Software update

Berkeley Varitronics Systems has released a software update for its Yellowjacket 802.11b receiver, version 4.0 for HP iPAQ PocketPC platform. The down-loadable update is free for all users and adds several new analysis screens including signal-to-noise ratio, channel frequency response and WISP antenna alignment.

Additional features include a snapshot feature for all analysis screens, improved MAC listing and spectrum analysis screens.

Yellowjacket is a calibrated wireless receiver system that interfaces with HP's iPAQ PocketPC in sweeping, analysing and optimising 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

The receiver measures all network channels for instant analysis of any access point's MAC, SSID and RSSI signal levels on or off any 802.11b/a/g WISP or Hotspot.

It is accurate to within 1 dB. Berkeley's calibrated receiver sweeps and measures all RF energy in the 2.4 GHz range as well as on each of the channels for detailed network inspection of any nearby 802.11b/a/g APs or STAs.

It is a passive, network independent device with the ability to see the 'whole picture' as well as pinpointing channel interference and hackers that plague so many 802.11 WISPs and hotspots.

The software generates MAC authorisation lists to detect and flag any AP or STA a friendly or suspect. WEP encryption is also detected and indicated for all APs/STAs.

The package includes options for a DF antenna to pinpoint WLAN hackers and 2.4 and 5 GHz sources of interference and supports Hive indoor/outdoor mapping software that maps 802.11b/a/g coverage. No GPS required.