A
device used to detect and analyze the presence of
Wi-Fi networks (
hotspots). A
WiFi detector can be a standalone handheld device that requires batteries to
operate or a USB device that can be connected to your computer or
laptop. A typical WiFi detector will show both the presence of a signal, detect
WEP or WPA encryption, wireless standard (802.11b or 802.11g) as well as the
relative signal strength. This information obtained about is usually shown on
the device's built-in LCD display screen.
This type of devices has many different names, usually based on the brand
name of the product itself. Alternative names for a Wi-Fi detector include
Wi-Fi scout, Wi-Fi finder, and hotspot detector.
