NetSpot: Wi-Fi Network Detector and Manager

Step 1

Download and Run NetSpot

Download and install NetSpot on your device, then open the program and upload a floor plan in GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or PDF format. If you don’t have a map, you can draw your own layout directly in NetSpot.

Step 2

Calibrate Your Floor Plan

Once the floor plan is uploaded or drawn, you need to calibrate it by setting the correct scale. This ensures that all measurements reflect the actual dimensions of the space, allowing for precise network optimization. Select the appropriate units — meters or feet — to match real-world distances.

A well-calibrated map improves the accuracy of heatmaps and signal analysis, making it easier to pinpoint weak spots and optimize coverage effectively.

Step 3

Complete your Scan

For Active Scanning, which measures real-time upload and download speeds, select the preferred scanning type in NetSpot’s settings. You can either measure performance for all connected networks or specify selected networks by configuring them manually. If speed data is not required, you can disable Active Scanning.

Start scanning by walking through the area and placing data points on the floor plan. Ensure an even distribution, moving systematically from one side to the other, covering all critical locations where devices connect to the network. The more data points you add, the more precise and reliable your coverage map will be.

For more detailed instructions on starting your Wi-Fi survey, follow the directions in NetSpot Knowledgebase. How do I start my Wi-Fi survey?

Step 4

Isolate Your Network

To get accurate data on your network’s performance, it’s essential to remove unnecessary information about other access points. In NetSpot, you can isolate your network by unchecking other networks in the list. This ensures that your analysis focuses solely on your own Wi-Fi without external data cluttering the results.

If your network has multiple access points, you may want to analyze them separately to understand how each one contributes to overall coverage. This is especially useful in large homes or office environments where different access points serve different areas.

By isolating your network, you gain a clearer picture of your signal strength, coverage, and any weak spots that need attention, allowing for more precise adjustments and optimizations.

Step 5

Analyze the Heatmap

NetSpot provides nearly 20 different heatmaps, allowing for a detailed analysis of Wi-Fi performance. The most informative visualizations for assessing your network include:

• Signal Level — shows the strength of the Wi-Fi signal in different areas, helping to identify weak coverage zones.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) — indicates the difference between signal strength and background noise. Dark blue and purple zones highlight weak signal areas.
• Noise Level — helps identify interference sources such as household appliances, Bluetooth devices, and neighboring networks.
• Band Coverage — displays the distribution of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, showing which frequency provides the best coverage.

By leveraging these heatmaps, you can identify dead zones, assess the impact of interference, and optimize your network setup more effectively.

Step 6

Addressing Network Issues Based on Your Findings

Once you’ve analyzed your Wi-Fi survey results, take steps to resolve any issues identified.

• Relocate an Access Point: If weak signal areas suggest that the router’s placement is causing coverage gaps, consider repositioning it. Move the router to a more optimal location and run another scan to compare the results. NetSpot allows you to create a new snapshot for the same area, making it easy to evaluate improvements.

• Identify Sources of Interference: If relocating the router isn’t an option, focus on eliminating interference. Use the Noise Level heatmap by selecting this visualization from the drop-down menu to pinpoint problem areas. Identifying and reducing sources of interference, such as electronic devices or neighboring networks, can significantly improve signal quality.

• Consider Switching Channels: If interference from overlapping networks is affecting performance, adjusting your channel settings may help. Click the three-dot menu in the upper left corner to open the panel, then choose “Select by channel” to pick networks operating on specific channels and determine the best option for your Wi-Fi. Once you’ve determined the best channel, go to your router’s configuration settings and update the Wi-Fi channel to minimize interference and improve network stability.

By determining the correct router location and channel, you are well on your way to successfully managing your Wi-Fi network. WLAN managers like NetSpot are a critical part of optimizing your wireless network.