How to get radio waveform (Wi-Fi 2.4rr)?

Question

WiFi

They gave me a task. Learn to receive absolutely raw (Ie, exactly the curve) radio signal from WiFi points. Moreover, it is desirable not only 2.4 GHz, but a range from 2.3 to 2.5 (at least, preferably wider). And not just to receive, but to digitize and process in some way (to receive data by phase, spectrum, duty cycle, etc., etc.) As for the technical support, the choice is mine, if you need to buy something (what kind of device or something else what) will buy.
But the budget is limited. There are no questions about processing. The problem is how to receive and digitize the signal (that is, how to get a signal suitable for processing by software)
Actually the question is: How best to complete the task?

Answer 1

Learn to receive absolutely raw (Ie exactly the curve) radio signal from WiFi points. Moreover, it is desirable not only 2.4 GHz, but a range from 2.3 to 2.5 (at least, preferably wider). And not just receive, but in some way digitize and process (receive data by phase, spectrum, duty cycle, etc., etc.)

For what purpose? I understand that spectrum data (which you can get to some extent with $30-$50 2.4 GHz transceivers ) can be useful in general analysis of network performance (if there is interference, etc.). Why do you need data on duty cycle? Why do you need a waveform?
Generally speaking, normal microwave measuring equipment costs a lot of money (tens of thousands of dollars), and therefore it is bought by those who know exactly what they need to find out.
If you are working as part of some amateur activity or a training project (for example, showing students the shape of a real signal would greatly enliven the educational process), then the following option is possible - transferring the spectrum (the device is called a down-converter, see exampleuse) to the region of lower frequencies and digitizing it already at these frequencies (the frequency specified by the Kotelnikov-Nyquist-Shannon-Whittaker theorem will decrease, which will allow the use of more affordable sampling equipment). Naturally, this is not the same as digitizing the original signal, noise and distortion will be added, which I immediately find it difficult to predict.

Regarding the classics - It depends on who needs to know

This is, sorry, one of the pillars of digital signal processing. How are you going to do something without understanding how your samples reflect the real signal?

"For what purpose?" - the answer to this question is in the field of the concept of "commercial secret".

I gave you an example - information about the spectrum can be used when analyzing the ether for interference. You could answer - I need the phase of the signal in order, for example, to engage in radar on reflected signals (a trendy trend now). Instead, I see a vague statement about "trade secrets". From this I conclude that you yourself do not understand what kind of data you need and why. I also conclude from this that you have never worked with trade secrets in your life. As far as I know, the idea cannot be a trade secret, the nuances of the operation of a particular piece of equipment can.

I got acquainted. Not that. Let's just say, more than redundant functionality.

Well, here it is again. I told you right away that in order to get a "signal curve" you need expensive equipment with an appropriate sampling rate. With the help of spectrum transfer, you can get about the same, but with noise, more gentle fronts, and so on, that is, with less "amount" of information. And suddenly it turns out that this is redundant for you, although you will get less information from this than by digitizing the original signal. Or have you paid attention to the decoding of Bluetooth data? So no one forces you to do this, the point is that using a down-converter, you can receive a signal outside the receiver band.
Again, what data do you need and why? I'm not interested in knowing this, you answer yourself, or at least try. Without an exact idea of ​​what exactly you need,

And thanks for the link to the DIY version of Wi-Spy.

I only need a receiver that will allow me to send a digitized signal to a computer at the required frequency

Yes, please, here are more links for you: USRP (choose child cards based on your needs), HackRF , BladeRF . In general, take a closer look at SDR (software-defined radio) equipment. The most accessible example is RTL-SDR .

Answer 2

well, take a suitable ADC and go ahead
to say honestly they cost horse money when I met with them at work.

Answer 3

Oscilloscope with USB.

Answer 4

Here's the first thing that googles