Re: still puzzled by Netstumbler results

>> What seems to determine whether there are gaps in the Netstumbler
>> graphs is whether or not I am broadcasting my SSID. I get the gaps
>> when I turn SSID broadcast off and they disappear almost entirely when
>> I turn SSID broadcast on. It looks like Netstumbler has trouble
>> recognizing the return signal from its probes when SSID is off. Or
>> maybe it has something to do with my setup. Has anyone else seen this
>> happening? Is this normal behavior for Netstumbler?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bruce
>
>Yes, because :
>
>A) You didn't read the included documentation, if you had done so, you'd
>seen that NetStumbler doesn't detect AP's with disabled SSID broadcast.

The documentation that came with the version I'm using doesn't seem to
say this. From the mini-faq:

Q2. Why doesn't NetStumbler see the access point right next to my
machine?
A2A. The access point is configured not to respond to broadcast
probes. Most manufacturers call this "disable broadcast SSID" or
"closed". NetStumbler cannot see these networks unless you know the
SSID and have your machine configured to connect to it.
A2B. Your wireless card is configured to connect to a specific SSID.
Try setting it to connect to a blank SSID or to "ANY" (without
quotes).

I knew the SSID and had my machine configured to connect to it.
Netstumbler seems to see my access point ok.

>B) You didn't read the included documentation,if you had done so, you'd
>seen that NetStumbler isn't designed to be used while connected to an AP.

I don't get what you mean here.

>C) You didn't read the included documentation, if you had done so, You'd
>know that correct signal and noise readings are only available with cards
>based on the HermesI chipset, i.e. Lucent/Agere/Proxim ORiNOCO Classic
>cards, and rebadges thereof.

>From the Help file:
The requirements for NetStumbler are somewhat complex and depend on
hardware, firmware versions, driver versions and operating system. The
best way to see if it works on your system is to try it.

List of some compatible hardware:
http://www.stumbler.net/compat/

The client dongle I'm using has a Zydas chip in it. I saw a reference
to Zydas in the list above so I think it meets the requirements.

The odd thing about my problem is not that Netstumbler doesn't work.
Rather, it's that it partially works when I have SSID broadcast turned
off. I suppose the thing to do is turn off SSID broadcast during
tests, but I was hoping for some insight on why Netstumbler almost
works with SSID broadcast off.
.

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