Patent ID: 7715800

Claim:
A method for using a plurality of wireless radios in a wireless network for spectral analysis, the method comprising the steps of: connecting to a plurality of wireless radios in wireless devices operable to perform as wireless communications devices within a wireless network operating as a WLAN; setting a center frequency and bandwidth on the wireless radios, wherein the center frequency and bandwidth comprise a range of frequencies over which the wireless radios are operable to receive signals, and wherein the center frequency is located anywhere between 2.4-2.5 GHz and 4.9-5.9 GHz with frequency steps of less than 5 MHz; receiving spectral power measurements from the wireless radios, the spectral power measurements being based upon signals received by the wireless radios based upon the set center frequency and bandwidth, and wherein the spectral power measurements comprising signal strength at the set center frequency and bandwidth; and repeating the connecting, setting and receiving steps using the wireless radios such that a plurality of frequencies used by the wireless network are analyzed for spectral activity, wherein at least one of the plurality of frequencies are offset from WLAN channels such that the spectral power measurements provide measurements across a frequency band wider than a single WLAN channel.