WO2005031988A2

WO2005031988A2 - Hand-held wireless network analyzer

Info

Publication number: WO2005031988A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/031306
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Turner; John Cavacuiti; David G. Pike; Richard James Elgie
Original assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-09-23
Filing date: 2004-09-23
Publication date: 2005-04-07
Also published as: WO2005031988A3

Abstract

A hand-held device in accordance with the present invention detects the presence of all Wireless Network nodes, both access points (hosts) and user computers (clients) that are active in the region of the device. The hand-held device is able to distinguish IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, and Bluetooth devices from other types of devices operating at or near 2.4 GHz, including but not limited to, cellular telephones, cordless land-line telephones, other non-networking devices (microwave ovens, electrical equipment, etc.).

Description

HAND-HELD WIRELESS NETWORK ANALYZER CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/505,529 filed September 23, 2003 entitled "HAND-HELD WIRELESS NETWORK ANALYZER", and is a continuation in part of co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 10/855,860, filed May 26, 2004 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTION POINT LOCATOR" (attorney docket 14572P- 069710US), which claims priority from Application No. 60/478,006, filed June 11, 2003, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE WIRELESS NETWORK

LOCATION SYSTEM" (Attorney Docket No. 14572P-069700US), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference, as if set forth in full in this document, for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention pertains to systems and methods for locating a network connection point and, more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting the useable presence of a wireless network connection point.

2. Description of the Prior Art [0002] Portable computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other portable electronic devices are extremely popular in today's modern society. It is extremely important for many people, both professionally and personally, to be able to retrieve, in real time, various types of information. It is often especially important to such people to retrieve various types of messages.

[0003] Accordingly, many of these people rely on their portable electronic devices for accessing networks so that they may retrieve information and messages conveniently. Unfortunately, it is currently a time consuming task to power up and log on to a portable computer or electronic device only to find that a wireless network connection point is not available, thus wasting the person's time and power. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention generally relates to locating network access points. In one embodiment, a stand-alone portable device for determining the presence of a wireless network is provided. The device comprises: a radio frequency detector including a signal processor configured to evaluate one or more detected signals from one or more nodes based upon one or more wireless network characteristics; and a display configured to display information from the one or more nodes based on the one or more detected signals.

[0005] In another embodiment, a portable device for determining the presence of a wireless network is provided. The device comprises: a radio frequency detector including a signal processor configured to evaluate one or more detected signals from one or more nodes based upon one or more wireless network characteristics, wherein a first node in the one or more nodes comprises a first network type and a second node in the one or more nodes comprises a second network type; a network type determiner configured to determine the first network type and the second network type of the first node and the second node; a selector configured to determine if the first network type and/or the second network type are a desired network type; and a display configured to display information from the first node and/or the second node based on if the selector determined if the first network type and/or the second network type are the desired network type.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method of determining a presence of a wireless access point using a stand alone portable device is provided. The method comprises: searching for a wireless signal; upon detecting the wireless signal, evaluating the detected wireless signal based upon its wireless characteristics; and displaying, on a display, information for a node associated with the wireless signal if the evaluation indicates the presence of a wireless access point.

[0007] A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of the inventions disclosed herein may be realized by reference of the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a network locator in accordance with the present invention. [0009] Fig. 2 is a block diagram for an example of a pulse detector for use with a network locator in accordance with the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 3 depicts another embodiment of network locator according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 4 depicts a system for detecting a wireless signal from one or more nodes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0012] The present invention provides a wireless network connection point locator that is a hand-held indicator of the usable presence of a wireless network connection point. The device allows a user to recognize that a connection point is available before embarking on the time consuming and power- wasting task of powering up and logging on to a portable computer or other type of portable electronic device that is capable of communicating with a wireless network. A signal strength indicator is preferably included with the locator and allows the user to select an optimal location for the wireless network connection and a separate indicator preferably identifies that the device is scanning and no connection point is available.

[0013] Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for determining the useable presence of a wireless network connection point based upon various message envelope characteristics. Examples of such characteristics include message length, repetition rate and response timing. These types of characteristics are used to differentiate various types of network connections from other signals within a given radio frequency band. The output of a locator 100 indicates useful signal characteristics such as signal strength, type of network, etc.

