When it comes to decoding, differences between wireless 802.11b packets and wired packets (including dissimilar MAC headers and the presence of management and control packets) render traditional packet analyzers less than effective. Fortunately, there's WildPackets' AiroPeek, a protocol analyzer specifically designed for 802.11b networks.

AiroPeek captures all 802.11b data and management frames. It supports decoding of the entire packet (requiring WEP keys where WEP is enabled) and has user-definable alarms, triggers, and notifications. The extensible AiroPeek software comes with plug-ins to log Web and FTP usage; provide expanded IP, AppleTalk, and NetWare packet detail; and detect a variety of Internet attacks. Novices may find AiroPeek somewhat intimidating, but users of WildPackets' EtherPeek will immediately feel comfortable with AiroPeek's interface and troubleshooting tools.