Same SSID Connection Issue

[BoftheT]

Note: This is my first time posting to any sort of online computer forum, and I am not well-versed in networking, so please excuse any incorrect assumptions or phrases I use, and let me know what the correct phrase/concept is.

The university I attend has (I think this is what it's called) a WAN that covers several dozen apartment complexes over a large area, but with different internet speeds. All the access points have the same SSID and password. The apartment I stay at has speeds of around 30-40 Mbits per second, while the norm for other apartments is about 5. I recently moved to a different corner of the room, which puts me closer to the apartment next to mine, and I now believe my desktop is connecting to the neighbor's (slow) access point instead of the (much, much faster) access point in my apartment.

I've scoured the internet for potential fixes, I tested out a few programs that allow me to see the different access points and the MAC address for each one, but I just don't know how to connect to the access point in my own apartment, as only one network shows up on my computer. I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate with a Realtek RTL8191SE Wireless adapter. Thanks in advance!

 

[bill001g]

In theory at least the AP with the strongest wireless signal should always be the fastest. The connection between the AP and the network is ethernet cable generally so you would think all the AP should be the same speed.

In general there is not much you can do. The driver for the device will always connect to the one that has the strongest signals. I have seen a small handful (mostly intel) that let you select the mac but I have heard there are restrictions in microsoft that prevent you from actually using this so it is not included. This is similar to why you can't set the options to capture traffic in windows.

The other strangeness with the implementation of wireless nics is they connect to AP and then never change until the signal pretty much completely drops. So if you actually get good enough signal from your AP you could move the computer close to the AP get it to connect and then move the computer back into your room without allowing it to disconnect.

 

[Pooneil]

Depending on how much you want to spend and the inconvenience you are willing to suffer, a bridge with a directional antenna pointed toward the preferred signal is likely to force the better connection. The bridge would connect to the wifi and your computer would connect to it over and get its internet connection over an Ethernet cable. It is not ideal but is an option.

The Engenius brand bridges I am familiar with are designed for outdoor use but will certainly work indoors. There may be others that are cheaper. Another option is to use a less expensive router that will also function as a bridge and attach a directional antenna or set it closer to the preferred signal then run the wire to your computer.


None of this is optimal, but as you've found out wifi infrastructure in a high density setting has a hard time keeping up with the ever growing demand for network speed.

 

[BoftheT]

Another option is to use a less expensive router that will also function as a bridge and attach a directional antenna or set it closer to the preferred signal then run the wire to your computer.

I think this might be my best option. What should I look for in a directional antenna?

 

[bill001g]

You will likely pay as much for a directional antenna and a cheap router that can do client bridge as you can just buy a outdoor bridge

Look at ENH202 from engenius or locom2 from ubiquiti. There are only 2 examples there are many more option from both companies.