iStumbler

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iStumbler
Developer(s)Alf Watt
Stable release
Release 103 / November 14, 2017; 6 years ago (2017-11-14)
Operating systemOS X 10.2 to macOS 11
LicenseProprietary
Websitehttp://istumbler.net/

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

History[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

  • KisMAC – a wireless network discovery tool for Mac OS X.
  • WiFi Explorer – a wireless network scanner for Mac OS X.
  • Netspot – A Mac OS X tool for wireless networks assessment, scanning and surveys.

External links[edit]

  • Official website
  • "iStumbler". Freecode.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Flickenger, Rob; Weeks, Roger (2005). Wireless Hacks; Tips & Tools for Building, Extending, and Securing Your Network. O'Reilly Media. p. 114. ISBN 9780596553296.
  2. ^ a b 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. ^ a b Edge, Charles; O'Donnell, Daniel (2015). Enterprise Mac Security: Mac OS X. Apress. p. 339. ISBN 9781484217122.
  5. ^ a b Edge, Charles; Barker, William; Smith, Zack (2008). Foundations of Mac OS X Leopard Security. Apress. p. 217. ISBN 9781590599891.
  6. ^ a b 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.