Ten Useful and Free Networking Tools
- 1. NetStumbler: To Find Nearby Networks
- 2. Network Magic: For an Easier Networking Experience
- 3. DD-WRT: To Super Charge Your Cheap Wireless Router
- 4. Wireshark (Previously Ethereal): To See the Raw Traffic
- 5. TeamViewer: For Remote Desktopping
- 6. NetSetMan: To Manage Your Network Settings
- 7. LogMeIn Hamachi: To Create a Secure VPN
- 8. Gbridge: To Securely Share Among Friends
- 9. Hotspot Shield: To Secure Your Wi-Fi in Public
- 10. Undelete: So Network Shares Can Use the Recycle Bin
From stumblers to help you detect nearby networks, sniffers to see the data, and replacement firmware projects to supercharge your network, here are 10 different applications you might find useful when installing, securing, or using private or public networks.
1. NetStumbler: To Find Nearby Networks
This is a simple stumbler that shows you the details of nearby wireless networks or access points (APs). You'll see each AP's MAC address, SSID, channel, encryption status, signal, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and more.
NetStumbler is handy when installing a new network or AP. You can check for possible interference from neighboring or existing APs. You can also use it to verify coverage and proper positioning of APs by referencing the signal strengths.
You might even take a stumble once in awhile to check for rouge nodes or other problems.