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REVIEW RF Scanning for Wifi/2.4GHz congestion

Discussion in 'Networking, Telephony & Internet' started by pinchies, Jan 31, 2024.

  1. pinchies

    pinchies Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2009
    Messages:
    369
    Location:
    3079, Melbourne
    So long story short, our place has a bunch of Wifi networks nearby, and we often run into issues within the 2.4GHz spectrum having many devices onboard around the home. This also isn't helped by our choice of numerous other 2.4GHz RF devices like Eufy basestation, Philips Hue, Powerpal Smart Meter, DECT phone, etc.

    I decided I wanted to properly tackle this head on, and "see" what is going on in this spectrum. Some routers have the ability to see other wifi networks (hidden SSID included) taking up slots in the spectrum, but if RF source isn't actually wifi, that doesn't help you. So I started looking to see if there was a cheap-ish device out there that I could buy to be able to scan the RF range.

    I ended up picking up a TinySA Ultra for about $200. The interface is certainly not dummy proof, and took me a fair bit of prodding and poking to get my head around it, but I eventually figured out how to set the frequency range to be able to scan the wifi relevant frequency band. I turned all of my home network gear off, did a scan, and then powered everything on again one by one to see where it turned up. This was especially helpful for the Eufy basestation, which will create a hidden wifi network, but the software give you no control at all as to which wifi channel it creates it on - so frustrating! But with the TinySA it was easy to see where it turned up.

    Anyway, if someone in melbourne wants to do the same kind of investigation, and wants to borrow the TinySA ultra, feel free to PM me. I rent out other gear as my side gig, but this one is free with a firm handshake. :Pirate:

    More info on TinySA on their wiki here: https://www.tinysa.org/wiki/

    Example videos



     
    garfield2k, MUTMAN and Elmf like this.
  2. Nasha

    Nasha Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2008
    Messages:
    281
    Location:
    SE Suburbs Vic
    I came here specifically to ask a question that would be answered by your post... I'm in Melbourne too!!
    You got the TinySA Ultra, so you can scan both 2.4 and 5.0Ghz bands? (based on what i'm reading in the wiki)

    The only way i'm going to get anything beyond basic "general busy-ness", is with the purchase of specific HW designed to operate in wider bands with the addition of some form of SDR providing me with results....

    I want to try and figure out how to space out AP's in my house, do i need 2/3/4/5 AP's or does this just increase the congestion? My previous setup that i've just sold off, was problematic to say the least. I'd often have my mobile phone dropping off WiFi, and i certainly cannot pace around the house whilst talking on the phone without blankouts...

    So i think i might start another thread for myself, but certainly interested in renting the TinySA, as it's likely to be the only custom HW based solution that i apply to this problem.
     
  3. OP
    OP
    pinchies

    pinchies Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2009
    Messages:
    369
    Location:
    3079, Melbourne
    Exactly, the TinySA Ultra can do both bands. That's one of the reasons I went for it over the more expensive RF Explorer, as once you add the other bands, that device gets significantly more expensive. I only bothered with 2.4GHz, as in the 5GHz range interference is less of an issue, and if you just want to see what other 5GHz wifi signals are out there, most good 5GHz AP's can show you that. I used this device because I wanted to see non-wifi sources specifically, as well as general congestion levels.

    My understanding and experience with having multiple AP's, is that having different names for different AP's tends to give the best results when roaming. I'm not an expert on enterprise style setups though, and my knowledge could be out of date with wifi 6 etc.

    What kind of wifi AP's were you using? I think this is the most critical aspect of all for any setup. A good brand with reliable firmware and rock solid wifi chipset is essential.
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2024

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