unknown networks showing up in "available networks" - spy cam??? help!

[lounge]

hi,

i live out of wifi range from anyone else so if i look at my available wifi devices, it only shows my own wifi router. now i have an unknown network showing up in my available networks. this has to be a spy cam or some other wifi-enabled device that has been installed on my property without my knowledge. we have not purchased any "smart" products recently that could be showing up.

how can i find out the KIND of device it is? please note, this is NOT connected to my network, it is simply showing up as an available network, but nothing should be close enough to do that so i'm thinking something wifi capable has been installed without my knowledge.

ideas?

when i click to connect to the device, it asks for a password.

thanks in advance for any help.

 

[BuddhaSkoota]

i live out of wifi range from anyone else so if i look at my available wifi devices, it only shows my own wifi router. now i have an unknown network showing up in my available networks. this has to be a spy cam or some other wifi-enabled device that has been installed on my property without my knowledge. we have not purchased any "smart" products recently that could be showing up.

how can i find out the KIND of device it is? please note, this is NOT connected to my network, it is simply showing up as an available network, but nothing should be close enough to do that so i'm thinking something wifi capable has been installed without my knowledge.

ideas?

when i click to connect to the device, it asks for a password.

There is an Android app called Wifi Analyzer that will display information of nearby access points (MAC address, security protocol, etc). This should give you an idea of the type of device it is. There may be a similar app for iPhones as well.

 

[lounge]

i'll check into that. thanks. though i would still love to find a PC based solution

 

[kanewolf]

The android solution is preferred, because you can easily walk around with it to localize the signal. I am not an iPhone user, but I haven't found anything comparable on iPhone. There is WIFI mapping software that can be used on a laptop. But I don't believe there are any good no cost options any more.

Just to make sure you aren't chasing "ghosts" ... Does your router have a "guest" network? Does it have a 5Ghz WIFI that you don't use or haven't configured?

 

[COLGeek]

Also, are there any hotspots enabled on any smartphones at your residence. This would show up as well.

 

[lounge]

thanks, everyone for all the help. especially BuddhaSkoota. amazing what answers you can find, once you know how to phrase the question.

i found and used the acrylic wifi analyzer (free 5day fully functional trial of the professional version.) very cool, can see every device there.

turns out it is a camera that's part of the security system outside, nothing else unusual shows up.

thanks again!

 

[BuddhaSkoota]

thanks, everyone for all the help. especially BuddhaSkoota. amazing what answers you can find, once you know how to phrase the question.

i found and used the acrylic wifi analyzer (free 5day fully functional trial of the professional version.) very cool, can see every device there.

turns out it is a camera that's part of the security system outside, nothing else unusual shows up.

thanks again!

Glad to hear that you got it sorted.