> So my question is - Is there any software (Doze XP or Linux) which
> will scan neighbouring WiFi networks and report back which channels
> they are using?
>
> Kelvin
in ubuntu/debian the package wireless-tools:
$ sudo iwlist ath0 scanning
ath0 Scan completed :
Cell 01 - Address: 00:17:94:FD:98:90
ESSID:"ECS-WLAN"
Mode:Master
Frequency:2.472 GHz (Channel 13)
Quality=20/94 Signal level=-75 dBm Noise
level=-95 dBm Encryption key:off
Bit Rates:1 Mb/s; 2 Mb/s; 5.5 Mb/s; 11 Mb/s
Extra:bcn_int=100
Extra:wme_ie=dd180050f2020101820003a5000027a5000042545e0062432f00
Cell 02 - Address: 00:17:94:FD:99:20
ESSID:"ECS-WLAN"
Mode:Master
Frequency:2.412 GHz (Channel 1)
Quality=19/94 Signal level=-76 dBm Noise
level=-95 dBm Encryption key:off
Bit Rates:1 Mb/s; 2 Mb/s; 5.5 Mb/s; 11 Mb/s
Extra:bcn_int=100
Extra:wme_ie=dd180050f2020101820003a5000027a5000042545e0062432f00