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But if the laptop is currently connected to a WiFi network with a known location, what's the point of scanning for networks to locate it? You already know that

by not2b 4y ago

But if the laptop is currently connected to a WiFi network with a known location, what's the point of scanning for networks to locate it? You already know that you're within range of a known spot.

bschne 4y ago
„Within range of one network“ doesn‘t give you as much information as „all these networks are visible and here‘s how strong they look from where you are“
- not2b 4y ago
  Not just within range, connected to. Meaning you're close enough to have a strong signal. If it isn't a strong signal this can be detected and the system could scan in that case, looking for a better one.
- bonestamp2 4y ago
  True, but is that precision worth the hit to latency... especially if you're trying to do a voice and/or video call? I doubt it's worth the tradeoff most of the time.
  - lelandfe 4y ago
    How often are folks in meetings, connected to WiFi, and opening up the WiFi connections list to hunt for other networks? I'm frankly surprised that the author of these tweets encountered this at all, much less was so annoyed by it as to troubleshoot.
    - gsich 4y ago
      All the time.
    - bonestamp2 4y ago
      > opening up the WiFi connections list to hunt for other networks? That's not the trigger. The trigger is location services scanning for networks in the background. So, if you have that enabled then it happens automatically while you're on a call.
saltminer 4y ago
Roaming. Although a desktop might not usually be moving while it's on, a laptop user might move around the house, conference room, or lecture hall, and switching APs could result in a stronger signal. It's better to switch before your signal gets weak/drops to minimize disruptions during BSS transitions. On an unrelated note, in my experience Apple devices are consistently the most frustrating devices when it comes to wifi. They are insanely picky about what networks they will connect to, and they are never consistent.

by not2b 4y ago

But if the laptop is currently connected to a WiFi network with a known location, what's the point of scanning for networks to locate it? You already know that you're within range of a known spot.

bschne 4y ago

„Within range of one network“ doesn‘t give you as much information as „all these networks are visible and here‘s how strong they look from where you are“

not2b 4y ago
Not just within range, connected to. Meaning you're close enough to have a strong signal. If it isn't a strong signal this can be detected and the system could scan in that case, looking for a better one.
bonestamp2 4y ago
True, but is that precision worth the hit to latency... especially if you're trying to do a voice and/or video call? I doubt it's worth the tradeoff most of the time.
- lelandfe 4y ago
  How often are folks in meetings, connected to WiFi, and opening up the WiFi connections list to hunt for other networks? I'm frankly surprised that the author of these tweets encountered this at all, much less was so annoyed by it as to troubleshoot.
  - gsich 4y ago
    All the time.
  - bonestamp2 4y ago
    > opening up the WiFi connections list to hunt for other networks? That's not the trigger. The trigger is location services scanning for networks in the background. So, if you have that enabled then it happens automatically while you're on a call.

saltminer 4y ago

Roaming. Although a desktop might not usually be moving while it's on, a laptop user might move around the house, conference room, or lecture hall, and switching APs could result in a stronger signal. It's better to switch before your signal gets weak/drops to minimize disruptions during BSS transitions. On an unrelated note, in my experience Apple devices are consistently the most frustrating devices when it comes to wifi. They are insanely picky about what networks they will connect to, and they are never consistent.