Windows Wireless Service Problems

Wireless access can present problems.

The Wireless Zero Configuration service manages the wireless connections within your Windows-based operating system. The Wireless Zero Configuration service allows your wireless network card to instanteously select and connect to an available wireless network. The "Wireless Network Setup Wizard" and the "View Available Wireless Networks" are Windows-based programs that depend on the Wireless Zero Configuration service.

802.1x Authentication

The default wireless protocol your "Wireless Zero Configuration" uses as a standard is 802.1X authentication. If you do not use this protocol for your wireless setup, your connection may be disrupted as your system attempts to carry out 802.1X authentication with your available access point.

Same SSID

Two access points broadcasting the same SSID and are not on the same network can cause connectivity issues. These identical SSIDs can cause you to connect to the wrong network or possibly interrupt an active session with the network you want.

Hidden SSID

The "Wireless Zero Configuration" service can recognize a hidden SSID Access Point broadcasting and your computer will attempt to make a connection. Even if you specify that the hidden SSID access point is not the network the network you want, the attempt to connect will cause an interruption in your link.

References

• Microsoft:Troubleshoot problems finding wireless networks
• Small Business Computing Windows: Wireless Zero Configuration: Five Steps to Sanity
• Information and Communication Technology Services: Wireless Zero Configuration service required to connect to the UCT wireless network