Other analyzers working in the wireless realm

We also looked at Ufasoft Sniffer 4.126, but found it supports no contemporary WLAN adapters. This was surprising, as the program was last updated in May of 2008, but no documentation or even a help file is available. E-mails to the support contact went unanswered.

AirGrab Network Packet Analyzer 0.8 for the Mac is a general-purpose TCP/UDP capture tool that can connect to the Mac's wireless adapter. It's free and not bad for basic IP capture and analysis, but despite its name doesn't capture or analyze any Wi-Fi-specific information. There's no manual, but it's pretty simple.

We also tried the free version of Kismet available on the CACE technologies Web site. This tool works with the AirPcap adapter, but is very primitive (DOS-era) and it would be hard to recommend this one for corporate use.

And finally, we invited Network Instruments to submit their interesting Observer product for review, but they declined, citing wireless as not being a core area of their product capabilities. Still, a free evaluation of this product is available.

To continue reading, register here to become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

We also looked at Ufasoft Sniffer 4.126, but found it supports no contemporary WLAN adapters. This was surprising, as the program was last updated in May of 2008, but no documentation or even a help file is available. E-mails to the support contact went unanswered.

AirGrab Network Packet Analyzer 0.8 for the Mac is a general-purpose TCP/UDP capture tool that can connect to the Mac's wireless adapter. It's free and not bad for basic IP capture and analysis, but despite its name doesn't capture or analyze any Wi-Fi-specific information. There's no manual, but it's pretty simple.

We also tried the free version of Kismet available on the CACE technologies Web site. This tool works with the AirPcap adapter, but is very primitive (DOS-era) and it would be hard to recommend this one for corporate use.

And finally, we invited Network Instruments to submit their interesting Observer product for review, but they declined, citing wireless as not being a core area of their product capabilities. Still, a free evaluation of this product is available.

< Return to test: WLAN sniffers pass the sniff test >

Read more about wireless & mobile in Network World's Wireless & Mobile section.