iwScanner

What iwScanner is

iwScanner is a free wireless scanner with a graphical interface for Linux. It detects wireless networks and displays details including the access point, MAC address, channel, and encryption. A chart shows signal strength for each detected network, and scanning speed can be adjusted. The scanner uses wireless-tools and is ready to run when iwlist is available. It is designed in Glade and written in Python; the maker says it requires PyGTK in a Linux environment. iwScanner can open and save NetDetect (.ndd) and NetStumbler (.ns1) files, and the source is included with the download. The latest listed release is version 0.2.4, dated 2010-04-15, offered as an Ubuntu deb package and a generic Linux tarball. That release fixes incorrect WPA2 identification for some networks. Earlier version 0.2.3 notes added support for the rt2860sta card. The maker identifies Renzo Bertuzzi (kuthulu) as the author and invites users to email him through the contact page.

Who it suits

iwScanner suits Linux users who want a graphical view of nearby wireless network details and signal strength. It may fit users who can provide iwlist and PyGTK in their environment.

Getting started

1. Visit the iwScanner website.
2. Download the Ubuntu deb package or generic Linux tarball.
3. Make sure PyGTK is available in the Linux environment.
4. Use wireless-tools with iwlist available to run the scanner.

Verdict

iwScanner offers a focused set of wireless scanning and file-handling features at no cost. Its Linux requirements and the age of its latest listed release are worth considering.