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Wireless Spectrum Analyzer on the Cheap
PennyManDeux writes "There's an article over at TheTechLounge looking at the Wi-Spy wireless spectrum analyzer. Here's a quote: 'Although most wireless boxes are able to push through the lower amounts of interference, some people, such as those living in apartments or otherwise deluged with many wireless signals may have problems. It is with this dilemma in mind that the people at MetaGeek created the Wi-Spy spectrum analyzer.' Cool thing is, it's only $100..."
It doesn't really solve the problem of interference. Let's say you have a 900 Mhz (old tech, I know) phone, which has constant interference. You buy one of these spectrum analyzers and find, not surprisingly, there is some interference at the 900 Mhz range. So what is someone going to do? Buy another phone, either at 2.4 Ghz or 5.6 Ghz, which would have less interference, but you didn't need a spectrum analyzer to get you to buy the higher frequency phones. You would have done that anyway.
This is surely not a replacement for a spectrum analyzer, but it will give you a general idea of interference in your house.
I have conducted many site surveys for businesses wanting wireless networks. The purpose of a spectrum analyzer is to pin-point sources of RF interference that may limit wireless connectivity, so that measures may be put in place to reduce RF emissions. You'd be surprised at amount of RF interference generated by industrial equipment, which poses a problem for RF engineers.
This product merely shows you that you have interference, and lacks the ability to pin-point the source. This product would be better if you could have an external parabolic antenna, but it looks like someone will need to figure out how to jimmy rig a Pringles can antenna to this unit. What can you expect for $100?
/whisper/ Thanks for the candy!
You know... it would have been nice to have when I moved into my apartment. Although I never figured why for the past three months my wireless wasn't working on Channel 6, I changed it to Channel 10 and all of a sudden my Wireless network works fine now... unless I use my microwave, that's another story.
jagossel
$5000 will get you a working HP 8566B on Ebay.
100 Hz to 22 GHz, 10Hz resolution, and if you can lift 100 lbs :-)
you can even call it portable
...I prefer to roll my own... Granted, it's only 250KHz of resolution (although you can change the filter, not sure how narrow you can get), but it's enough to get you started. I'm also seeing references to SA front-ends made from old TV IF strips. With lots of people upgrading their TVs, I expect to see a lot of these IF strips available.
Just junk food for thought...