Ekahau HeatMapper (Free WiFi Coverage Mapping and Site Survey Tool)

Ekahau HeatMapper is a windows only, free software tool for quick and easy coverage mapping of Wi-Fi (802.11) networks. It's the only free, easy-to-use tool that shows, on a map, the wireless network coverage in your home or small office. HeatMapper also locates all access points. HeatMapper also provides a real-time view to all access points and their configurations. HeatMapper uses your built-in wireless network adapter, therefore, all you need is a Windows-based laptop with wireless. And it takes just one minute to install.

Product Features:

    * Shows Wi-Fi coverage on a map
    * Locates all access points
    * Detects security settings and finds open networks
    * Designed for home and small office
    * Free of charge, one-minute install
    * Supports 802.11n, as well as a/b/g


You can download it from here. I have embedded a movie trailer like video which they've made about the tool :)

Though I have never used Ekahau HeatMapper, I have tried out SpectraGuard Planner from Airtight Networks and found it to be really good as far as WiFi coverage planning and location tracking is concerned.

Vivek Ramachandran is a security evangelist and has been working in computer security related fields for the past 7 years. In 2007, Vivek spoke at world renowned conferences Defcon (WEP Cloaking Exposed) and Toorcon (The Caffe Latte Attack). The discovery of the Caffe Latte Attack was covered by CBS5 news, BBC online, Network World etc news agencies.In 2006, Vivek was announced as one of winners of the Microsoft Security Shootout contest held in India among 65,000 participants. He has also been a recipient of a Team Achievement at Cisco Systems for his work on 802.1x and Port Security modules on the Catalyst 6500 switches. Currently he spends all of his time maintaining Security- Freak.Net , SecurityTube.Net and is the co-founder of Axonize. Vivek, is a Bachelor in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.You can contact him at vivek[at]securitytube.net