View Full Version : User-friendly WiFi manager
John Marsh
5th Jan 2021, 21:18
I'm a customer of BT's public Wi-Fi service. Recently, my usual local gateway has been granting wifi connection but will offer 'no network access'. This doesn't happen all the time, just most of it.
I already have a home-made cantenna which brings in another gateway, weaker (48% strength) but one I'd like to try. Unfortunately, Windows only lists the strongest gateway with a BT Wi-Fi SSID - the one with problems.
I have tried using NetSetMan in an attempt to force connection to the weaker gateway. I created a profile with the necessary MAC address set. No joy. I've probably got it wrong, as I am not the brightest at these things!:\
Is there a capable and user-friendly program which will enable me to specify a MAC address to connect to? Or, is there a way I can delve into Windows and set this condition directly?
OS=Win.7. (Yes, I know...)
jimjim1
5th Jan 2021, 21:54
I did this years ago for precisely the same reason. I had I think Intel WiFi hardware and used the Intel ProSet/Wireless software which was a free download.It worked well enough but with annoyances as I recall. Other hardware manufacturers may have their own software.
Proset only works with Intel hw. Check hardware in ControlPanel/DeviceManager.
Various others listed here.
https://superuser.com/questions/485517/how-can-i-connect-to-an-access-point-by-bssid-instead-of-essid-in-windows-7
https://superuser.com/questions/265142/connect-to-wi-fi-access-point-with-specific-mac-address
Waypoint Short
6th Jan 2021, 05:14
I guess your system is not a laptop, or you could take it closer to establish the connection for the first time. What I would try is to find an old wifi router that can be placed into bridge or repeater mode. This would rebroadcast the remote network locally at full signal strength. Plus, a router with an external antenna will allow you to add a decent antenna if needed.
Try this
Windows 7 network manager (https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/43782/how-to-enable-user-specific-wireless-networks-in-windows-7/)
John Marsh
6th Jan 2021, 19:16
I did this years ago for precisely the same reason. I had I think Intel WiFi hardware and used the Intel ProSet/Wireless software which was a free download.It worked well enough but with annoyances as I recall. Other hardware manufacturers may have their own software.
Proset only works with Intel hw. Check hardware in ControlPanel/DeviceManager.
Various others listed here.
https://superuser.com/questions/485517/how-can-i-connect-to-an-access-point-by-bssid-instead-of-essid-in-windows-7
https://superuser.com/questions/265142/connect-to-wi-fi-access-point-with-specific-mac-address
Thanks for the links. I tried NirSoft's Wifi Info View; managed to force connection to only the desired gateway. Windows fought back, so I shall too!:O
Waypoint Short: I am using laptops; the 'move closer' option is doable, just not very convenient. The router option sounds good, and economical. Thank you.
Momoe: Looks good, I'll try it out. Thank you.
Specaircrew
7th Jan 2021, 19:19
Well in Windows 10 you'd just go into Settings/Network/ Wi Fi and select 'Forget' for the strongest BT Wi Fi signal which would allow Windows to see the weaker one. There might be something similar in Windows 7 settings, not that I'd want to connect a very out of date, unsupported operating system to the internet! ;-)
As regards a Wi-Fi repeater/extender, I've used old BT hubs which work fine. You do need to hardwire so only useful if you've got access an RJ45, but it was enough to boost my signal to cover the areas needed.
You could also try the aluminium foil hack on your existing Wi-Fi, I got a definite increase in signal strength with a shaped piece of card covered in foil.
NutLoose
8th Jan 2021, 12:26
Momoe have you considered something like
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BT-Broadband-Extender-Kit-Powerline-Adaptor-Plug-Socket-Home-WiFi-Wired-Connect-/284114765158
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WiFi-Wireless-Signal-Range-Booster-Extender-Broadband-Internet-Amplifier-UK-Plug/402634836677?_trkparms=aid%3D1110009%26algo%3DSPLICE.COMPLIS TINGS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200220094952%26meid%3D19ef82b3b2d24 aadbac62b974ee422f2%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26sd% 3D284114765158%26itm%3D402634836677%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg %3D2047675%26algv%3Ddefault&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219