Ryan Woodings demonstrates MetaGeek Sputnik, Eye PA, and other cool stuff

Ryan Woodings demonstrates MetaGeek Sputnik, Eye PA, and other cool stuff at Wireless Field Day 2.

During his presentation at Wireless Field Day 2, Ryan Woodings introduced Sputnik, a prototype Wi-Fi analysis device by MetaGeek that integrates 802.11n radios, a Wi-Spy DBx spectrum analyzer, a Marvell-based Linux computer, and multiple USB ports. Designed for deployment in campus or remote environments, Sputnik features Power over Ethernet (PoE) and the ability for remote data capture and retrieval. Emphasis was placed on future possibilities such as 4G backhaul support and onboard data recording using SD cards or USB storage. Sputnik’s flexible architecture was showcased in novel ways, including a “pirate box” configuration capable of broadcasting SSIDs while serving spectrum data to nearby clients. The team also demoed Android and iPad apps using the Wi-Spy hardware, showing real-time spectrum data visualization on tablets.

The main spotlight of the session was on Eye PA, MetaGeek’s new packet analysis tool designed to bridge the gap between spectrum analysis and deep-layer packet inspection. Eye PA was created from scratch by MetaGeek’s team, starting from visual design concepts influenced by tools like Daisy Disk. The result is a multilayered circular chart dubbed “tree pie” that visualizes PCAP data by bytes, airtime, and packet count. This intuitive UI lets users drill into access points, clients, and individual frame types, with color-coded visuals indicating data rate, MAC management activity, retry rates, and QoS presence. Demonstrations included real PCAP files showing performance issues like excessive PS-Poll frames at low data rates and high retry rates, providing actionable insights into network performance often obscured in raw packet data.

Eye PA was praised by attendees for its ability to clearly differentiate between legacy and high-speed clients, visualize protocol behavior, and potentially help sell modern infrastructure by exposing airtime hogs. MetaGeek planned to release Eye PA within three weeks of the presentation, priced at $499, with private beta access available. They encouraged feedback from the audience to shape product features such as reporting, remote packet capture integration, and customizable visualization views. The presentation ended with enthusiasm from the audience, acknowledgements of Eye PA’s market potential, and informal sharing of beer labeled “IPA,” matching the product’s name and playful internal naming convention.