VisiWave Blog

A new release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Those that hold a license to versions before 2.1 can upgrade to version 2.1 for a small fee. See the bottom of the Purchase page on our website for details. To try out the new version, download the eval version and install it over-top of your current version. You can then either purchase upgrade codes or re-install your previous version.

New features in v2.1.3:

• Deleting Data Points
  
  You can now delete any existing data point. Click on the
  data point in the Survey program to bring up the data
  point's details. Click on the "Delete" link or press the
  Delete key.
  (Added in v2.1.3)
  
  
• Easily View Details of Next/Previous Data Point
  
  You can now use the Ctrl-Left and Ctrl-Right arrow keys to
  view the previous and next data point's details. Just
  click on any data point to view it's details. Then press
  Ctrl-Left or Ctrl-Right to immediately jump to the
  previous or next data point, respectively.
  (Added in v2.1.3)
  
  
• Re-starting Paused Data Collection
  
  A paused data collection wouldn't start up in the correct
  location. This has been fixed.
  (Fixed in v2.1.3)
  
  
• Scroll Wheel Now Scrolls Survey Window Correct Amount
  
  VisiWave was scrolling the Survey window too much when the
  mouse scroll wheel was turned. Pressing [shift] while
  spinning the scroll wheel still zooms in and out.
  (Fixed in v2.1.3)
  
  
• Fixed Licensing Issue
  
  An issue preventing a very small number of customers from
  registering the product was fixed.
  (Fixed in v2.1.3)
  

For a full list of new features in version 2.1, see this posting.

A new release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Those that hold a license to versions before 2.1 can upgrade to version 2.1 for a small fee. See the bottom of the Purchase page on our website for details. To try out the new version, download the eval version and install it over-top of your current version. You can then either purchase upgrade codes or re-install your previous version.

New features in v2.1.2:

• Google Earth Report Issue
  
  In some rare cases, a rounding error was causing VisiWave
  to crash when creating a Google Earth report. This is now
  fixed.
  (Fixed in v2.1.2)
  
  
• Improved Estimated AP Locations
  
  The accuracy of the estimated AP locations displayed while
  collecting data was improved when the coverage area is
  quite small compared to the overall survey area.
  (Fixed in v2.1.1)
  
  
• Expand All and Collapse All Added
  
  When viewing the list of APs in the survey application,
  you can now select Expand All or Collapse All to show or
  hide all the access points and spectrum channels.
  (Added in v2.1.1)
  
  
• SSID Added to AP Tooltip
  
  When you hover your mouse over an estimated AP location,
  now the AP's SSID is shown in addition to the AP number.
  (Added in v2.1.1)
  
  
• Coverage Graphs Overlaid During Data Collection
  
  You can now view a coverage graph overlaid on your
  survey image while you are collecting data.
  
  
• View Estimated AP Locations During Data Collection
  
  You can now have VisiWave estimate the location of
  access points within the data collection application.
  
  
• Access Point List
  
  During data collection, a list of all access points is
  now displayed to the right of the survey map. You can
  use this list to select which access points are included
  in the coverage graph. You can also use it to indicate
  which estimated access point locations should be
  displayed.
  
  
• Export Graph Image from within Data Collection
  
  You can now save the current survey map to an image file
  within the data collection application. The PNG, JPG, or
  BMP image file contains the coverage graph overlaid on the
  survey map optionally along with the survey trail.
  
  

A new release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Those that hold a license to versions before 2.1 can upgrade to version 2.1 for a small fee. See the bottom of the Purchase page on our website for details. To try out the new version, download the eval version and install it over-top of your current version. You can then either purchase upgrade codes or re-install your previous version.

New features in v2.1.1:

• Improved Estimated AP Locations
  
  The accuracy of the estimated AP locations displayed while
  collecting data was improved when the coverage area is
  quite small compared to the overall survey area.
  (Fixed in v2.1.1)
  
  
• Expand All and Collapse All Added
  
  When viewing the list of APs in the survey application,
  you can now select Expand All or Collapse All to show or
  hide all the access points and spectrum channels.
  (Added in v2.1.1)
  
  
• SSID Added to AP Tooltip
  
  When you hover your mouse over an estimated AP location,
  now the AP's SSID is shown in addition to the AP number.
  (Added in v2.1.1)
  
  
• Coverage Graphs Overlaid During Data Collection
  
  You can now view a coverage graph overlaid on your
  survey image while you are collecting data.
  
