How To Map The Signal Strength Of Your Wireless Network
The signal strength of your wireless network can be mapped using a free piece of software called “HeatMapper”. Heatmapper can help you identify “dead” spots in your home or office. You will have to use your email address in order to obtain a link to the download but you can unsubscribe at any time. You’ll also need a laptop in order to take readings throughout the area you want to map.
Installation
To download HeatMapper, click on this link (http://tinyurl.com/heatmapper123) and insert an email address, open your email and download HeatMapper.
Double click the installer and follow the instructions on screen.
When prompted by a “Windows Security” box, click install.
The mapping process
When you start heatmapper you will be asked if you have a map of the area you want to map the signal strength of. Before starting Heatmapper i recommend making a quick floor plan of the area you want to map in paint. Then click "I have a map image" and select the floor plan you have created. This gives you an idea of the signal strength in each room. Otherwise click "I don't have a map image" to use a grid.
Here’s the map I used for my first floor. It’s very simple and is something you can make in paint in a couple of minutes
Once you have loaded your map you will be asked to walk round the area you want to map (in my case the first floor of my home) and click the map at each location. HeatMapper will draw the path you take and record the signal strength at each checkpoint. Here is the result I got.
Once you have completed the walk around your desired area, you’ll have a map of the signal strength and a list of all dominant hotspots in that area.
Installation
To download HeatMapper, click on this link (http://tinyurl.com/heatmapper123) and insert an email address, open your email and download HeatMapper.
Double click the installer and follow the instructions on screen.
When prompted by a “Windows Security” box, click install.
The mapping process
When you start heatmapper you will be asked if you have a map of the area you want to map the signal strength of. Before starting Heatmapper i recommend making a quick floor plan of the area you want to map in paint. Then click "I have a map image" and select the floor plan you have created. This gives you an idea of the signal strength in each room. Otherwise click "I don't have a map image" to use a grid.
Here’s the map I used for my first floor. It’s very simple and is something you can make in paint in a couple of minutes
Once you have loaded your map you will be asked to walk round the area you want to map (in my case the first floor of my home) and click the map at each location. HeatMapper will draw the path you take and record the signal strength at each checkpoint. Here is the result I got.
Once you have completed the walk around your desired area, you’ll have a map of the signal strength and a list of all dominant hotspots in that area.
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