INTRODUCTION:
Having worked with another WiFi Utility for a long time, I started noticing more and more that other users were complaining that it did not support WPA-PSK/TKIP Connections. Unfortunately, because I did not have a WPA compliant WiFi Router at the time, I could not test for possible issues like that. Of course, this all changed when I recently obtained a new WiFi Router that supported WPA-PSK/TKIP Connections! So I found myself unable to connect even though I had the right drivers. I went looking and found this program, and I have to say, It is a wonderfully well designed and thought-out product. It’s GUI is simple and intuitive, so the learning curve is next to non-existent; yet the program provides a wealth of information to those wishing to use it to troubleshoot their connectivity problems.
OVERVIEW:
For those who troubleshoot wireless problems on a regular basis, I highly recommend this product. It is a one-stop-shop solution that I have yet to experience a problem with. This program is, like my previously reviewed product, software that I feel that I will always keep on my iPAQ. As such, I have placed it in my permanent library of indispensable and highly useful programs.
PRODUCT CLAIMS:
Socket Wi-Fi Companion is an intuitive and graphical utility that displays your connection properties at a glance. There’s even a Power Save utility, so you can adjust the power settings when using battery power.
Basic features:
Wi-Fi Companion provides users with a friendly, easy-to-use interface to manage WLAN connectivity. The main page icons provide single tap access to browse the web or check email, find WLANs in range, install security certificates, view IP addresses or modify profiles.
Advanced features:
The Ping Utility enables users to check network connectivity to another device or host network. Trace Route enables users to identify the number of hops to connect to the Internet and possible sources of delay.
Features & Benefits
Wi-Fi Finder
Find Wi-Fi hotspots in range. Connect to wireless networks securely with a single tap. Manage power save settings to maximize battery life of Windows Mobile devices. Works well with all WLAN security protocols supported by Windows Mobile (WPA, WPA-PSK, 802.1x, 40/128-bit WEP, Open). Connect to Wi-Fi networks quickly and stay connected to the right network. Check network connectivity and survey your network range. Check each hop in your connection to the Internet to see where delays occur.
(Reviewer’s note: Socket Communication has also released a slightly different build of this product for users of their external Network Adapters, which can be found at www.socketcom.com/support/support_wlan.asp.)