[0014] Thus, in one embodiment, a portable device for determining the useable presence of a wireless network connection point includes a radio frequency detector that has a signal processor for evaluating a detected signal based upon wireless network characteristics. The device further includes an indicator that indicates at least the presence of a detected signal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the device further includes a signal strength indicator. In another embodiment, the indicator indicates that the device is searching for useable presence of a wireless network connection point. Also in one embodiment, a method of determining the useable presence of a wireless network connection point includes searching for a signal. Upon detecting a signal, the detected signal is evaluated based upon wireless network characteristics. Based on these characteristics, the signal is identified as IEEE 802.1 lb, IEEE 802.1 lg, Bluetooth, GSM cellular telephone, PCS cellular telephone, cordless land-line telephone, or various other Radio Frequency standards. The presence and/or type of the detected signal is indicated.

[0016] In one embodiment, a floating threshold may be used to discern the signal from ambient RF noise. By detecting the strength of coherent signals with respect to ambient RF noise, the threshold of detection is equivalent to that of a WNIC PC Card. [0017] In another embodiment, a method also includes indicating the strength of the detected signal. By use of a logarithmic detector, the signal strength range is equivalent to the signal strength readings of typical WNIC PC Cards, and the signal strength indication is calibrated to the signal strength readings of typical WNIC PC Cards. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the method also includes indicating that no signal is detected if no relevant or coherent signal is detected above the ambient RF noise level.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the device is fully portable and self-contained. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the device optimizes energy use so that it may operate in excess of one year in ordinary use.

[0019] In another embodiment, the direction of the wireless network Access Point may be determined by incorporation of a directional antenna or by comparing the timing and/or strength of signals from at least two antennae. A directional antenna or the timing of multiple readings, preferably from at least two antennas, is analyzed to determine the direction of the wireless network Access Point. The direction is preferably indicated by a visual, audible, or tactile indicator. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, direction of the wireless network Access Point may be indicated by additional indicator(s).

[0020] Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of an example of a network locator 100 in accordance with the present invention. The locator includes a body 101. On a surface of the body, a control button 102 is provided. At least one indicator 103 is provided. The indicator may be visual, audible, or tactile. In a preferred embodiment, there are three indicators 103, 104 and 105. The indicators may be used, for example, to indicate levels of signal reception, signal characteristics (e.g. type of network), power on/off and lack of a signal (or lack of a signal that meets a certain threshold). At least one antenna 106 is also provided. [0021] Broadly, a self-contained power source is provided that is small and lightweight for maximum portability, preferably, but not limited to "button cell" size (i.e. smaller than AA). Nonetheless, power-saving features allow the device to operate without replacing, recharging, or refreshing the power source for up to or exceeding one year in normal use. Techniques to minimize power consumption include strobed sampling;, automatic turn-off, and the "on" switch protected from accidental triggering.

[0022] Since the 2.4 GHz radio band is open and unregulated, a great many wireless technologies are present, including, for example, 802.11b, Bluetooth, microwave ovens, and cordless telephones. The design in accordance with the present invention uses various message characteristics, including, for example, message-length, repetition rate, number of repetitions, response timing, and frequency distribution to differentiate various types of network connections from all other signals in the band. For example, an 802.1 lb base station may be distinguished by a beacon pulse of between 200 and 1200 uSec. transmitted between 5 and 20 times per second. Bluetooth networks may be identified by envelope pulse (120 uSec) width as well as the correct repetition rate (1025 uSec) and a unique frequency spectrum due to the channel-hopping behavior.

[0023] A Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC) is a frequency tunable, direct sequence spread spectrum receiver. A device in accordance with the present invention preferably uses a wideband front end to allow all the energy in the band to drive network locator 100. Although this may cause some signal overload and interference issues, in this case it also makes network locator 100 frequency insensitive, i.e., no frequency tuning required, and eliminates the need to de-spread the signal.

[0024] A variable comparison point, or floating thresrxold is used to distinguish detected signals from the ambient RF noise levels. Signals above this threshold that match the wireless network envelope characteristics are preferably identified on a signal strength indicator. Using an adaptive scheme allows detection of the signal at field strengths approaching the sensitivity levels of WNIC cards.