  
• View Estimated AP Locations During Data Collection
  
  You can now have VisiWave estimate the location of
  access points within the data collection application.
  
  
• Access Point List
  
  During data collection, a list of all access points is
  now displayed to the right of the survey map. You can
  use this list to select which access points are included
  in the coverage graph. You can also use it to indicate
  which estimated access point locations should be
  displayed.
  
  
• Export Graph Image from within Data Collection
  
  You can now save the current survey map to an image file
  within the data collection application. The PNG, JPG, or
  BMP image file contains the coverage graph overlaid on the
  survey map optionally along with the survey trail.
  
  

A new release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Existing license holders can upgrade to version 2.1 for a small fee. See the bottom of the Purchase page on our website for details. To try out the new version, download the eval version and install it over-top of your current version. You can then either purchase upgrade codes or re-install your previous version.

New features in v2.1:

• Coverage Graphs Overlaid During Data Collection
  
  You can now view a coverage graph overlaid on your
  survey image while you are collecting data.
  
  
• View Estimated AP Locations During Data Collection
  
  You can now have VisiWave estimate the location of
  access points within the data collection application.
  
  
• Access Point List
  
  During data collection, a list of all access points is
  now displayed to the right of the survey map. You can
  use this list to select which access points are included
  in the coverage graph. You can also use it to indicate
  which estimated access point locations should be
  displayed.
  
  
• Export Graph Image from within Data Collection
  
  You can now save the current survey map to an image file
  within the data collection application. The PNG, JPG, or
  BMP image file contains the coverage graph overlaid on the
  survey map optionally along with the survey trail.
  
  

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Version 2.0 license holders can download the trial version for v2.0.10 and install it over-top of their current version to receive the updates for free.

New features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0.9:

• License Codes with Dashes Caused Licensing Failure
  
  License Codes that contained dashes were causing the
  license check to fail. This release fixed that issue.
  (Fixed in 2.0.10)
  
  

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Version 2.0 license holders can download the trial version for v2.0.9 and install it over-top of their current version to receive the updates for free.

New features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0.8:

• Wi-Spy DBx Incompatibility Addressed
  
  Recent shipments (August 2009) of Wi-Spy DBx devices
  included a firmware update that made the device
  incompatible with VisiWave. This release addresses
  those incompatibilities and allows VisiWave to again work
  with the DBx.
  (Fixed in v2.0.9)
  
  
• Support for Unprintable Characters in SSID in GE Reports
  
  Google Earth requires that SSIDs do not contain low-ASCII
  characters. VisiWave now escapes these characters if
  they appear in SSIDs.
  (Fixed in v2.0.9)
  
  

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Version 2.0 license holders can download the trial version for v2.0.8 and install it over-top of their current version to receive the updates for free.

New features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0.7:

• Wi-Spy 2.4i Support
  
  Support for the new Wi-Spy 2.4i spectrum analyzer device
  is now available. This device now works like all the
  other Wi-Spy devices. Note that we recommend not running
  both Chanalyzer Lite and VisiWave at the same time.
  Close one program before starting the other.
  (Added in v2.0.8 )
  
  
• Reload Survey Files when Changed in Reporting App
  
  When a survey file is changed, the reporting application
  will now automatically ask you if you wish to reload the
  survey file. This allows you to capture more data points
  and then easily view the changes in a graph.
  (Added in v2.0.8 )
  
  
• Automated Registration Process
  
  Registration codes are now automatically retrieved by
  VisiWave instead of being hand-entered by the user.
  (Added in v2.0.8 )
  
  
• Minimum Signal Strength for Interference Graphs in Google Earth
  
  You can now set a minimum signal strength for Google
  Earth spectrum graphs. Any region that has a signal
  strength less than the minimum won't be included in the
  graph. This allows you to highlight the areas with the
  worst interference.
  (Added in v2.0.8 )
  
  
• Creating Very Large Google Earth Reports
  
  You can now create Google Earth reports that have a
  theoretical limit of 2GB in size (before being compressed
  into a KMZ file). Note that Google Earth has its own
  limits on how large a KML file can be.
  (Added in v2.0.8 )
  
  
• Large Area Google Earth Reports
  
  A bug prevented creating Google Earth reports over
  large areas (greater than roughly 10 miles square).
  (Fixed in v2.0.8 )
  
  
• Exiting without Stopping 'Relocate Survey Map'
  
  A recent change caused an issue when exiting VisiWave
  without pressing 'Stop' after selecting Relocate Survey
  Map. This now works correctly.
  (Fixed in v2.0.8 )
  
  

For a full list of new features in version 2.0, see this posting.

