Hi, If a network on your list of preferred wireless networks has the same SSID as another network that's in range of your computer, Windows might try to switch between the two routers or access points because it considers them to be the same network. This can happen in places such as apartment buildings or neighborhoods where people have the same network hardware and haven't changed the default settings. To resolve it, you can change to a unique SSID on your router or select the wrong wireless network, uncheck "connect automatically when this network is in range" option. How do I prevent my computer from switching between wireless access points? http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/How-do-I-prevent-my-computer-from-switching-between-wireless-access-points Niki Han TechNet Community Support

Hi Niki It's a business network, so intentionally there are multple WAPs (Not Routers, just dumb WAPs) with the same SSID/PSK with the idea that someone can use say their laptop wirelessly throughout the whole facility. I know what we're doing (Using just dumb TP Link cheapo WAPs) in a business situation like this, and we are in the process of planning and quoting a proper Aruba system with a controller. Was more curious as to how or what mechanism there is that makes Windows choose a different WAP, even if that WAP is poorer signal.

Hi, According to your description, I suspect your business is using wireless distribution system. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_distribution_system Wireless connection won't be seamless. Please try to disconnect the low signal wireless network, and then let Windows 7 configure again. Meanwhile, please check if there is any group policy set for the priority wireless network. Niki Han TechNet Community Support

I have a customer who is continually having wireless issues. After diagnosing I have found that the laptop is defaulting to a further away/MUCH lower signal WAP (Multiple WAPs with the same SSID in the facility) while there is a WAP that will give around 50% signal (50% via Windows 7's wireless icon) and is only like 10 metres away, opposed to like 30 and through multiple walls. Why is Windows doing this? I'll reboot the further away WAP, forcing it to switch to the closer, but at a random time later on it will go back to using the further away WAP. What is it that makes Windows decide which WAP to use?

Hi, According to your description, I suspect your business is using wireless distribution system. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_distribution_system Wireless connection won't be seamless. Please try to disconnect the low signal wireless network, and then let Windows 7 configure again. Meanwhile, please check if there is any group policy set for the priority wireless network. Niki Han TechNet Community Support