Introduction

Using the Windows operating system for WarDriving has some distinct advantages. Unlike the complicated requirements for Linux, most Windows applications run without having to contend with arcane commands. However, this ease of use can translate into a disadvantage, because some of the Windows wireless tools are not as robust as the Linux tools. Every tradeoff has its drawbacks and benefits. In this case, the benefit is a quick set up and ease of installation.

WarDriving with NetStumbler

NetStumbler is the application used most by WarDrivers that use a Windows operating system. While originally designed as a wireless network tool, NetStumbler has grown in popularity due to WarDrivers. It has also helped thousands of networking and security specialists design and secure wireless networks. Most users refer to WarDriving as netstumbling (or stumbling).

NetStumbler is a wireless network detector and analysis tool that detects wireless local area networks (WLANs) that are based on the 802.11b and 802.11g data formats in the Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio band and the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII). NetStumbler provides radio frequency (RF) signal information and other data related to combining computers and radios. It also provides information on the band and data format being used, depending on which wireless networking card is being implemented (802.11b, 802.11a, or 802.11g).