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Version 2.0 license holders can download the trial version for v2.0.7 and install it over-top of their current version to receive the updates for free.

New features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0.6:

• Support for Windows 7 RC 1
  
  Added support for Windows 7 release candidate 1.
  (Added in v2.0.7)
  
  
• Collecting Wi-Fi Noise Levels
  
  An error was introduced recently that prevents the
  collection of noise levels when spectrum data
  wasn't being collected.
  (Fixed in v2.0.7)
  
  
• Day of Week on Details and Title Page
  
  The day of the week displayed in dates on the Details and
  Title pages of reports always showed "Sunday". This now
  displays the correct day of week.
  (Fixed in v2.0.7)
  
  
• Prevent Set Scale Dialog from Disappearing
  
  Logic was added to make sure the Set Scale dialog is
  always created on the screen.
  (Fixed in v2.0.7)
  

For a full list of new features in version 2.0, see this posting.

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Version 2.0 license holders can download the trial version for v2.0.6 and install it over-top of their current version to receive the updates for free.

New features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0.5:

• Improved the Estimation of AP Locations
  
  You can now view the estimated locations of access points
  using the reporting tool as well as within Google Earth
  reports. Also, a new, slightly improved algorithm is now
  used to estimated the locations.
  (Added in v2.0.6)
  
  
• Text in Google Earth Balloons is Now More Readable
  
  Recent versions of Google Earth introduced a bug that
  was causing black text to be displayed on a dark blue
  background in some Google Earth balloons displayed when
  clicking on grid points or estimated access point
  locations.
  (Fixed in v2.0.6)
  

For a full list of new features in version 2.0, see this posting.

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Version 2.0 license holders can download the trial version for v2.0.5 and install it over-top of their current version to receive the updates for free.

Features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0:

• Added Mouse Shortcuts for Data Collection
  
  You can now double-click your mouse to start
  collecting data when using Continuous mode or the
  navigation unit. Just double-click to start
  collecting instead of pressing the Start button.
  Also, you can press the Escape key on the keyboard to
  stop collecting data.
  (Added in v2.0.5)
  
  
• Data Point Dots Are Now Drawn on Survey Trails
  
  Survey trail lines now include dots wherever a data
  point exists. This makes it easier to hover over a
  data point to see details about each point.
  (Added in v2.0.4)
  
  
• WEP/WPA/WPA2 Not Set After Creating GE Report
  
  Fixed an issue where the access point security
  was set to blank in reports after creating a report
  using Google Earth.
  (Fixed in v2.0.4)
  
  
• Fixed Selection of Round Trip Time Target
  
  If multiple, active network interfaces were present
  on a laptop, the wrong Round Trip Time destination
  server could have been selected.
  (Fixed in v2.0.4)
  
  
  
• Report on WEP, WPA, and WPA2
  
  VisiWave now reports whether an access point
  supports WEP, WPA, or WPA2 security.
  (Added in v2.0.3)
  
  
• Added Next and Previous Links to Data Point Tooltips
  
  The information balloons that appear when clicking
  on a data point in the data collection application
  now have links that allow you to view the next or
  previous data point.
  (Added in v2.0.3)
  
  
• Wi-Spy DBx Support Added
  
  VisiWave has added support for the recently released
  Wi-Spy DBx spectrum analyzer. This dual-band device
  supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency ranges. Now
  you can analyze RF interference locations for the
  802.11a/n spectrum just like the 802.11b/g spectrum
  that VisiWave has long supported.
  (Added in v2.0.2)
  
  
• Relocate Survey Map Issue
  
  If you relocated the survey map but didn't press the
  stop button before closing VisiWave, the program was
  crashing. This now works as expected.
  (Fixed in v2.0.2)
  
  
• GPS Using Serial Ports Fix
  
  Using a GPS attached via a serial comm port would
  sometimes stop collecting data after a short period of
  time. This depended on how the satellite signal
  quality changed.
  (Fixed in v2.0.1)
  

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Version 2.0 license holders can download the trial version for v2.0.4 and install it over-top of their current version to receive the updates for free.

