Tools for Discovering Wireless Networks Using Active or Passive Modes

Wireless networks have existed for over 50 years, evolving through various implementations and standards. Despite these differences, all wireless networks share a fundamental requirement: establishing a connection. In practical terms, this process is often influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio, which determines the quality of the connection. However, simply detecting a network does not guarantee its usability. The primary goal of wireless network discovery is to minimize unsuccessful connection attempts.

There are two primary modes for discovering wireless networks: active and passive. In the active mode, a person or device actively searches for a specific wireless network. In contrast, the passive mode involves detecting networks that have already been discovered by others (A & Al-Sbou, 2020).

Active and Passive Modes of Network Monitoring

Active Monitoring

Active monitoring, also known as network traffic monitoring, involves deploying network probes to track specific application traffic. These probes are devices connected to the network that analyze traffic and relay information to a monitoring application. Think of active monitoring as an employee overseeing a computer network—while performing routine tasks, they take notes on network activity. This is essentially how active monitoring functions in network management.

This method is highly effective for detecting network issues, as it generates alerts when a problem arises. However, it does not provide insights into a network’s normal operations. For instance, if a single device encounters an issue, active monitoring alerts you, but it does not reveal how many other devices might be affected until the problem is resolved. Additionally, active monitoring does not always provide a comprehensive view of the network’s overall performance. In an ideal scenario, all devices would transmit data correctly, making it easy to pinpoint issues. However, since networks do not function perfectly, troubleshooting a single device could take hours  (Keerthika, 2021).

Passive Monitoring

Passive monitoring, on the other hand, involves observing network traffic without actively interfering or altering the network. It focuses on analyzing data usage and detecting abnormalities. When an unusual event occurs, such as a new device connecting to the network or an unexpected spike in data transfer, passive monitoring generates alerts through network monitoring software.

Unlike active monitoring, passive monitoring does not assist in troubleshooting or resolving network issues. If a network administrator needs to diagnose and fix a problem, passive monitoring alone is insufficient. While it serves as a useful tool for identifying potential issues, resolving them requires active monitoring (Xu, 2011).

Tools Used in the Discovery of Wireless Network

A crucial aspect of wireless network discovery tools is their ability to detect networks across various encryption protocols, including WEP and WPA, as well as unprotected networks. These tools can also operate across different network categories, such as 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet, and even high-speed networking (HSN) in the 200/1000 MHz range. Some advanced tools are capable of identifying more secure networks than commonly used unauthenticated modes (Krishna, 2016).

Additionally, Wi-Fi discovery tools often provide encryption capabilities for securing known Wi-Fi connections. This allows users to broadcast their networks within the WPA/WPA2 security framework while still using identifiable SSIDs. Conversely, these tools can also detect networks with weak encryption, helping users assess security vulnerabilities. Given the importance of WPA2-Enterprise security, developing and automating wireless network discovery tools can be highly beneficial.

Below are some commonly used tools for wireless network discovery in both active and passive modes:

Air Magnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO

AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO is a powerful tool designed for automatic Wi-Fi network analysis. It eliminates the need for manual troubleshooting by collecting, decoding, and presenting detailed information about Wi-Fi activity. Networking professionals use it to diagnose connectivity issues, optimize performance, and ensure smooth network operations. The tool automatically detects and analyzes all Wi-Fi clients on a live network, generating comprehensive diagnostic reports that include hardware details and network conditions.

Below are five key features of Air Magnet Wi-Fi Analyzer Pro:

1. Portable and energy-efficient – A compact Wi-Fi analyzer with low power consumption and fast connectivity.
2. User-friendly interface – Features a simple circular design with easy-to-use controls.
3. Large storage capacity – Can store device profiles, tweak network settings, and run automated tests.
4. Mobile network speed testing – Measures the network performance of mobile devices at different distances.
5. Power-saving mode – Optimized for long-term usage without excessive power consumption.

Acrylic Wi-Fi

Acrylic Wi-Fi is a multi-platform Wi-Fi discovery tool compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows. It allows users to scan and connect to wireless networks while providing security insights, such as whether a network is public or private and its bandwidth usage. In addition to detecting wireless networks, it enables users to disable connections and configure dynamic network names.

Acrylic Wi-Fi employs a modular mesh system, meaning components can be added or removed as needed. It features a touchscreen interface for real-time data visualization and supports the 802.11n Wi-Fi standard. However, it does not support the newer 802.11ac standard. Despite this limitation, its improved speed and efficiency make it a useful tool, especially in crowded network environments. The touchscreen functionality provides convenient access to network controls, enhancing usability.

Difference between Features of Air Magnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO and Acrylic Wi-Fi

AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO and Acrylic Wi-Fi are both powerful tools for wireless network discovery and analysis, but they differ in terms of speed, functionality, and design.

Speed and Performance

AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO operates at twice the speed of Acrylic Wi-Fi, making it a more efficient option for network diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Storage and Convenience

AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO features a built-in USB charging dock for ease of use and a large 32GB storage capacity, allowing for extensive data logging. It also includes PowerPoint integration for detailed troubleshooting and reporting. Additionally, it offers FIDO authentication, which enables secure data transfer. A unique feature of AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO is its time-triggered Wi-Fi hack prevention, which prevents unauthorized network access if the device’s USB cable is disconnected.

Functionality and Usage

AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO is primarily designed for quick wireless network testing on PCs and laptops. It requires specialized software to access and analyze wireless networks. The device functions as an external antenna that detects wireless signals, measures frequency ranges, and assists in network performance assessment. It is commonly used in Wi-Fi devices, portable modems, and outdoor antenna applications.

Acrylic Wi-Fi, on the other hand, operates as an amplification-based device designed to convert and analyze wireless signals within a specific frequency range. It is commonly used for creating Wi-Fi signals, measuring network strength, and analyzing wireless frequencies. Unlike AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO, which focuses on direct network testing, Acrylic Wi-Fi specializes in signal amplification and comparison.

Key Differences

Overall, AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO is a more advanced and feature-rich tool, ideal for professional network diagnostics and troubleshooting, while Acrylic Wi-Fi is better suited for signal analysis and basic Wi-Fi assessments.

Conclusion

AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO stands out as a powerful and reliable tool for Wi-Fi troubleshooting, offering exceptional performance, ease of use, and long battery life. Its ability to quickly identify weak Wi-Fi spots and diagnose network issues makes it an excellent choice for both professional and commercial applications.

However, for users seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, Acrylic Wi-Fi provides a cost-effective solution for basic wireless network diagnostics and signal analysis. While it lacks some of the advanced features of AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO, it remains a practical option for those with simpler network monitoring needs.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the level of analysis required—AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer PRO is ideal for in-depth troubleshooting, while Acrylic Wi-Fi is a suitable option for general network assessments.

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References

A, Y., & Al-Sbou. (2020). Wireless Networks Performance Monitoring Based on Passive-active Quality of Service Measurements. International journal of Computer Networks & Communications, 15-32.

Keerthika, M. (2021). Wireless Sensor Networks: Active and Passive attacks – Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures. Global Transitions Proceedings, 362-367.

Krishna, K. H. (2016). A Comparative Study on Various Wireless Sensor Network Tools. International Journal Of Engineering And Computer Science.

Xu, X. (2011). PMSW: a passive monitoring system in wireless sensor networks. International Journal of Network Management, 300-325.