Table of Contents
Wigle
Freemium
WiGLE, short for Wireless Geographic Logging Engine, isn't your typical Wi-Fi finder. It's a unique platform focused on collecting and mapping wireless network data, offering valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of wireless security. Far from helping you find a free hotspot, WiGLE empowers security professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to understand the prevalence of different encryption methods and the overall state of wireless security. Since 2001, WiGLE has grown to encompass a vast database of wireless networks and cell towers, making it a crucial resource for understanding the evolution of wireless technology. More information on WiGLE can be found at the WiGLE website.
Key Features
Wireless Network Mapping: WiGLE passively observes and maps wireless networks, recording their location, SSID, MAC address, and encryption type.
Cell Tower Mapping: Extends its mapping capabilities to include cell towers, providing a broader view of the wireless infrastructure.
GPS Integration: Utilizes GPS to accurately pinpoint the geographical coordinates of observed networks and towers.
Data Logging: Allows users to log network observations locally for personal analysis and tracking.
Community-Driven Database: Enables users to upload their collected data to WiGLE.net, contributing to a global, community-maintained database.
Data Export: Supports exporting data in CSV and KML formats for use in other applications like Google Earth and GIS software.
Open Source Android App: Offers an open-source Android application for data collection and mapping on mobile devices. The source code can be found on GitHub.
Use Cases or Applications
WiGLE's unique data and capabilities lend themselves to a variety of applications:
Security Audits: Security professionals can use WiGLE data to assess the security posture of wireless networks in a given area, identifying vulnerable networks using outdated encryption protocols like WEP. They may also find useful WiGLE tools on the website.
Wireless Network Planning: Network engineers can leverage WiGLE's maps to plan new wireless deployments, optimizing coverage and minimizing interference.
Academic Research: Researchers can utilize WiGLE's extensive database to study trends in wireless technology adoption, security practices, and network density. Numerous academic papers cite WiGLE as a data source.
Coverage Analysis: Individuals can use WiGLE to map Wi-Fi coverage in specific locations, identifying areas with poor or non-existent wireless access.
Historical Analysis: Track the adoption rates of different wireless protocols over time, such as the shift from WEP to WPA and eventually WPA3.
Wardriving: For authorized individuals, WiGLE can be used as a wardriving tool in order to gain information on network vulnerabilities.
What is Unique About WiGLE?
What sets WiGLE apart is its focus on data collection and aggregation. Unlike tools designed for penetration testing or network management, WiGLE is primarily concerned with building a comprehensive map of the wireless world. This community-driven approach, combined with its long history and massive database, makes WiGLE a unique and valuable resource. WiGLE data has even been used to advocate for better Wi-Fi security as early as 2004. A quote from 2003 summarizes the appeal of the site when it was added to the Kama Sutra: "If it's not on WiGLE, it doesn't exist." See WiGLE Map.
Who Should Use WiGLE?
Security Professionals: Conducting wireless security audits and penetration tests.
Network Engineers: Planning and optimizing wireless network deployments.
Researchers: Studying trends in wireless technology and security.
Hobbyists: Exploring the wireless landscape and contributing to the community.
Educators: Teaching about wireless security and network mapping.
Anyone interested in visualizing the wireless landscape. More info on the android app.
Supported Platforms & Installation
WiGLE primarily operates through its website, where users can access the database, upload data, and participate in the community. An open-source Android app is available for data collection on mobile devices. The Android app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. The app's source code is also available on GitHub, encouraging community contributions and modifications. The Android app requests a number of permissions including location, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, network access, phone state and startup behavior.
Pricing
WiGLE offers its core services, including access to the database and the Android application, for free. However, commercial use of the data requires a proprietary license. Contact WiGLE directly for details on commercial licensing options. This freeware model allows broad access to WiGLE's data for research and non-commercial purposes while ensuring the sustainability of the project. Check the WiGLE database for details.
Short Summary
WiGLE is a powerful and unique platform for mapping and analyzing the wireless world. Its community-driven database, open-source tools, and focus on data collection make it an invaluable resource for security professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the ever-evolving landscape of wireless technology and security. While it doesn't help you connect to Wi-Fi, it helps you understand the networks around you. For additional help, check out WiGLE help.
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Wigle
Freemium
April 18, 2025
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ZoomEye is a sophisticated cyberspace search engine that allows security professionals to discover and analyze network devices, services, and vulnerabilities across the internet, featuring powerful search capabilities and AI integration.
WiGLE (Wireless Geographic Logging Engine) is a comprehensive platform for collecting and mapping wireless network data, offering crucial insights into network security and infrastructure since 2001.
The Wayback Machine is a digital archive allowing users to explore historical versions of websites, with over 916 billion web pages archived. This free tool enables time travel through the internet's past.
Vulners is a comprehensive vulnerability intelligence platform that combines AI-powered analysis, real-time exploit tracking, and social media monitoring to help security professionals identify, assess, and remediate cyber threats effectively.
