How many of these Android apps for wireless networking do you use?
Users of Android devices appreciate apps that offer a powerful mix of features and customization options, especially ones that are free. The apps listed below represent some of the best free Android apps available for working with wireless networks. Whether a home or business network user, IT student, or networking professional, these apps can help increase your productivity on Android.
OpenSignal has established itself as both a leading cellular coverage map and Wi-Fi hotspot finder. Its database includes hundreds of thousands of cell towers around the world as submitted by users. Depending on your location, the app can help you find where to stand to get optimal signal strength on your phone. An integrated connection speed test feature, data usage statistics, and social networking options are also useful in some scenarios.More »
Many consider Wifi Analyzer the best signal analyzer app for Android. Its ability to scan and visually represent Wi-Fi signals by channel can be extremely helpful when troubleshooting wireless signal interference issues in a home or office.More »
Both offer similar wireless network scanning features, but some people prefer the user interface of InSSIDer over that of Wifi Analyzer. Reviewers have noted that InSSIDer may not fully support scanning of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channels 12 and 13 that are popular outside of the U.S.More »
Network professionals and remote access aficionados are always needing a good Secure Shell (SSH) client for system administration or scripting work on servers. ConnectBot boasts many loyal followers who greatly appreciate its reliability, ease of use, and security features. Working with command shells isn’t for everyone; don’t worry if this app sounds uninteresting.More »
AirDroid supports wireless remote control of an Android device through its user interface. After installing the app and joining the device to a local Wi-Fi network, you can connect to the device from other computers through standard Web browsers. Especially useful for wireless file sharing, the app also allows you to manage Android text messages and phone calls.More »
Numerous Android apps allow you to share files over a Wi-Fi connection, but most are useless when no Wi-Fi is available. That’s why it’s essential to keep an app like Bluetooth File Transfer handy that supports file sync over Bluetooth connections with other mobile devices. This app is especially easy to use and includes some nice features like displaying thumbnail pictures for photos and movies, optional document encryption, and the ability to configure which devices are allowed to share with you.More »
This app (formerly called “Fresh Network Booster”) has been billed as the "number one" cell signal booster for Android. This version 2 updates the original with additional device support. It automatically scans, resets and reconfigures your phone’s cellular connection attempting to increase its signal strength. Designed to be used when the carrier’s signal is lost or weak, some reviewers claim the app improved some of their connections from zero or one bar to at least three bars. The app won’t always be able to improve your connection in all cases, though. It uses a set of built-in network speed tweak techniques that run automatically when the app is launched, with no user configuration involved.More »
The wireless network interfaces of a phone or tablet drain its battery life quickly. JuiceDefender is designed to add minutes or even hours the battery charge by implementing automatic power saving techniques for an Android device’s network, display and CPU. This extremely popular app features five free built-in power saving modes to choose from, plus other options controlling the conditions for automatically turning Wi-Fi radios off and on. Note that some of JuiceDefender’s most powerful features like the ability to switch from 4G to lower-power 2G/3G connections are not offered in the free app but only available in the paid Ultimate version.More »
•OpenSignal
OpenSignal has established itself as both a leading cellular coverage map and Wi-Fi hotspot finder. Its database includes hundreds of thousands of cell towers around the world as submitted by users. Depending on your location, the app can help you find where to stand to get optimal signal strength on your phone. An integrated connection speed test feature, data usage statistics, and social networking options are also useful in some scenarios.More »
•Wifi Analyzer (farproc)
Many consider Wifi Analyzer the best signal analyzer app for Android. Its ability to scan and visually represent Wi-Fi signals by channel can be extremely helpful when troubleshooting wireless signal interference issues in a home or office.More »
•InSSIDer (MetaGeek)
Both offer similar wireless network scanning features, but some people prefer the user interface of InSSIDer over that of Wifi Analyzer. Reviewers have noted that InSSIDer may not fully support scanning of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channels 12 and 13 that are popular outside of the U.S.More »
•ConnectBot
Network professionals and remote access aficionados are always needing a good Secure Shell (SSH) client for system administration or scripting work on servers. ConnectBot boasts many loyal followers who greatly appreciate its reliability, ease of use, and security features. Working with command shells isn’t for everyone; don’t worry if this app sounds uninteresting.More »
•AirDroid
AirDroid supports wireless remote control of an Android device through its user interface. After installing the app and joining the device to a local Wi-Fi network, you can connect to the device from other computers through standard Web browsers. Especially useful for wireless file sharing, the app also allows you to manage Android text messages and phone calls.More »
•Bluetooth File Transfer (Medieval Software)
Numerous Android apps allow you to share files over a Wi-Fi connection, but most are useless when no Wi-Fi is available. That’s why it’s essential to keep an app like Bluetooth File Transfer handy that supports file sync over Bluetooth connections with other mobile devices. This app is especially easy to use and includes some nice features like displaying thumbnail pictures for photos and movies, optional document encryption, and the ability to configure which devices are allowed to share with you.More »
•Network Signal Speed Booster 2 (mcstealth apps)
This app (formerly called “Fresh Network Booster”) has been billed as the "number one" cell signal booster for Android. This version 2 updates the original with additional device support. It automatically scans, resets and reconfigures your phone’s cellular connection attempting to increase its signal strength. Designed to be used when the carrier’s signal is lost or weak, some reviewers claim the app improved some of their connections from zero or one bar to at least three bars. The app won’t always be able to improve your connection in all cases, though. It uses a set of built-in network speed tweak techniques that run automatically when the app is launched, with no user configuration involved.More »
•JuiceDefender (Latedroid)
The wireless network interfaces of a phone or tablet drain its battery life quickly. JuiceDefender is designed to add minutes or even hours the battery charge by implementing automatic power saving techniques for an Android device’s network, display and CPU. This extremely popular app features five free built-in power saving modes to choose from, plus other options controlling the conditions for automatically turning Wi-Fi radios off and on. Note that some of JuiceDefender’s most powerful features like the ability to switch from 4G to lower-power 2G/3G connections are not offered in the free app but only available in the paid Ultimate version.More »