NetSpot


NetSpot is a software tool for wireless network assessment, scanning, and surveys, analyzing Wi-Fi coverage and performance. It runs on Mac OS X 10.6+ and Windows 7-8-10 and supports 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless networks. NetSpot uses the standard Wi-Fi network adapter and its Airport interface to map radio signal strength and other wireless network parameters, and build reports on that. NetSpot was released in August, 2011.

Functions

NetSpot provides all professional wireless site survey features for Wi-Fi and maps coverage of a living area, office space, buildings, etc. It provides visual data to help analyze radio signal leaks, discover noise sources, map channel use, optimize access point locations. Also, the application can perform Wi-Fi network planning: the data that are collected help to select channels and placements for new hotspots. Survey reports can be generated in PDF format.

Usual uses

VersionPlatformRelease dateNotes and significant changes
1.0.216,MacintoshAugust 2011
1.1.259MacintoshNovember 2011
  • Ability to draw a map inside of NetSpot
  • New visualization: Signal to interference ratio
    • 1.2.308MacintoshDecember 2011
  • New improved advanced algorithm for APs' location detection
  • Detection of different networks transmitted by the same AP, their signals are ignored when building an interference map
    • 1.3.335MacintoshJuly 2012
  • New project wizard
  • OS X Mountain Lion compatibility
    • 2.0MacintoshOctober 2012
  • New Wireless Discover Mode
  • Manually relocate APs
  • Pro and Enterprise versions introduced.
    • 2.1MacintoshMay 2013
  • New visualizations: Frequency Band Coverage, PHY Mode Coverage
  • The Scan Interval can be adjusted in Discover mode
  • New Advanced Export to generate customizable PDF reports
  • Frequency data can now be viewed in Discover mode
    • 2.2MacintoshAugust 2013
  • Full support of IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard
  • Alternative detailed view of data points indicators
  • OS X 10.9 Mavericks compatibility
    • 2.10.953MacintoshOctober 2018
  • New localization: Japanese
  • The color scheme in the sidebar is more contrasting and visual now
  • When switching among surveys, selected visualization is kept
  • Corrected measurement values in some of the visualizations
  • Note: macOS Mojave 10.14 will require users to enable location services to run NetSpot.
  • Available on Setapp