Press Release

WildPackets Announces OmniSpectrum, a Portable Solution for Analyzing and Troubleshooting Wi-Fi RF Environments

Identifies interference from non-802.11 devices sharing the unlicensed spectrum

Walnut Creek, California, April 28, 2006 – WildPackets Inc., innovators in advanced network analysis, today announced a new product in the OmniAnalysis Platform, WildPackets OmniSpectrum–a portable RF spectrum analyzer that runs in a standard Windows laptop PC and identifies the devices causing interference on a Wi-Fi network. OmniSpectrum extends the existing capabilities of the OmniAnalysis Platform by making the 802.11 physical layer visible and intelligible, so network engineers can see precisely which devices—Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi—are causing interference. Armed with both OmniSpectrum and OmniPeek, the OmniAnalysis Platform’s award-winning network analyzer, IT staff now have powerful, portable analysis tools for troubleshooting all aspects of wireless networks. Covering everything from RF analysis to Expert analysis and application performance monitoring, the OmniAnalysis Platform now provides the most complete wireless network analysis solution on the market.

Is It My Wi-Fi Equipment or the RF Environment?

Spectrum congestion in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands is a leading cause of problems in 802.11 deployments. Growing evidence from wireless infrastructure providers suggests that 30% of problems reported by Wi-Fi customers are actually due to interference. Interference can come from nearby 802.11 networks, as well as from a long list of common non-802.11 devices, including cordless phones, wireless surveillance cameras, Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens. Typical network analysis tools are blind to RF activity. OmniSpectrum provides engineers with a portable, easy-to-use solution for determining which devices, Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi, are using the spectrum, and which are jeopardizing the delivery of Wi-Fi traffic.

WildPackets’ OmniSpectrum

OmniSpectrum enhances 802.11 network analysis by identifying not just other 802.11 devices, but any devices that are generating signals in the 802.11 frequency band, even devices that are unauthorized or transient. Based on patented spectrum intelligence technology from Cognio, Inc., OmniSpectrum identifies not only the class of the interfering device, like a cordless phone, but possible manufacturers and model numbers of the offending equipment, facilitating problem identification and resolution. OmniSpectrum provides the best first line of defense in diagnosing 802.11 problems, and complements WildPackets’ wireless network analysis products.

OmniSpectrum, which includes a Windows application and a CardBus PC card, costs $3,995 and is available immediately. To request a demo or place an order, please call (925) 937-3200.

WildPackets OmniAnalysis™ Platform

WildPackets' OmniAnalysis Platform is a distributed network analysis platform for optimizing network services and maximizing uptime on networks of any size, from small businesses to globally-distributed corporations. WildPackets OmniAnalysis gives network engineers real-time visibility into every part of the network - simultaneously from a single console - including Gigabit, 10/100, 802.11 wireless, VoIP, and WAN links to remote offices. Using the OmniAnalysis Platform's local capture capabilities, centralized console, distributed capture and analysis, and expert technology, engineers can rapidly troubleshoot faults and fix problems, restoring essential services and maximizing network uptime and user satisfaction. 

About WildPackets Inc.

Since 1990 WildPackets has been developing innovative, high-quality, easy-to-use and valuable solutions to maintain the health and integrity of critical data-in-motion. From the desktop to the datacenter, wired to wireless, distributed and local, WildPackets products enable IT organizations to monitor, troubleshoot, and secure their network systems. Sold in over 60 countries through a broad network of channel and strategic partners, WildPackets products are deployed in all industrial sectors, including 80% of the Fortune 1000. For further information, please visit www.wildpackets.com.

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