick and weighing less than a pound. The unit can be used independently or optionally connected to a PC to view captured data with the AirCheck Manager software.Īlong with the AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester unit, you receive a simple cloth-type carrying/storage bag, USB cable for the optional PC connection, power supply for recharging, quick start guide, and a CD. This is a handheld tool dedicated for performing basic wireless troubleshooting, security auditing, interference analysis, and signal testing and locating.

The AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester ($2,000) is from Fluke Networks, which offers a myriad of other Wi-Fi and networking tools as well.

Handheld wifi analyzer