wireless signal strength

[Paul Kaplan]

On Sunday 01 February 2009 09:22:32 Bart Silverstrim wrote:
> NoOp wrote:
> >> The visual info in the guidance tray icon doesn't seem to change even if
> >> I move the laptop right next to the router.
> >
> > Paul, in order for anyone to reasonably assist you'll need to do at
> > least the following:
> >
> > 1. Tell us what version of Ubuntu (including which desktop you are using
> > - Gnome, KDE, etc),
> > 2. Tell us what you are using as your network manager; standard
> > installed Network Manager, Wicd, other.
> >
> > Wicd allows you to modify the strength settings to use dBM to measure
> > signal strength. I don't believe the standard Ubuntu Network Manager has
> > similar. But I'm sure that others can perhaps suggest an alternate
> > drive-by type of program that does.
>
> Also, without specialized equipment, this is dependent on your
> laptop...where and how the wireless signal is picked up depends on your
> laptop's construction, if you have an external antenna, etc (if you're
> asking to basically map your wireless in the house, or are you asking
> how your laptop is picking up the signal?)
>
> Basically it can vary since your laptop may get a comfy spot that
> another laptop will burp at. And it depends on what you have running as
> well, as some people might suddenly have interference when microwaving
> dinner or using a particular phone or toy.
>
> One of the fun threads in Apple forums was designs and redesigns of the
> aluminum-housing Macs with the internal wireless antennas on their
> airports and how they affected receptions. Plastic housing Macs had much
> better wireless reception..
>
I'm just looking for something to get a more robust feel for signal strength 
(not emperical) than the guidance tray icon.  Is there any software?
P