Features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0:

• Data Point Dots Are Now Drawn on Survey Trails
  
  Survey trail lines now include dots wherever a data
  point exists. This makes it easier to hover over a
  data point to see details about each point.
  (Added in v2.0.4)
  
  
• WEP/WPA/WPA2 Not Set After Creating GE Report
  
  Fixed an issue where the access point security
  was set to blank in reports after creating a report
  using Google Earth.
  (Fixed in v2.0.4)
  
  
• Fixed Selection of Round Trip Time Target
  
  If multiple, active network interfaces were present
  on a laptop, the wrong Round Trip Time destination
  server could have been selected.
  (Fixed in v2.0.4)
  
  
  
• Report on WEP, WPA, and WPA2
  
  VisiWave now reports whether an access point
  supports WEP, WPA, or WPA2 security.
  (Added in v2.0.3)
  
  
• Added Next and Previous Links to Data Point Tooltips
  
  The information balloons that appear when clicking
  on a data point in the data collection application
  now have links that allow you to view the next or
  previous data point.
  (Added in v2.0.3)
  
  
• Wi-Spy DBx Support Added
  
  VisiWave has added support for the recently released
  Wi-Spy DBx spectrum analyzer. This dual-band device
  supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency ranges. Now
  you can analyze RF interference locations for the
  802.11a/n spectrum just like the 802.11b/g spectrum
  that VisiWave has long supported.
  (Added in v2.0.2)
  
  
• Relocate Survey Map Issue
  
  If you relocated the survey map but didn't press the
  stop button before closing VisiWave, the program was
  crashing. This now works as expected.
  (Fixed in v2.0.2)
  
  
• GPS Using Serial Ports Fix
  
  Using a GPS attached via a serial comm port would
  sometimes stop collecting data after a short period of
  time. This depended on how the satellite signal
  quality changed.
  (Fixed in v2.0.1)
  

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available.

Features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0:

• Report on WEP, WPA, and WPA2
  
  VisiWave now reports whether an access point
  supports WEP, WPA, or WPA2 security.
  (Added in v2.0.3)
  
  
• Added Next and Previous Links to Data Point Tooltips
  
  The information balloons that appear when clicking
  on a data point in the data collection application
  now have links that allow you to view the next or
  previous data point.
  (Added in v2.0.3)
  
  
• Wi-Spy DBx Support Added
  
  VisiWave has added support for the recently released
  Wi-Spy DBx spectrum analyzer. This dual-band device
  supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency ranges. Now
  you can analyze RF interference locations for the
  802.11a/n spectrum just like the 802.11b/g spectrum
  that VisiWave has long supported.
  (Added in v2.0.2)
  
  
• Relocate Survey Map Issue
  
  If you relocated the survey map but didn't press the
  stop button before closing VisiWave, the program was
  crashing. This now works as expected.
  (Fixed in v2.0.2)
  
  
• GPS Using Serial Ports Fix
  
  Using a GPS attached via a serial comm port would
  sometimes stop collecting data after a short period of
  time. This depended on how the satellite signal
  quality changed.
  (Fixed in v2.0.1)
  
  

A new maintenance release of VisiWave Site Survey is now available. It's called a maintenance release, but it's main purpose is to add a new feature: support for the Wi-Spy DBx device. The Wi-Spy DBx is essentially the same as the existing Wi-Spy devices, but it adds support for the 5GHz 802.11a frequency band.

Using the DBx device, VisiWave can now create graphs and reports on the 5GHz band as well. Use VisiWave to simultaneously collect 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrum information.

Features and bug fixes since the release of v2.0:

• Wi-Spy DBx Support Added
  
  VisiWave has added support for the recently released
  Wi-Spy DBx spectrum analyzer. This dual-band device
  supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency ranges. Now
  you can analyze RF interference locations for the
  802.11a/n spectrum just like the 802.11b/g spectrum
  that VisiWave has long supported.
  (Added in v2.0.2)
  
  
• Relocate Survey Map Issue
  
  If you relocated the survey map but didn't press the
  stop button before closing VisiWave, the program was
  crashing. This now works as expected.
  (Fixed in v2.0.2)
  
  
• GPS Using Serial Ports Fix
  
  Using a GPS attached via a serial comm port would
  sometimes stop collecting data after a short period of
  time. This depended on how the satellite signal
  quality changed.
  (Fixed in v2.0.1)
  
  

We do not provide simulated or predictive RF modeling. We strongly believe that you need to actually measure radio waves in the field to get a realistic picture of your wireless coverage. We recommend using a temporary access point during a pre-deployment site survey. VisiWave makes this quick and easy.