[0025] The RF detector preferably provides an analog output that corresponds linearly to the logarithmic strength of the input signal. This allows a dynamic range comparable to WNIC cards, and the output of network locator 100 is used to indicate signal strength, which signal strength level indication is calibrated to thresholds that are meaningful with respect to relevant mobile electronic devices. [0026] Fig. 2 provides a schematic for an example of electronics for locator 100. An antenna 200 is provided that is communicatively coupled to a band filter 201, preferably an ISM band filter, to avoid saturation. An amplifier 202 is communicatively coupled to band filter 201 and a second band filter 203, which is also preferably an ISM band filter. A second amplifier 204 is communicatively coupled to band filter 203 and log amp detector 205. An operational amplifier arrangement 206 is coupled to the log amp detector for providing pulse comparison, noise level sampling and signal signaling. The operational amplifier arrangement is coupled to microprocessor 207.

[0027] A plurality of power switches 208 are also provided. The power switches preferably comprise PNP transistors that disable the amps and detector circuitry. A power source 209, preferably in the form of one or two lithium batteries, is provided. The battery(s) is preferably in the form of three- volt coin cell batteries. Indicators 210 are provided for illustrating things such as activity of the device, detection of various networks and possible lack of detection. Preferably these indicators are in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc. Audible and/or tactile indicators may also be used, either alone or in conjunction with the indicators. An activation switch 211 is preferably provided to activate locator 100. Preferably, locator 100 turns off automatically in order to conserve power after a predetermined amount of time. A Boundary Scan interface (JTAG-IEEE 1149.1) 212 is also preferably provided. Finally, a crystal oscillator 213 coupled to the microprocessor is also preferably included.

[0028] The antenna is preferably a printed dipole. The band filters are preferably SAW- filters having an I.L. of 2.5dB and are preferably 100 MHz wide, hi one embodiment, one of the filters may be removed. The amplifiers are preferably 4mA @ 3 V and have a 14dB gain and 2.5dB NF. The log amp-detector preferably has 45dB DR with -45dBm sensitivity and 5mA @ 2.7V with 30mV/dB. The pulse comparative preferably operates at 6dB peaks above the noise sample.

[0029] Fig. 3 depicts another embodiment of network locator 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown, network locator 100 includes a display screen 302. It should be understood that network locator 100 may include any of the features discussed above in addition to the features discussed below.

[0030] In one embodiment, network locator 100 is less than the size and shape of a very small cellular telephone (e.g., 1.5 inches by 2 inches). Network locator 100 may operate using a small, self-contained power source, such as two AA or AAA batteries. Accordingly, network locator 100 may operate using very little power consumption. The operating battery life for the AAA batteries may be several month to years. In one embodiment, network locator 100 is configured to use significantly less power than a traditional personal computer, such as a laptop computer or a cellular phone, etc., which have batteries that need to be recharged frequently. Network locator 100 may be a passive device that is not configured to access the wireless network and send data to the network. Thus, a user may not be using network locator 100 to interact with the network. Rather, the user is using network locator 100 to locate a network and can then use another device to connect to, access and interact with the network. Accordingly, because network locator is passive, network locator 100 may be small and inexpensively made compared to a device configured to access the network, such as a laptop computer.

[0031] Display screen 302 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) approximately 2-3 cm in width and length. The display may be monochrome or color. Additionally, push buttons 305 may be provided for navigating menus or other information displayed on display screen 302. I [0032] Network locator 100 includes an antenna configured to receive wireless signals. In one embodiment, the antenna is a high-gain antenna so that the range of network locator 100 is at least as great or greater than the most sensitive WNIC (wireless network interface card).

Electronically, the main circuitry may be similar to Transceiver and Baseband Processor portions of a WNIC card. These are connected directly to a microprocessor that is programmed to operate the WNIC circuitry. The processor also manages a user interface displayed on display 302 using pushbuttons 305.

