Windows won't connect to a WiFi AP that doesn't have internet access.

[wocketpatch]

Hi, we are going to be without internet for a few days while they remodel part of our building. In the mean time I still need to be able to connect to my local LAN via WiFi so I can SSH into my server next door. However, I can't connect to the AP on any of our computers, even though the signal strength is good and I know the password is good. It seems to be rejecting the connection because there is no WAN access currently, however, I don't need internet access (which I can get by tethering my phone) I just need to get connected to my LAN so I can administer things locally. Why won't it let me connect, and how can I work around this? Thank you!

 

[azazel1024]

Yeah, you've got something else going on. Is it not connecting at all? Or is it connecting but you cannot access anything locally? If you can connect, but can't access anything locally, it is because you don't have a DHCP server running on the network (router off/disconnected?)

If you can't connect at all, unless it is some kind of AP that leverages a centralized controller that is disconnected/off, you have something else entirely going on.

 

[wocketpatch]

Well, my workaround is to connect a laptop's ethernet to the WAN port of the router with my phone tethered and internet sharing turned on. When there is a WAN connection, then the computers can connect to the WiFi. I can then disconnect the laptop and the computers stay connected. I do have to reconnect the laptop to the WAN port again if I restart any of the computers or they will not connect. Not sure if it's a thing with my router, or a thing with Windows. I'll try connecting to the wifi with my gf's LinuxMint laptop when I get a chance -- if it connects OK then I think that points to some kind of Windows setting.

 

[sdifox]

That is a weird router.

 

[Fardringle]

Is this a combination modem/router provided by the ISP? If so it might be set up to behave that way.

If it is a commercial off-the-shelf router, then it sounds like it is malfunctioning or not configured properly.