Source: Tom's Guide | Keywords: wifi, wireless, detector | Themes: Networking
2. StarTech Wi-Fi Detector
Though technically not in a keychain form factor, the StarTech Wi-Fi detector will fit in your pocket, an ideal place to carry a USB device.
On the detection side, the operation is quite simple. There is a small on/off switch on the top of the device; when powered on, it will immediately locate any Wi-Fi signals in the area.
The black and white LCD display provides all the information on the detected Wi-Fi signals, beginning with the number of signals identified. You can then easily scroll through the identified signaled with the next/back buttons.
The LCD also provides the SSID of the hotspot, and indicates its channel, whether there is encryption (by way of a padlock icon) as well as a text indicator of what type of encryption is being used (WPA, WPA2, and WEP).
Signal strength is indicated via the typical five bar approach (with more bars indicating more signal strength). As tested, the StarTech Wi-Fi detector specifically identifies 802.11 b and g signals - so if you’re looking for 802.11 a or n, you’re out of luck.
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And I owned the Kensington detector. It was a useless piece of junk.
And I owned the Kensington detector. It was a useless piece of junk.
Most people with a notebook and a need to use WiFi in multiple places typically have PDAs or smartphones anyway, so who do these keychain devices really target anyway? They're just an accessory for retailers to push on people buying a new laptop, or on a kid starting college...
Most people with a notebook and a need to use WiFi in multiple places typically have PDAs or smartphones anyway, so who do these keychain devices really target anyway? They're just an accessory for retailers to push on people buying a new laptop, or on a kid starting college...