Anyone who uses WiFi knows about the struggles of dropped connections, slow loading times, and security threats. As wireless networks gain popularity, the need to monitor them is also becoming more apparent. Fortunately, multiple options for a WiFi monitor app exist for this exact reason.
However, only some of these apps are worth the investment. Some have fewer features than others, and if you’re not careful, you might end up with the wrong one. There’s also the problem of technicality. Some of these apps require extensive technical knowledge. These aspects make it harder to decide.
If you’re facing the same dilemma, you’re in the right place. Explore these apps, discover how to choose one, and know which metrics to monitor!
A Basic Introduction to WiFi Monitoring Apps
Before we discuss anything else, let’s familiarize ourselves with the concept of WiFi monitoring apps. What are these apps, and why are they important in everyday life?
In simple words, a WiFi monitoring app is a tool that provides information about wireless networks. These apps leverage your device’s network adapter to analyze the performance.
The information you get doesn’t stop at the name and availability of the guest WiFi network. You can learn about the speed, signal coverage, frequency, and even the apps using your network.
Some apps even identify and troubleshoot network issues. This is a feature you shouldn’t ignore if you use your WiFi network for sensitive tasks. Using this information, you can optimize your WiFi settings and ensure people aren’t gaining unfair advantage.
Who Can Benefit From an App that Monitors WiFi?
While businesses have more uses for a WiFi monitoring app, homeowners shouldn’t ignore it either. After all, multiple devices share WiFi signals in both of these cases.
If one device uses it for more extensive tasks, others might face problems. A WiFi monitoring app helps you identify and troubleshoot these problems, which boosts your network’s performance.
Parents also want to keep their children away from harm. By monitoring their WiFi network, they can see what their kids are doing and even block access to unwanted content.
Then, there’s the case of people who are generous enough to share their WiFi password with their neighbors. With so many people using a single network, they’ll need to optimize their settings to avoid any struggles. But to do that, they need insights like wireless coverage, speed, etc.
On the other hand, these apps facilitate network management for enterprises. One aspect is the same as homes — optimizing settings and knowing how guests and employees use the network.
However, this isn’t to violate anyone’s privacy. In fact, these businesses rarely look at guests’ activities. They only store things for the future.
For example, if a guest accesses illegal websites from their network, they might face consequences. They’ll need their network history to trace the activity back to the guest so they don’t face the blame.
Additionally, businesses use these apps to learn more about their customers. This helps them personalize their smart WiFi marketing efforts and launch better campaigns.
Choosing a WiFi Monitor App That Fits Your Needs
As mentioned earlier, choosing a WiFi monitor app isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Since different apps cater to different needs, you must set solid criteria before judging the available apps. So, now that you have a basic introduction to these apps, let’s see how you can choose one.
First and foremost, the app should be within your budget. You’ll have to set one before starting this process. If you don’t want to make huge investments, you can start with the free versions and work your way up.
Secondly, you’ll need to assess your needs. What do you need the monitoring app for? It could be gaining a few insights into your home network.
Or you might want to enhance your customers’ WiFi experience if you run a business. Having clear needs will allow you to judge the features better during your research.
Once you’ve done that, start looking at different options. The first thing you’d want to do is judge them for their features. Your chosen app should have all the features you need.
Moreover, the app should be simple. You shouldn’t have to spend hours keeping track of everything. Instead, it should work for you. There should also be multiple ways of displaying the data.
Another thing you need to look for is customer support. Since this is a technical discussion, you must have ways to troubleshoot any problems. It would also help if the app had extensive resources.
If you want to take things a step further, you can look for customization options. But remember, more features require larger investments. So, proceed carefully.
Even though this discussion concerns WiFi monitoring apps, it’s vital to discuss metrics. How else will you know what to check once you have the app?
Remember, some metrics weigh more than others. They give you better insights into your network. Still, the metrics you monitor will depend on your needs. Going for an extensive app is never a good idea when you don’t even need the insights it delivers.
With that said, here are the five most popular metrics that help enhance your network’s performance.
1. Websites Visited
You’re wasting your network monitoring app’s potential if you’re not using it to track visited websites. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you must know what’s happening. Here’s why.
This metric allows you to take control of your network. You can easily block unwanted content and save yourself from security threats.
For example, many educational institutions block streaming apps so they don’t distract them.
On the other hand, this metric can help local businesses gain customer insights. By knowing what websites customers visit while in their venue, they can judge their behaviors and preferences. Their sales grow tenfold when they use this information to fuel their marketing efforts.
2. Network Error Rate
This next metric might seem a bit technical, but it’s worth keeping an eye on for optimal network performance. As the name suggests, the network error rate measures how often data corrupts while using the network.
If this happens too often, your network might lag in other areas. Sometimes, you might even have to call an expert to troubleshoot the problems.
However, you might need an app with advanced features like cross-stack network data correlation and mobile device management.
3. Latency and Bandwidth
A WiFi network’s speed depends on several factors besides the router’s location. Two of these are latency and bandwidth. If you don’t want your network speed to suffer, you must monitor these. But what are these two metrics?
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from one point on a network to another. Having a lower latency is favorable, especially if you use your network for things like video streaming and conferencing.
