On Linux systems that have a wireless network interface, xiwtool can scan and view statistics for nearby Wireless Access Points, including automatic connections to public WAPs like those in coffee shops and libraries. Xiwtool has many internal features that provide reliable network scanning and management in crowded environments.

Xiwtool also checks your your machine and notifies you if the system needs any drivers or networking tools to connect to nearby networks. The program can diagnose connection issues with WPA and WPA2 authenticated networks, and also has tools to evaluate legacy networks that use WEP encryption.