Xirrus Releases Open Source Wi-Fi Monitor Tool for Linux

Free Desklet Extends Platform Support for Popular Wi-Fi Utility
LinuxWorld Conference & Expo

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xirrus, Inc., the only Wi-Fi "Power-Play" that can replace Ethernet workgroup switches with Wi-Fi as the primary network connection, announced today the release of its Wi-Fi Monitor utility as an open source desklet application for Linux. The free utility is already available on Windows Vista, Windows XP, and MacOS platforms and has become the most popular Wi-Fi application of its kind with over 500,000 downloads to date. Part of a class of mini-applications – variably known as gadgets, widgets, desklets, etc. – these programs run on the computer desktop and provide quick access to useful information and functions.

The Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor enables users to monitor, secure, and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks quickly and easily. Key features of the Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor for Linux include:

* At-a-glance radar-like view of available Wi-Fi networks and their relative distance
* Details on available Wi-Fi networks – SSID, signal strength, channel, security, etc.
* Current Wi-Fi connection signal strength with 5 minute history
* Display of Wi-Fi adapter IP and MAC addresses
* 9 different color skins

Applications for the Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor include:

* Searching for Wi-Fi networks
* Verifying Wi-Fi coverage
* Locating Wi-Fi devices
* Viewing and controlling laptop Wi-Fi settings
* Detecting rogue APs
* Aiming Wi-Fi antennas
* Education on Wi-Fi

The Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor for Linux was developed under the gDesklet framework (www.gdesklet.de) and will be made available under the GPL (General Public License). Developed in the Python language, users have access to the complete source code of the application for their own customization.

The Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor Desklet for Linux is being showcased this week at the LinuxWorld trade event in San Francisco, August 5-7, in Booth #502. All Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor tools can be downloaded from the Xirrus website at www.xirrus.com/library/wifitools.php.

About Xirrus

Xirrus, the leader in high performance Wi-Fi designs and manufactures the patented Wi-Fi Array. The Xirrus Wi-Fi Array obsoletes traditional Wi-Fi offerings by integrating 4, 8, or 16 radios and high-gain directional antennas into a single device along with an onboard Gigabit Switch, Wi-Fi Controller, Firewall, dedicated Wi-Fi Threat Sensor, and embedded Spectrum Analyzer, providing the performance and security to replace Ethernet workgroup switches with Wi-Fi technology. The Xirrus Wi-Fi Array delivers more range, more coverage, more bandwidth, more throughput, and more intelligence per cable drop than anything else available today – resulting in a solution that uses 75% fewer devices, cabling, switch ports, and installation time compared with any other offering. Xirrus Wi-Fi Arrays are ideal for any organization moving towards Wi-Fi as their primary network connection, especially those that must cover large areas, support large user populations, and/or use high bandwidth/throughput applications.

©2008 Business Wire. All of the news releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws, treaties and conventions. Information contained in the releases is furnished by Business Wire's members, who warrant that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. All reproduction, other than for an individual user's personal reference, is prohibited without prior written permission.