Many users rely on inSSIDer to analyze Wi-Fi performance; but one challenge is detecting and responding to real-time interference effectively. While inSSIDer provides great insights into channel congestion, signal strength & overlapping networks, some users report difficulty in identifying short bursts of interference caused by microwaves; Bluetooth devices, or non-Wi-Fi sources.
Would it be possible to enhance inSSIDerâs ability to log and visualize sudden interference spikes more clearly? Are there specific filters / settings that can help users pinpoint and mitigate transient issues before they cause major disruptions?
Additionally; could integrating Wi-Spy or other RF spectrum analyzers provide a more comprehensive interference profile?
Letâs discuss advanced scanning techniques, logging tools & possible feature requests to make inSSIDer even more powerful for diagnosing real-time Wi-Fi interference!
Hello @nemoyen, thank you for your post. You have hit on a number of interesting topics here.
As far as interference goes, yes, using a spectrum analyzer is the best detection mechanism. Wi-Spy visualization is supported in InSSIDer when using a MetaGeek Pro add-on subscription. We are working on an update to add support for the Oscum WiPry Clarity and Wi-Spy Lucid, as well.
Unfortunately, if you donât have a spectrum analyzer, then Windows provides very limited ability to troubleshoot potential interference. There is a suite of scripts that provides all the available data about your Wi-Fi connection, but it isnât going to help much with a physical layer problem like interference. What really indicates potential interference is signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the Windows Wi-Fi API does not provide access to it. SNR shows the difference (in dB) between the received signal power and the noise it is competing against. If you have great signal strength (say -55 dBm) but your SNR is only 20, that would be indicative of interference, since it indicates a noise level of -75 dBm, which is high (noise should typically be below -90 dBm).
MacOS and Linux provide more robust Wi-Fi APIs than Windows. The WLAN Pi project uses Linux on Raspberry Pi single board computers to provide âgo anywhereâ access to Linux Wi-Fi tools.
As far as feature requestsâIâll check whether it is possible to pull SNR on the Mac version of inSSIDer. And, of course, Iâll continue to hunt for a way to accomplish the same on Windows. We are also looking at integrating WLAN Pi support into inSSIDer.
Are there specific filters / settings that can help users pinpoint and mitigate transient issues before they cause major disruptions? 
