Frequently asked questions

1. Is there a way to know which network I am connected to?

Yes. The network you are connected to is displayed in the table using a bold font.

2. Can WiFi Explorer detect hidden networks?

No. Unfortunately, Apple's official framework for Wi-Fi scanning, CoreWLAN, does not provide any information on hidden networks. However, WiFi Explorer will find and display the information of a hidden network if your Mac computer is associated (connected) to it.

3. I can only choose one wireless adapter (i.e. the built-in AirPort interface) even though I have other adapters installed (e.g. a USB wireless adapter). Why?

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 externals Wi-Fi adapters may be added in the future, but at the moment only the built-in Wi-Fi adapter is supported.

4. What is the difference between the "solid" and the "dashed" lines in the channels graph?

In the channels graph, "solid" lines represent infrastructure or managed networks, while "dashed" lines represent ad-hoc networks, also known as computer-to-computer networks.

5. What is the difference between the "parabolic" and the "trapezoidal" shapes in the channels graph?

In the channels graph, the shape represents the spectral signature of the physical layer and modulation type supported by a wireless network. A "parabolic" shape is used 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 physical layer and modulation types that make possible wireless networks with supported data rates greater than 11 Mbps. Find out more about modulation types here.

6. I have multiple wireless devices (e.g. laptop, iPhone, iPad) but I can't find them in the list. Why?

WiFi Explorer is not a network discovery tool. WiFi Explorer only scans and displays the information of the wireless networks created by wireless routers and access points that can be found within range of the computer running the application. It cannot detect or display information of client devices that are connected to your wireless network or any other wireless network nearby.

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