Finding out which wifi AP the device used to access the network
Is it possible to find out the MAC Addr of AP the device used to connect the network? I can get the MAC address and IP address of the device(maybe notebook or smartphone), and I have to check the MAC address of the wifi device. (I’m not saying about the gateway address) There are lots of AP with same ESSID and different channels here, and I want to get which AP was used.
P.s. I have heard about monitoring mode, but I couldn’t figure out how to monitor whole accessible network.
What are you trying to accomplish? You have two answers which reference the BSSID, and while the BSSID is often a MAC address and uses the same format, it is not technically considered a MAC address. Or do you mean the MAC address of the wired interface on the AP? The context of the question can be just as important in getting the best answers as the question itself.
5 Answers 5
If you want to know which AP your computer is connected to. You have two options.
- Use inSSIDer to investigate your wireless network. The network that you are connected will be indicated by the green wireless icon. 2 . Use built-in netsh command in Windows 7 or Windows 8 To do so, go to your Command Prompt that you can find in Accessories or click on the Windows button (Windows 7) or press Windows button on keyboard (Windows 8), and then type cmd
Command Prompt will be listed in front of you. Click on it and type the following command line
netsh wlan show interfaces
What you need to focus on is BSSID value. This is the MAC address of the AP that you are being connected. Now you can go check the MAC address on the APs’ information label to find out which one you are connected to.
AccessAgility Blog
Basic Hardware Required for a Wireless Network
[fa icon=»calendar»] Dec 15, 2017 5:12:25 PM / by Blog Team
Below is a list of the basic hardware required for a business class WiFi network. Typically, these networks require management of many access points. This requires specialized equipment for management and security beyond what is needed in a typical residential/home network.
For more information about what is required for a wireless network, check out our WiFi Design Guide.
Wireless Access Point
An access point (AP) is a device that creates a wireless local area network (WLAN). Access points are essential components of a wireless network’s infrastructure. They project a Wi-Fi signal to a specific area, and therefore, are generally used in offices and large buildings. APs allow various devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, to connect to WiFi.
On-Site and Cloud-Managed WLAN
Most larger wireless network deployments require a WLAN controller or Internet hosted wireless network management system to manage the access points.
Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC) are access point managers that that are mounted to a server rack and act as the brains of the wireless network setup. The controller tells each AP what settings to have at any given time so as not to disrupt the rest of the wireless infrastructure.
Cloud management systems are hosted at a data center and reduce or eliminate the need for on-premises management equipment. The exact architecture of how access points receive configuration and management information depends on the implemenatation of the access point manufacturer.
Network Switch
A network switch is a piece of equipment that connects all network devices together. Because they use PoE, new switches act as the power supply for connected devices.
Power over Ethernet
PoE allows a device to receive computer data and power at the same time by sending both over the same Ethernet cable. By using devices that support PoE, the need for electrical power at the exact location of the installed device is eliminated.
Firewall
Firewalls help to protect networks from unauthorized access to or from a network. They can be hardware or software based.
WiFi Enabled Device
Like internet access, it is necessary to have some kind of device to connect to the WiFi once a new network has been implemented. This can be a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or any other WiFi enabled device.
Internet Service
Internet access before implementing a wireless network is not required but helpful. During implementation Internet access can be used to update equipment software and communicate with equipment makers to troubleshoot any issues. Slow the Internet backhaul/speeds result in end users thinking the WiFi is the bottleneck. Testing the Internet during implementation phase allows you to set expectations.