windows 7 issue: two wireless networks with same name but different channels...

the_r_sole · 8 Jan 2013 at 15:37

wondering if there is a solution to this, I have a router in my office which broadcasts a wireless network "House1" then I have some homeplugs which connect a router (as access point) on the other side of the house, the wireless network is set as "House1" but on a different channel as I was having issues when they were both set to the same channel.
I thought this set up would be simple and allow me to use all my wireless devices anywhere around the house however, my windows7 laptop will not connect to one of the networks as it says the network values are incorrect, but if i forget the network and try it, works no problem until i move it back to the other side of the house. All my other devices work fine with it, old laptop (xp), nexus 7, iphone, android phone, just not the laptop - anyway around it without changing network names and passwords?

bremen1874 · 8 Jan 2013 at 15:46

Using the same SSIDs and different wireless channels is the usual way of doing things.

The security settings also need to be identical. Is there any chance they could be slightly different?

the_r_sole · 8 Jan 2013 at 15:52

I can't see how they can be different when every other device can switch between the two with no issue, surely if there was different settings all the devices would have issues?

bremen1874 · 8 Jan 2013 at 16:14

the_r_sole said:
I can't see how they can be different when every other device can switch between the two with no issue, surely if there was different settings all the devices would have issues?

In theory yes, but sometimes things don't work even when you know they should.

Install inSSIDer and see what the two networks are advertising themselves as. Do they match?

Just forcing the laptop to forget their previous connections could help.

Are there any driver updates for the laptop's wireless?

the_r_sole · 8 Jan 2013 at 16:19

will give that a try cheers!
I know the drivers are up to date on the laptop but will give inSSIDer a shot

the_r_sole · 8 Jan 2013 at 16:25

the networks match, one is on channel 1 and the other is channel 7...

tribz · 8 Jan 2013 at 16:34

Just to be clear, the encryption type is the same on both?

the_r_sole · 8 Jan 2013 at 16:38

bertles86 · 8 Jan 2013 at 20:30

1. Remove all wireless security on both devices and test on your laptop
2. Add security back to one device and test
3. Add security back to the second device (with same passkey, and protocol) and test

Post back if that doesn't work.

the_r_sole · 8 Jan 2013 at 23:49

haha, will do if i can ever remember the login for the second one!!
will report back soon!
cheers