Desperately Seeking Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is everywhere. With access points sprouting like dandelions after a spring rain, it's possible to connect to the Internet from many public places. But how do you know a wireless access point is within range? You could open your PC or PDA, fire up NetStumbler or another wireless-hub spotting program, but that can take a long time.

Now there's a better way. We just got our hands on the new $30 "WiFi Seeker" from Chrysalis Development , a keyfob-sized device that lets you easily locate wireless network hubs and determine just how strong the signal is. The device, which fits easily on a keychain, is easy to use. Simply press the button on top and immediately a series of four red lights on the top of the device begin flashing like the turn signal on a '66 T-bird. Within a second or two (if an access point is within range), one or more of the lights stay lit, based on the strength of the signal.

The WiFi Seeker worked well in our tests. Walking around the office, we measured four bars—four lit LEDs—when we were next to our office router. As we moved across the floor, the signal degraded to three, two, and then one red light. Finally, at the far end of the floor, the lights started flashing again, which meant that wireless connectivity was unavailable. Using a PC, we verified the connection strength detected by the unit. It proved to be pretty accurate. We then took the Seeker out to the streets of San Francisco and San Jose for some real-world testing. Holding the WiFi Seeker in one hand, we walked along searching for hubs. Despite the fact that we looked like a cross between a nuclear scientist wielding a Geiger counter and Star Trek's Dr. McCoy, the unit did its job. In San Francisco, we found our way to the local Starbucks merely by following the signal strength of its T-Mobile hub. In San Jose's new Santana Row shopping center, we used the WiFi Seeker to locate a supposedly free wireless connection. It led us to where the signal appeared to be strongest, and indeed our PC connected reasonably easily. However, if we'd looked up from the blue device in our hands, we would have seen the "Free Wireless" sign, but that's irrelevant. The device, in fact, did what it was supposed to do.

It's not perfect. Occasionally, we'd have to press the button two or three times to get it to actually turn on. Sometimes, it would fail to find a signal--even though an access point was nearby. Pressing the button on top again, however, would usually fix the problem. And, although the company claims it will filter out microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors, there was still some interference. We tried it out a few inches from a working microwave and it registered a four-bar signal and then no signal. Stepping a few feet away, however, restored it to proper working order.

If you need to be connected on the go, this is a pretty nifty device. It passes the wow factor test too—even jaded eWeek Labs and ExtremeTech analysts pronounced it "cool." It also makes for a poor-man's AirMagnet, allowing users to quickly determine wireless strength around their home or office. It'll be available in June.

Product: WiFi Seeker Web site: www.wifiseeker.com Pros: Finds Wi-Fi hubs, small, inexpensive Cons: Occasional false negatives Summary: A cool add-on for your keyring, it'll help you find wireless hubs and impress your friends too. Price: $29.95 (plus shipping and handling), Score:

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in ExtremeTech.