IStumbler

Last updated
iStumbler
Developer(s) Alf Watt
Stable release
Release 103 / November 14, 2017;6 years ago (2017-11-14)
Operating system OS X 10.2 to macOS 11
License Proprietary
Website http://istumbler.net/

iStumbler is a utility for finding wireless networks and devices with AirPort or Bluetooth-enabled Macintosh computers. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

History

iStumbler was originally based on MacStumbler source code.[ citation needed ] Its early development focused on detection of open wireless (802.11) networks,[ citation needed ] but more recent versions support the detection of Bluetooth wireless devices and Bonjour network services. [4]

Up to release 99, iStumbler was open-source under a BSD license. [5] It was later changed to nagware, having a pop-up screen every 30 minutes but otherwise being fully functional. [6] Current releases require a payment to use.

The app has been delisted from the Mac App Store by the developers due to it not functioning properly on macOS Monterey and above. [7]

Usage

iStumbler uses the AirPort card built into Macs. It automatically scans for Wi-Fi and WLAN networks, [2] and can also detect Bluetooth, Bonjour, and other AirPort networks. [1] The software shows a graph which displays the network name, the type of security, the vendor, the signal, the channel, and the MAC address of listed networks. [5] A graph showing the history of signal strength can also be displayed. [4] It can be used to join listed AirPort networks without configuration and to join Bluetooth networks as well. [1] It uses GPS data to display the coordinates of the computer being used and nearby Wi-Fi points. [6]

iStumbler works by sending out probe requests to all available access points and displaying the information received from those requests. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Flickenger, Rob; Weeks, Roger (2005). Wireless Hacks; Tips & Tools for Building, Extending, and Securing Your Network. O'Reilly Media. p. 114. ISBN   9780596553296.
  2. 1 2 Hurley, Chris; Rogers, Russ; Thornton, Frank (2007). WarDriving and Wireless Penetration Testing. Elsevier Science. p. 176. ISBN   9781597491112.
  3. "Connect to a wireless network". MacLife . August 2007. p. 28.
  4. 1 2 Edge, Charles; O'Donnell, Daniel (2015). Enterprise Mac Security: Mac OS X. Apress. p. 339. ISBN   9781484217122.
  5. 1 2 Edge, Charles; Barker, William; Smith, Zack (2008). Foundations of Mac OS X Leopard Security. Apress. p. 217. ISBN   9781590599891.
  6. 1 2 Geier, Eric (2015-09-10). "Review: Free and low-cost Wi-Fi stumblers for the Mac". Network World. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  7. "iStumbler". iStumbler Labs. Retrieved 2024-03-29.