Alternatively, bandwidth is the amount of data you can transfer over a network connection during a specific time. Contrary to latency, you want this number to be high so you can enjoy faster speeds.
4. WiFi Speed
It doesn’t make sense to talk about network metrics without mentioning speed. After all, that’s the most important thing for most people.
A fast network translates to better responsiveness and efficiency. You can easily test your network’s speed by using speed tests. You can use dedicated apps for this purpose if you only want to monitor this metric and skip the rest.
Moreover, it’s one of the easiest metrics to improve. Simply changing your position or moving closer to the router can help immensely.
5. User Quality of Experience (QoE)
Businesses provide free guest WiFi in hopes of attracting more customers and increasing their sales. But what’s the use of setting up a network if it lacks in performance? Even if you manage to get customers inside, they’ll leave as soon as they realize the state of your WiFi.
For this reason, it’s crucial to measure user quality of experience (QoE), which is simply the measure of user satisfaction. However, for this metric, you must combine a WiFi monitoring app with customer feedback collection tools.
What’s the Best App to Monitor Websites Visited on My WiFi?
When discussing WiFi monitoring, people often ask, “What’s the best app to monitor websites visited on my WiFi?” If you’re wondering the same thing, the answer is OpenDNS.
Other tools that do the same thing often require technical expertise to set up and use. OpenDNS, on the other hand, has no such requisites. That’s what makes it the absolute best choice for monitoring the websites visited on a WiFi network.
You can also block particular websites. This feature can come in handy if your government has banned certain websites and you want to enhance network safety.
However, it won’t let you track real-time data or the particular computer that accessed the website.
Therefore, if someone outside of your house visits an unwanted website, you might not even know they have access. But for some, the pros weigh more than the cons, which makes it such a popular app.
3 of the Best Choices for an Android WiFi Monitor App
Contrary to popular belief, Android devices are more popular than iPhones globally. If you belong to the former group, you might be looking for an Android WiFi monitor app. Fortunately, multiple options exist in the market. However, use the information above to make a choice.
With that said, here are the three best choices for Android users:
- WiFi Analyzer by VREM software: Specifically for Android, this app comes with multiple advanced features. Some notable ones include filtering based on multiple factors, change in strength over time, and availability of access points. It shows you the data in a graphical format so you can easily view and understand things. However, it doesn’t let you conduct a speed test.
- Fing-Network Tools: Everyone wants to know which devices are accessing their network. Fing-Network Tools is just the app for that. It reveals all relevant information about the connected devices. Moreover, you can run tests for speed and latency, making it possible to manage your network more effectively.
- WiFi Monitor: Such a name calls for capable monitoring features, but fortunately, this app stays true to its name. It’s perfect for people with basic needs who don’t want to make huge investments. You can easily locate the features since there are distinct tabs for each one. It even compares multiple networks in your vicinity so you can choose the best one.
Is There a WiFi Monitor App for iOS and Windows?
Yes, there are various WiFi monitoring apps for iOS and Windows. Out of those, you might find some free options as well.
But remember, these versions usually don’t have the same features as the paid ones. Being free means nothing if they can’t fulfill your needs.
That said, let’s talk about the best options in the market.
Starting with iOS, your best bet is Network Analyzer Pro. It’s also available for Android, so that’s a plus if you have both mobile devices.
Being one of the highest-rated apps, it offers many advanced features like signal strengths, scanning custom IP addresses, etc. It even diagnoses issues so you can correct them and make the most of your WiFi.
For Windows users, Ogler’s WiFi Analyzer is a great choice. This WiFi monitor app can cater to various needs since it has free and paid versions.
It gives you insights into your own WiFi network and scans nearby ones.
These real-time insights let you make the best decision for your network, whether it’s removing harmful devices or changing location.
Frequently Asked Questions About WiFi Monitoring Apps
Since most secure WiFi monitoring apps require investment, proceeding with every bit of information is better. So, here are some frequently asked questions you might want to look at.
How can I monitor apps using WiFi real time Android?
You can monitor apps using WiFi in real-time on Android with GlassWire. It helps you take control by showing you which apps might be making your Internet connection slow.
According to reviews, Glasswire is one of the easiest apps to use and understand. However, some people complain about its pricing relative to the features it provides.
Can you monitor apps on WiFi?
Yes, you can monitor apps on WiFi. Almost all WiFi networks save your DNS (Domain Name System) requests. This way, network owners can see all the apps and websites users have visited. What they can’t see is what the user is doing on those apps and websites.
However, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is another story. When you use a VPN, the WiFi’s owner can’t see your browsing history even if you access less secure websites.
Is there a free WiFi monitoring app?
Yes, there is a free WiFi monitoring app called ManageEngine. It lets you check WiFi availability, signal strengths, and more. However, like every free app, it might have limitations.
Users complain that it needs more updates. Also, the app sometimes crashes randomly, which you have to fix without reliable documentation to rely on.
Make the Most of Your WiFi Network by Tracking Its Usage
A WiFi monitor app should be a part of everyone’s life whether they share their network or not. This is especially true for businesses since customer satisfaction depends on their WiFi network’s performance. Besides, they can gain actionable data by monitoring their WiFi usage.
Using Beambox, you can connect, capture, and keep more customers with our all-in-one WiFi marketing platform. For example, you can:
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