[0033] Fig. 4 depicts a system 400 for detecting a wireless signal from one or more nodes 402 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Nodes 402 may be wireless network nodes configured to allow access to a wireless network. For example, nodes 402 may include any device emitting wireless signals, such as access points (hosts) and/or user computers (clients) that are active in the region of network locator 100. In addition, nodes 402 may be inactive or "hidden" nodes. Inactive or hidden nodes are nodes that are not actively broadcasting a signal, such as a signal with an SSJD. Accordingly, a beacon may not be transmitted by a node 402. In this case, network locator 100 may send a beacon signal to probe for an inactive or hidden node. The beacon woulddetect the inactive or hidden nodes. [0035] The wireless signals emitted from nodes 402 may be in the form of different network types. For example, nodes 402 may be communicating in IEEE 802.1 lb, 802.1 lg, Bluetooth, etc. Additionally, nodes 402 may be devices operating in wireless bands, such as at or near 2.4 GHz. For example, nodes 402 may include cellular telephones, cordless land- line telephones, and other non-networking devices (microwave ovens, electrical equipment, etc.).

[0036] Network locator 100 is configured to identify the different wireless signals received from nodes 402. Network locator 100 may distinguish between nodes 402 operating using different network types based on the wireless signals received. For example, network locator 100 is able to distinguish IEEE 8 2.11b, 802.11g, Bluetooth, and other specific wireless devices from other types of devices operating at or near 2.4 GHz, including but not limited to, cellular telephones, cordless land-line telephones, and other non-networking devices (microwave ovens, electrical equipment, etc.).

[0037] A user can request that network locator 100 scan for wireless signals/wireless networks. Network locator 100 is then configured to scan for wireless signals and determine any nodes 402 emitting the wireless signals.

[0038] Not all nodes 402 may be for a desired network type. For example, a user may want to identify all nodes 402 operating with a network protocol of 802.1 lb or 802.1 lg. Accordingly, network locator 402 is configured to identify nodes 402 operating using the desired network type. For example, network locator 100 may operate as an 802.11 receiver such that it can with certainty differentiate target protocols (e.g., 802.1 lb and/or 802.1 lg) from cell phones, microwaves, etc. For example, a service provider may want a network locator 100 for access points to ttieir network only. A private corporate network could use a variant to identify its own access points or other peer users. Identifying information, such as network characteristics, for these nodes 402 may then be displayed on display 302.

[0039] Network locator 100 is configured to identify the characteristics of desired nodes 402. The characteristics identified include but are not limited to: • node name (SSID), • MAC (Media Access Control) Address • network type (infrastructure, ad-hoc, etc.) • node type (e.g., host or client), • number of clients connected to each host • network protocol (e.g., 802.1 lb or 802.1 lg), • signal strength, • connection operating speed (bits per second), • supported operating speeds (bits per second), • whether the node is available to any computer (open), or for the use of only authorized computers (private) • list of security provisions or mechanisms that are activated, • current traffic level, i.e. the actual amount of data currently being transferred to or from that node (bits) • noise level • number of packets in error (i.e. do not match checksum and are retransmitted) • the transmission channel currently in use • the length of the current packet (seconds) and repetition rate where applicable

Any, or all of the above characteristics may be displayed on display 302.

[0040] In one embodiment, when the user requests a scan, the processor of network locator 100 configures a WNIC circuit to scan all channels sequentially and capture the header (ID) information for every host and client within radio range. If necessary, network locator 100 can also transmit a command requesting that nodes 402 identify themselves. The full data for each node 402 can be displayed on display 302 using a menu/paging technique similar to that of cellular telephones or other portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, by using the components of a Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC), preferably, network locator 100 guarantees identification of the name and characteristics of each desired node 402 by actually communicating with them. Thus, a user can be reasonably assured that a computer using a WNIC may be able to communicate with each node 402 if network locator 100 can communicate with them.

[0041] There may be many nodes 402 operating within radio distance of network locator 100. The antenna of network locator 100 may be configured to receive wireless signals based on direction. For example, a directional antenna may be provided, where the signal strength is maximum when the device is pointing at a node 402. In this case, the user sweeps the area with network locator 100. A signal strength indicator, which may be displayed on display 302 or by other methods (LEDs), may change as the strength of wireless signals change. A user can stop at the direction giving maximum signal strength. [0042] If network locator 100 includes two or more antennas, the direction of a node 402 may be inferred from timing/phase and/or amplitude differences in the signals received in the different antennas. In this case, a readout on display 302 may point to the node 402. Additionally, network locator 100 may determine a distance to node 402 using the one or more antennas.

