wireless networking - Two access points with same SSID, loosing connectivity on mobile devices

07
2014-07
  • tomor

    I have two access points, with the same SSID, same security mode (WPA/WPA2), operating at different channels (1 and 6). I have set the first of them (192.168.1.1) to operate as a DHCP server, while the second one has DHCP disabled, only having a static IP address (192.168.1.2).

    My laptop connects fine to the second access point (when I'm in its range), receives an IP address, and always has connectivity to the Internet. My mobile devices (HTC Sensation & Nexus 7) connect as well, receive their IP addresses, but sometimes (usually when not active) they lose Internet connectivity, while maintaining full signal. When I check with Fing, I see that they cannot reach the main access point (192.168.1.1), and devices connected to the first access point. I have to restart the second access point for it to work again.

    What makes me wonder is the fact that this never happens with my laptop. Am I missing something in my configuration?

    • Answers
  • tomor

    I fixed this issue by disabling "VLAN Function" on my second access point. I'm not exactly sure as to why this might have caused a problem, but one thing I know for sure, and that is the fact that I'm not encountering the problem mentioned in the question anymore.

    Maybe someone who knows why this might have fixed the problem would like to share his/her idea, so that other readers will benefit.


    • Related Question

    windows - How to connect to wireless router when SSID isn't broadcast?
  • slolife

    I have a wireless router setup, and I have already successfully connected my laptop to that router wirelessly, when the SSID was broadcast. But, I decided I don't want to broadcast the SSID, so I turned it off. Now, using WinXP, I cannot seem to manually connect to that access point using the WinXP UI.

    Is there a way to do this?


    • Related Answers
  • Steve

    You should be able to connect to a wireless network manually if you know the SSID and key. There's some option in the left pane of the "Wireless Network Connection" window that does this.

    Here you go: How to manually connect to Wireless network not broadcasting SSID

  • JP Alioto

    Basically, you have to build the profile manually. Here is a step-by-step for adding to an ad hoc network, but the concept is the same. You go to connection properties of your wireless NIC -> Wireless Tab and Add the connection.

  • slolife

    @medikgt provided an excellent link, but I followed those instructions and still no connection. Finally, I got frustrated, right clicked on the wireless tray icon with the red X through it, and selected the "Repair" menu item. And it connected!

    So, if you have the connection already manually setup in your list, use "Repair" from the tray icon menu and it'll connect.