Wi-Fi Signal Scanner With ESP32! (Live Network Scan)

In this project, we will build a device using the ESP32 development board and a 2.8'' touchscreen LCD to scan and display nearby Wi-Fi networks. This device will show the signal strength (RSSI) and encryption types of the Wi-Fi networks.

Software:

1. Arduino IDE
2. WiFi.h and Adafruit_ILI9341.h libraries
3. Wi_Fi_Signal_Scanner_with_ESP32.ino code

Hardware:

1. DOIT ESP32 DEVKIT V1
2. 2.8'' ILI9341 Touchscreen LCD (SPI, 240x320)
3. ESP32-WROOM-32D WiFi Bluetooth Development Module
4. Breadboard
5. 2 Buttons (for Scanning and Menu Navigation)
6. Jumper Wires

LCD Screen Connection:

Connect the SPI pins of the LCD screen to the ESP32. For example:

1. VCC → 3.3V
2. GND → GND
3. CS → GPIO 5
4. RESET → GPIO 4
5. DC/RS → GPIO 2
6. MISO (SDI) → GPIO 23
7. SCK → GPIO 18
8. LED → 3.3V
9. MOSI → GPIO 19

Button Connections:

1. Connect the first button between GPIO 0 and GND.
2. Connect the second button between GPIO 15 and GND.

Jumper Wires:

1. Organize the connections on the breadboard and power the ESP32.

Arduino IDE Settings:

1. Open Arduino IDE and select the ESP32 board (Tools > Board > ESP32 Dev Module).
2. Install the Adafruit_ILI9341.h and WiFi.h libraries.

Uploading the Code:

1. Upload the Wi_Fi_Signal_Scanner_with_ESP32.ino code to Arduino IDE.
2. Make sure the LCD screen and button pins are correctly defined in the code.

Running the Code:

1. Upload the code to the ESP32 and check the connection using the serial monitor.

Wi-Fi Scanning:

1. Press the button to start the Wi-Fi scan. The LCD screen will display nearby Wi-Fi networks and their signal strengths.

Results:

1. Check the signal strength and encryption types of the displayed networks on the screen.

Check out the video demonstration of the project on our YouTube channel:

📺 Teknotrek YouTube Channel

Enhancements:

1. Add battery support to make the project portable.
2. Use a larger screen to display more information.

Sharing:

1. Share your project on Instructables to inspire other users.

This project aims to create a device that scans nearby wireless networks using the powerful Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities of the ESP32. It displays essential details such as signal strength (RSSI), encryption types, and other key information. The project provides a great opportunity for both beginners and experienced makers to explore the capabilities of the ESP32. Additionally, by working on this project, you can gain a better understanding of how wireless networks function and even develop your own wireless network analysis device.

Key Features of the Project

Ease of Use

1. The project is easy to set up and use, thanks to simple hardware components and open-source software.
2. The touchscreen LCD provides a user-friendly interface.

Portability

1. The project can be made portable with battery support, allowing you to scan Wi-Fi networks anywhere.

Scalability

1. The project can be expanded by adding a larger display or extra buttons.
2. On the software side, new features such as saving scan results or sorting networks can be implemented.

Educational Value

1. This project is an excellent starting point for those who want to learn how the ESP32 Wi-Fi module works.
2. It is also useful for understanding wireless network security structures (WEP, WPA, WPA2).

Potential Applications

1. Home Use: Measure the signal strength of Wi-Fi networks in your home and identify the best coverage areas.
2. Education: Can be used to teach students about wireless network technologies.
3. Professional Use: Network engineers or IT professionals can use this project as a simple Wi-Fi analysis tool.

Future Enhancements

1. Data Logging:
2. Save scan results to an SD card for later analysis.
3. Graphical Interface:
4. Display signal strength using graphical elements (bar charts or radar graphs).
5. Bluetooth Scanning:
6. Utilize the ESP32’s Bluetooth capability to scan for nearby Bluetooth devices.
7. Battery Support:
8. Add a lithium-polymer battery and charging module to make the device fully portable.

Why Should You Try This Project?

1. Cost-Effective: The components used in this project are affordable and easy to find.
2. Educational: Ideal for those who want hands-on experience with ESP32 and Wi-Fi technologies.
3. Fun & Rewarding: Building your own device and seeing it work is a satisfying experience.

Final Words

This project offers a great opportunity to explore the capabilities of the ESP32 and better understand wireless network technologies. You can watch more electronics videos that might interest you on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TeknoTrek

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