My idea was to use multiple RTL8188CUS (Realtek Wireless Chipset, 802.11b/g) units to build a cheap WiFi stumble using Kismet without the need of hopping channels. If you do not hop you can scan more bands and capture more useful output when ​wireless heatmapping.

The Realtek RTL8188CUS comes in many shapes and forms as show on the right. They include labels like:

• WiFi 11N
• EDUP
• IEEE 802.11N
• WiFi N

Pro:

• The Linux driver is found at ​Realtek Website
• Unit is cheap: ​DX sells them for less than 5 EUR.

Cons:

• The driver does not handle multiple cards at the same time.
• No driver support for BSD derivatives.
• Kismet does not seems to support this devices.
• The 802.11N description is properly not valid, nor the driver neither the specifications report this functionality.

Conclusion:

• The units are currently not usable for the Wireless Heatmap Multiple Cards project.