Block other networks

Dumbone

Member
May 5, 2007
28
0
0
I don't have problems connecting to my network and when my laptop connects I check to make sure it is mine. I assigned a unique name to my network so I know I am connected to the right one.
Sometimes when I check my connection I can see other networks. Most times I see around 4 networks. All wireless. Yesterday I went up to the second floor of my house with the laptop and was able to see 9 networks!!!!!!
When I move the mouse pointer over each network it would say weak signal or no signal.
Is there a way I can block my laptop from seeing thise networks?????
Thanks
Dumbone
 

Griffinhart

Golden Member
Dec 7, 2004
1,130
1
76
I know, it's amazing how many wireless networks have popped up. I'm fortunate enough that my house has a fairly large yard so it's big enough to buffer most of the neighbors networks enough so I only occasionally see one other network other than my own.

For now, the only real way to do what you want is to use a different frequency wireless network. The 2.4 range is heavily used. Unfortunately, the only options there are .11a and some draft N routers/cards that use the 5.8 frequency range.

The problem is:
11a routers are more expensive than 11g and It's almost impossible to fine adapters that can use it.
11n (5.8) There are few routers that support the 5.8 band and I have yet to see any draft N adapters that support that frequency. All are much more expensive as well.

So, the only current solution isn't a solution at all.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
uhh, 802.11a adapters are everywhere. business wireless uses a TON o 802.11a and intel is full of dual mode wireless cards.

OP - if you use the client utility for your wireless card you can exclude certain access points from your list. Just highlight a particular wireless network and look at it's BSSID, then put this into your client utilitie's exclude list.
 

Griffinhart

Golden Member
Dec 7, 2004
1,130
1
76
Originally posted by: spidey07
uhh, 802.11a adapters are everywhere. business wireless uses a TON o 802.11a and intel is full of dual mode wireless cards.


That's only the case for business class laptops really. Most consumer laptops don't come with A as an option. Desktop Wireless is even harder to find. I found all of one on Newegg and it was for $180.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,563
432
126
There is a difference between Blocking, and Not see.

Whether you see the existence of b, g, n, or a on the screen, or not, is irrelevant it is in the Air No matter what.

The only way to Block it is to surround your residence/business with a Farady Cage ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage ).
 

bwatson283

Golden Member
Jul 16, 2006
1,062
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As long as the other person's SSID is broadcasting, then you will see them in your list of close access points.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: bwatson283
As long as the other person's SSID is broadcasting, then you will see them in your list of close access points.

That's not true at all.

A client sends management frames on all open channels in the hopes that an AP responds. If you exclude the BSSIDs you don't want they will not show up or be disabled. It depends on how the client utility handles this.