Why does WiFi Explorer need access to Location Services?
Why does WiFi Explorer need access to Location Services?
Since macOS Mojave 10.14, Apple’s CoreWLAN framework restricts access to network information, such as the network name (SSID) and BSSID, unless Location Services is authorized. WiFi Explorer will never try to determine, save, or share your physical location; the permission is used exclusively to access this network information. See Enable Location Services for instructions.
Is there a way to know which network I'm connected to?
Is there a way to know which network I'm connected to?
Yes. The network you are connected to is displayed in the table using a bold font. Also, WiFi Explorer shows detailed information about the connection in the toolbar.
Can I use external adapters (e.g., USB wireless adapters)?
Can I use external adapters (e.g., USB wireless adapters)?
No. WiFi Explorer is required to use Apple’s official framework for Wi-Fi scanning, CoreWLAN, and this framework does not recognize external wireless adapters. Support for external Wi-Fi adapters may be added in the future, but at the moment, only the built-in Wi-Fi adapter is supported.
What is the difference between the solid and the dashed lines in the spectrum view?
What is the difference between the solid and the dashed lines in the spectrum view?
In the spectrum view, solid lines represent infrastructure or managed networks, while dashed lines represent ad-hoc networks, also known as computer-to-computer networks.
What is the difference between the parabolic and the trapezoidal shapes in the spectrum view?
What is the difference between the parabolic and the trapezoidal shapes in the spectrum view?
In the spectrum view, the shape represents the physical layer’s spectral signature and modulation type supported by a wireless network. WiFi Explorer uses a “parabolic” shape to denote HR-DSSS BPSK (High-Rate Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum with Binary Phase-Shift Keying), that is, wireless networks with supported data rates up to 11 Mbps (e.g., 802.11b when operating at 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps data rates). The “trapezoidal” shape corresponds to a physical layer’s spectral signature and modulation type that make possible wireless networks with supported data rates greater than 11 Mbps. You can learn more about modulation types here.
I have multiple wireless devices (e.g., laptop, iPhone, iPad) but I can't find them in the scan results. Why?
I have multiple wireless devices (e.g., laptop, iPhone, iPad) but I can't find them in the scan results. Why?
WiFi Explorer only scans and displays the information of nearby wireless networks found within range of your Mac. It cannot detect or display information of client devices that are connected to your wireless network or any other wireless network nearby.