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Windows Wireless Zero Configuration: Five Steps to Sanity

With the release of Windows XP, Microsoft tried to make configuring and connecting to wireless networks easy for everyone. They partially succeeded. The Wireless Zero Configuration service is the "brains" behind managing wireless connections with Windows. Unfortunately, WZC does not always make sane decisions, which can cause sensations of frustration and annoyance, not to mention itching and burning.

Access Point Whack-a-Mole
In some spaces where wireless access is available, multiple access points (APs) are used to blanket a large area. Frequently these APs all broadcast the same network name, or SSID. Wireless Zero Configuration is programmed to assume this is the case ? so, when it sees more than one AP with the same SSID, it automatically connects to the one with the strongest signal.

Not a bad strategy on paper. But what if two APs are broadcasting the same SSID and are not on the same network? WZC will connect to the stronger one, whether you want it to or not. Which might hook you up to the wrong network, possibly interrupting an existing session with your desired network.

Of course, if you manage your own wireless network, you can simply change its SSID to a unique name. But maybe you're in a public space, or a zone managed by your workplace or a provider broadcasting an SSID of their choosing. Windows Wireless Zero Configuration: Five Steps to Sanity

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