[0043] An alternative embodiment of network locator 100 includes a Media Access Controller circuit and PCMCIA housing and connector. This embodiment functions as a standalone analyzer as described above, but also as a WNIC card that the user may plug into a computer. Accordingly, a user may use network locator 100 as a WNIC card in a computer to connect to a node 402.

[0044] Another alternative embodiment is for network locator 100 in accordance with the present invention to accept a user's WNIC card instead of using its own antenna, transceiver, and baseband processor. In this embodiment, the microprocessor of network locator 100 operates the WNIC card through its PCMCIA or similar computer interface. The WNIC card may then be used to search for wireless signals from nodes 402.

[0045] Network locator 100 may be configured to detect wireless signals other than 802.1 lb and 802.1 lg as mentioned above. A user may also configure network locator 100 to detect other signals from nodes 402 and identify those nodes 402 as desired nodes. For example, nodes 402 emitting the following wireless signals may be detected: 802.11a Bluetooth ZigBee Ultra Wide Band (UWB) CDMA PDMA wireless cameras new wireless networks in the future cellular telephones of various types - Analog, PCS, GSM, etc. cordless telephone handsets at various frequencies - 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, etc. [0046] A method of using network locator 100 will now be described. A user may be traveling with a laptop computer or other device, such as a personal digital assistant, etc. The user may not be sure of where to connect to a wireless access node. Conventionally, the user would have to power up the computer and detect whether a wireless access node could be accessed. If a node 402 is not available, the user could power down the computer and move to another point or leave the computer on and move to another point to test for a wireless access point. If the user powers down the computer, the process of powering up the computer would have to be performed again in another spot. This may be very tedious and time consuming. If the user elects to keep the computer on, the power of the computer may not last long because the battery life of a laptop is typically only a few hours. Accordingly, there are many disadvantages to using a device that a user will use to access a wireless network to determine if a wireless network is available.

[0047] However, using network locator 100, which is a stand alone network access node locator, the user may separately locate a wireless network. A button may be selected that causes network locator 100 to search for wireless access nodes 402. When a desired signal is received from a node 402, information for that node 402 may be displayed on display 302. If the information indicates that the user can connect to a wireless network for the node 402,. the user can power up the computer and access the network.

[0048] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide many advantages. Network locator 100 is a stand-alone device that is small and configured to detect access points for wireless networks. The device is inexpensive and easy to use to search for access points. In one embodiment, network locator 100 is different from a device configured to actually access and send data to the wireless network. For example, in one embodiment, network locator 100 is a passive device and does not connect to the network. Rather, network locator 100 just determines if an access point in a wireless network is available. Accordingly, because circuitry to access the network may not be included in network locator 100, it may be small and inexpensively made.

[0049] Thus, instead of powering up a device, such as a computer, each time access is desired, a user may use network locator 100 to determine if a wireless network is available. The use of network locator 100 is more convenient and faster than powering up a computer in most cases. Also, using display 100, characteristics for wireless networks may be displayed and easily read. A user may then know exactly which networks are available.

[0050] The present invention can be implemented in the form of control logic in software or hardware or a combination of both. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the present invention.

[0051] The above description is illustrative but not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claims along with their full scope or equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A stand alone portable device for determining the presence of a wireless network, the device comprising: a radio frequency detector including a signal processor configured to evaluate one or more detected signals from one or more nodes based upon one or more wireless network characteristics; and a display configured to display information from the one, or more nodes based on the one or more detected signals.

2. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising a collector configured to collect the information from the one or more nodes, the information identifying each of the one or more nodes.

3. The portable device of claim 2, wherein the information identifying each of the one or more nodes comprises wireless characteristics of each of the one or more nodes.

4. The portable device of claim 1 , wherein the information comprises an element selected from a group consisting of a node name (SSID), MAC (Media Access Control) Address, a network type, a node type, a number of clients connected to a host, a network protocol, a signal strength, a connection operating speed, supported operating speeds (bits per second), information on whether a node is public or private, a list of security provisions or mechanisms that are activated, a current traffic level, a noise level, a number of packets in error, a transmission channel currently in use and a length of a current packet and repetition rate.

5. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the one or more nodes comprise a first node of a first wireless type and a second node of a second wireless type, wherein the radio frequency detector is configured to differentiate between the first node and the second node based on the first wireless type and the second wireless type.

6. The portable device of claim 5, further comprising a node selector configured to select the first node or second node based on the differentiation between the first node and second node, wherein the selected first node or second node is displayed on the display.

7. The portable device of claim 1, further comprising a directional antenna, wherein a signal strength increases as the directional antenna is pointed towards a node in the one or more nodes.

8. The portable device of claim 1 , further comprising two or more antennas, wherein a direction of a node is determined based on detected signals received at the two or more antennas.

9. The portable device of claim 8, wherein the direction is displayed on the display.

10. The portable device of claim 1 , further comprising two or more antennas, wherein a distance to a node is determined based on detected signals received at the two or more antennas.

11. The portable device of claim 10 , wherein the distance is displayed on the display.

12. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency detector comprises a media access controller circuit.

13. The portable device of claim 1 , wherein the portable device is configured to be used as a WNIC.

14. The portable device of claim 1 , further comprising a battery slot configured to receive a battery.

15. The portable device of claim 1 , wherein the display comprises a LCD.

16. The portable device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more network characteristics used for detection is the presence of a repeated signal.

17. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the one or more network characteristics used for detection is the presence of a repeated beacon message used to indicate a wireless access point.

18. The portable device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more network characteristics used for detection is the length of a repeated beacon message used to indicate a wireless access point.

19. The portable device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more network characteristics used for detection is the repetition rate of a repeated beacon message used to indicate a wireless access point.

20. A portable device for determining the presence of a wireless network, the device comprising: a radio frequency detector including a signal processor configured to evaluate one or more detected signals from one or more nodes based upon one or more wireless network characteristics, wherein a first node in the one or more nodes comprises a first network type and a second node in the one or more nodes comprises a second network type; a network type determiner configured to determine the first network type and the second network type of the first node and the second node; a selector configured to determine if the first network type and or the second network type are a desired network type; and a display configured to display information from the first node and/or the second node based on if the selector determined if the first network type and/or the second network type are the desired network type.

21. The portable device of claim 20, further comprising a collector configured to collect the information from the one or more nodes, the information identifying each of the one or more nodes.

22. The portable device of claim 21 , wherein the information identifying each of the one or more nodes comprises wireless characteristics of each of the one or more nodes.

23. The portable device of claim 20, wherein the information comprises an element selected from a group consisting of a node name (SSID), MAC (Media Access Control) Address, a network type, a node type, a number of clients connected to a host, a network protocol, a signal strength, a connection operating speed, supported operating speeds (bits per second), information on whether a node is public or private, a list of security provisions or mechanisms that are activated, a current traffic level, a noise level, a number of packets in error, a transmission channel currently in use and a length of a current packet and repetition rate.

24. The portable device of claim 20, further comprising two or more antennas, wherein a direction of a node is determined based on detected signals received at the two or more antennas.

25. The portable device of claim 24, wherein the direction is displayed on the display.

26. The portable device of claim 20, further comprising two or more antennas, wherein a distance to a node is determined based on detected signals received at the two or more antennas.

27. The portable device of claim 30, wherein the distance is displayed on the display.

28. The portable device of claim 20, wherein the radio frequency detector comprises a media access controller circuit.

29. The portable device of claim 20, wherein the portable device is configured to be used as a WNIC.

30. The portable device of claim 20, further comprising a battery slot configured to receive a battery.

31. A method of determining a presence of a wireless access point using a stand alone portable device, the method comprising: searching for a wireless signal; upon detecting the wireless signal, evaluating the detected wireless signal based upon its wireless characteristics; and displaying, on a display, information for a node associated with the wireless signal if the evaluation indicates the presence of a wireless access point.

32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising: detecting a plurality of wireless signals; determining a desired wireless signal in the plurality of wireless signals; and wherein displaying information for the node comprises displaying informationciated with the determined desired signal.

33. The method of claim 31, further comprising: determining a direction for the node; and displaying the direction on the display.

34. The method of claim 31 , further comprising: determining a distance to the node; and displaying the distance on the display.