WiFi channels issue

[tjones9163]

Hello, On my LAN I have 2 laptops. One is on the 5 GHz and the other is on 2.4ghz and pretty much I can not successfully transfer files through the file explorer on the (network) tab. I can't even see the other computer on the network. When I checked the setting of each computer I see that they are both on different Wifi frequencies. I have the basic ATT provided Arris NVg599 modem and router.
Would this be the reason why i can't see the other computer on the network or could it be something else?
Thanks

 

[Gryz]

It shouldn't be a reason why your filetransfers don't work.

I think windows expects clients and servers to be on the same logical layer-3 network (in other words: to be in the same subnet). Services are broadcasted to the whole subnet. So if your client is not on the same subnet as the server, it won't see the server. You can bypass this often by configuring something (broadcast-forwarding or broadcast-helper) on the router.

So first check the ip-addresses and subnet-masks on your two computers. Are they in the same range ?

 

[razel]

Make sure both laptops have their network set to 'private', on the router 'ap isolation' mode is off. Additionally for simplicity of troubleshooting I'd temporarily connect both wired to the router. Manually setting DNS entries or having one of the laptops on a VPN can affect them seeing each other off the Network tab, but via internal IP they should still connect.

You can ping the internal IPvia command prompt then try to access the file share via the IP address in 'File Explorer' eg. \\10.0.0.5\. Yes, the computer can save credentials for file shares. You can check the 'Credentials Manager' to remove it. You can also dig into the Computer Management's File Share's folder to see what's being shared and what connected.

Fun times, but once you figure it out, it's a VERY useful home LAN skill.

 

[tjones9163]

Make sure both laptops have their network set to 'private', on the router 'ap isolation' mode is off. Additionally for simplicity of troubleshooting I'd temporarily connect both wired to the router. Manually setting DNS entries or having one of the laptops on a VPN can affect them seeing each other off the Network tab, but via internal IP they should still connect.

You can ping the internal IPvia command prompt then try to access the file share via the IP address in 'File Explorer' eg. \\10.0.0.5\. Yes, the computer can save credentials for file shares. You can check the 'Credentials Manager' to remove it. You can also dig into the Computer Management's File Share's folder to see what's being shared and what connected.

Fun times, but once you figure it out, it's a VERY useful home LAN skill.

Well, you mentioned entering DNS, I currently have one laptop as OpenDNS and one as googles DNS. Could that be the problem?
I will try what you had mentioned and thanks for the response.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Well, you mentioned entering DNS, I currently have one laptop as OpenDNS and one as googles DNS. Could that be the problem?

Yes, that easily could.

 

[mxnerd]

Well, you mentioned entering DNS, I currently have one laptop as OpenDNS and one as googles DNS. Could that be the problem?

No. OpenDNS and Google DNS only resolve public server names on the internet for your PC/laptop when you are surfing, they have nothing to do with local or private computer name resolution.

You have to check other settings. Like whether you have same version of Windows, or AP isolation setting being turned on (that means Wi-Fi clients can't see each other) for your Wi-Fi router/modem gateway.

And if you are using VPN, it could prevent your PC/laptop from seeing each other too. See if your NordVPN client software has option to unblock your LAN.