n the modern world of computer science, many people require that their computer systems be portable and accessible everywhere they go. Because of this, users need a standard way of diagnosing how portable and accessible their laptop really is. Windows and other operating systems ship with a WiFi signal strength meter but this is usually basic software and doesn’t really tell the user much about their wireless signal. Fortunately, there are many other programs available that do the same thing but show the user more details about their wireless connection. This article will list some of these programs.

Net Stumbler
Net Stumbler does several things. First and foremost, it is a wireless signal strength meter that is capable of giving detailed reports to the user about the wireless network. Net Stumbler is also capable of providing the user with a “map” of access points in the area. Aside from software, however, Net Stumbler provides users with the latest news feeds about WiFi, 3G, and other wireless topics. Net Stumbler is available in the original software as well as a “Mini Stumbler” that is smaller than the original but provides nearly identical services. Both versions of Net Stumbler are available for free.

OmniPeek
OmniPeek is a packet analyzer that also includes a wireless signal strength meter. The software was released by WildPackets and is designed to troubleshoot network problems and analyze network protocols so that laptop users can always have the maximum level of wireless accessibility that is available. OmniPeek includes over forty different plug-ins, remote adapters, decoders, and plugin wizards. OmniPeek also includes a “MyPeek” service that provides many more features such as plugins, scripts, and a community of OmniPeek users. In addition to all of this, OmniPeek has a PlaceMap function that maps out access points in the area and pinpoints them on Google Maps so that users can actually see a map of the best areas for wireless connectivity.

WiFi Signal Strength
WiFi Signal Strength is an easy-to-use software that can be placed anywhere on the user’s desktop. The software displays the SSID, or Service Set Identifier, and wireless signal strength of the user’s network. The program updates this information every five seconds so that users have a nearly realtime estimate of their wireless connectivity. WiFi Signal Strength works with Windows 2000 and Windows XP and is available for free download on any of the sites that support the software.

Stumbverter
Stumbverter is another application that is able to pinpoint wireless signals on a visual map so that users can see exactly where the best wireless connections are. Stumbverter is able to import information from other WiFi signal strength meters such as Net Stumbler and place it on maps from Microsoft MapPoint 2002. However, Stumbverter does not need any other program in order to function properly.

WiFi Hopper
WiFi Hopper combines a network function, site survey tool, and a connection manager all in one Wlan utility. WiFi Hopper can display advanced information about a network such as the SSID, encryption type, frequency, channel, and other important data that the user needs to know about his/her network. A GPS device included in the software can pinpoint network access points and display them on a visual map. As WiFi Hopper is also able to detect security settings and the software is completely free, users cannot help themselves from continuing to use the program.

WirelessMon
WirelessMon is a stand-alone program that can monitor wireless signal strength and IP information in realtime. WirelessMon can log what it discovers in a file on the user’s computer and can provide IP statistics and other information through the use of graphical charts and graphs.