In today’s cyber world, we all are wholly dependent on WiFi technology to access internet services. Be it cafeterias, classrooms, airports, libraries, or any region; we promptly ask for a WiFi connection so that we can have our devices connected to the internet wirelessly. But one thing we all need to be cautious about is that by doing this, our device will become a part of an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
WiFi Network Scanner Tools for Windows PC
Wi-Fi is the most popular technology that uses radio waves to transmit information from your device to a router which then transmits data to the Internet via Ethernet. However, being part of some random unsecured network is dangerous as data is transmitted over the wireless networks which are unsecured. The networks are highly susceptible to eavesdropping and security attacks. While there are a lot of issues when it comes to Wifi security, the apt way to protect from security vulnerabilities is to secure WiFi Routers.
Nowadays there are plenty of Encryption schemes that offer security and protection against most cyber attacks and aid in preventing someone else from reading the data within range. Although securing WiFi routers involves complex tasks, routers provide you with the provision to encrypt data of the information signal transferred across the network. In this way, it is strenuous for hackers to read the information signals in the network thus protecting the confidentiality of the data.
That being said, WiFi Network Scanner comes in handy to enhance network security protection from security breaches. Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) are widely used encryption protocols that are part of IEEE 802.11 wireless networking standards. These protocols help in the protection of security by encrypting data over radio waves in order to preserve the confidentiality of the data.
You may be wondering about the need to use the WiFi Scanner tool when your router is already equipped with a firewall. Well, a firewall just prevents intruders from having access to your system. It doesn’t play any role in securing network traffic. Encryption tools provide ways to protect data so that it’s difficult for hackers to read the data transmitted over a network. In this segment, we bring you some of the best free WiFi Network Scanner software for Windows 10.
1] Vistumbler
Vistumbler is a free open source WiFi Network Scanner tool that does a tremendous job of scanning entire wireless networks within the range of WiFi routers. Vistumbler has a size less than 1MB and is available for Windows 10 and its prior versions. The tool uses Windows Native WiFi API to gather wireless information and locate access points. The tool verifies network configurations and helps in detecting unauthorized access points. Vistumbler finds the Wireless LANs using WLAN standards like IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The tool also finds the cause for any interfaces produced in the network. Download it here.
2] inSSIDer
Inssider is a free open source tool for Windows that scans the best channels for WiFi networks. It helps in curtailing interference from the nearby network. Inssider assists in determining the configuration issues so that you can limit the number of dropped connections. The tool also uses encryption protocols to minimize security breaches and enhance the efficiency of the network. The Inssider is available for Windows 11/10 and its prior versions. Download it here. You can use inSSIDer free for real-time visualization.
3] SoftPerfect Network Scanner
SoftPerfect Network Scanner is a freeware that provides basic information on all these parameters. The tool pings computer scans for listening TCP ports and shows what types of resources are shared on a network (including system and hidden). In addition, you can mount shared resources as network drives, browse them using Windows Explorer, filter the results list and more.
4] Kismet
Kismet is a widely used WiFi Network Scanner tool that detects for any network intrusion. The tool can sniff network traffic of 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. It also supports raw monitoring mode. The tool supports multiple source capture and provides plugin architecture to expand core features. The Kismet also supports lightweight remote capture. Download it here.
5] Meraki WiFi Stumbler
Cisco Meraki WiFi Stumbler is a free tool that provides detailed information about the encryption used for wireless networks and SSIDs. The detailed reports help to get information about MAC address, access point, wireless channel, and even signal strength. The best thing about using Meraki Stumbler is that it doesn’t require you to install tool, but instead you can run it anywhere and wherever you require without installation. The tool is suitable for network troubleshooting, finding miscreant APs and you can run it on your system even when you are offline. Download it here.
TIP: Also, take a look at 10-Strike Network Scanner and MiTeC Network Scanner.
Your suggestions are most welcome.
Related read: Free Wireless Networking Tools For Windows.