To begin, place a temporary AP (it doesn't have to be connected to the network, just powered up), collect survey samples, and save the results in a survey file. Then move the temporary AP, collect more samples, and save the results in a different survey file. Repeat this process until the entire area is covered. When creating a report, you can then merge the survey files together into one large survey file using the Merge Survey Files menu item found in the Reporting application. By selecting the "Force APs to be unique" option, your one temporary AP will look like many individual APs when you create coverage graphs. VisiWave treats each AP location as a unique AP in the reporting results. Look up "Merge Survey Files" in the supplied User Guide for more information.

Using this method, you can view each AP's coverage and get an overall view of your wireless network. Also, taking actual measurements allows you to view any overlapping coverage provided by external access points. This will show you what areas contend with neighboring access points and what channels those APs are using.

After a very long time coming, version 2.0 of VisiWave Site Survey was finally released today. We had a successful beta program running for the last month and are very happy with the end results. Hopefully you will be too. See below for a list of new features in this release.

If you purchased a license to VisiWave after July 1, 2008, you will automatically receive a free upgrade. We will email you new registration codes shortly. If you don't receive these codes, just email us for more information.

All other current customers can upgrade to version 2.0 for a small fee. Just click on the Purchase link on our website and scroll down to the bottom. Add the "Update to Version 2.0" to your cart and proceed with your checkout. Once your existing license has been verified, you will receive new registration codes.

Those that installed the beta of version 2.0 will need to act before Sept 30 by either upgrading or re-installing your licensed version.

If you aren't sure if you want to upgrade, go ahead and install the trial version of 2.0 over-top of your current release. If you like it, then upgrade. If you wish to stick with your current version, then just re-install that version over-top of version 2.0 and continue to use it.

NEW IN THIS RELEASE

o Record Noise Levels & SNR with Wi-Spy

VisiWave now uses a Wi-Spy device--if present--to get the background noise every time a Wi-Fi data point is collected. VisiWave then uses the noise level to create real Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and noise level graphs. Just make sure your Wi-Spy is plugged in while collecting Wi-Fi data. VisiWave will then automatically record noise levels as well as signal strengths for each collected data point.

o View Detailed Data on Each Collected Data Point

Full information about every data point collected can now be immediately viewed from within the data collection application. You can view all the access points seen at each location, their signal strengths, MAC addresses, SSIDs, etc. Plus you can view all the interference data collected using the Wi-Spy spectrum analyzer.

o Visualize Coverage using Google Earth Viewer

Creating reports in Google Earth is now an official feature of the product (previously, it was only available as a beta feature). During the beta period, customers have proven how truly useful and solid this feature is for fully understanding their wireless coverage. NOTE: The current beta version (4.3.7284) of the free Google Earth viewer has a bug that prevents the information balloons from displaying in the right location. To work around this until Google fixes it, turn off the Terrain view under the Layers section on the left panel.

o Set Scale Interactively

VisiWave needs to know the scale of the image you use as your survey map. For example, a pixel on the map might equal two feet. This can now be done set or updated using an interface provided by VisiWave. You can click on the map in two places and tell the software the distance and it will calculate the scale for you.

o Garmin USB GPS Device Support

In addition to serial GPS devices, VisiWave now natively supports Garmin GPS devices that connect to your laptop using USB.

o Estimate Access Point Locations Based on Coverage

A Google Earth report can now show you on the map where every access point is located. The locations are estimates based on the signal data collected.

o Automatic Checks for Updated Versions

VisiWave now checks for a new release of itself and installs the new release if requested. You can have it check daily, weekly, monthly, or only when you ask it to check.

o GPS Location and Status Displayed on Status Bar

If you have set the GPS location for your survey map, then the current latitude and longitude is now shown on the status bar while collecting data. Also, the status of the GPS device is displayed while collecting data using the GPS device.