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MetaGeek Wi-Spy 2.4x

MetaGeek WiSpy 2.4x
Antenna Unscrewed from WiSpy Together Profile

REVIEW

We pundits might be writing about wireless-n at 5 GHz like there's nothing else going on out there in Wi-Fi-land, but the vast majority of the real world still runs 11b/g at 2.4 GHz. Install-bases that large don't just swap out overnight. That means techs administering wireless networks still need management and diagnostic tools aimed at the 2.4-GHz band. This is especially helpful to SMBs in shared office spaces or crowded commercial buildings where the wireless landscape may change every time a neighbor moves in or out. For this, you'll need a spectrum analyzer to find out which part of your wireless network is suddenly weaker or dropping intermittently, what kind of signal is interfering with it, and where to position additional wireless hardware to keep your signal strength up to snuff. And one of the better spectrum analyzers I've seen recently (able to compete with expensive high-end contenders in this class, like AirMagnet's products and the Fluke OptiView), is the Wi-Spy 2.4x from MetaGeek.

red arrow Read the MetaGeek Wi-Spy 2.4x full review

Company

MetaGeek LLC

http://www.metageek.net

Spec Data
  • Price as Tested: $399.00 Direct

Bottom Line

The MetaGeek Wi-Spy 2.4x is a spectrum analyzer aimed at SMBs not just because of its SMB-friendly low price tag, but also because of its unique ease-of-use features. The combination makes for a highly useful tool that can easily find a home with IT generalists, not just wireless gurus.

Pros

Low price. Directional antenna on USB-based hardware. New Chanalyzer software easy to use with greater detail.

Cons

Chanalyzer still in beta after more than six months. Windows-compatible only. No 5-GHz radio version on the horizon.

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