By: Eric Brown
Xirrus, a vendor of Linux-based Wi-Fi arrays, is releasing a version of its Wi-Fi Monitor utility for Linux desktops. The open-source, widgetlike Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor for Linux enables users to monitor, secure and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks, according to company officials.
Wi-Fi Monitor has been available as a free utility for Windows Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS platforms for some time, and has been downloaded a half million times.
The company refers to the software as a “desklet,” a widgetlike applet that provides quick access to information and functions. Developed under the gDesklets framework using the Python language, the utility is being made available under the GPL (General Public License). Users have access to the complete source code of the application.
Features of the Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor for Linux include an at-a-glance radarlike view of available Wi-Fi networks and their relative distance along with details on available Wi-Fi networks, including SSID (service set identifier), signal strength, channel and security.
