Can I have more than 1 router set to "automatically connect"?

[coaster]

Can I have more than 1 router set to "automatically connect"?

Hello All

When using windows 7, there's the option of connecting automatically to the wireless router.
If I take my laptop to a friend's house and select automatically connect there, will that delete my own router's details at home?

 

[Corazon]

No. Windows will store connection details (including whether or not to connect automatically) for each wireless connection it finds.

You can also go to Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center, then click on the left side on Manage wireless networks. Once there you'll see all the routers your computer has ever connected to and can configure each one to either connect automatically or not, and even change the order in which Windows tries to find the networks and connect to them.

 

[coaster]

wow.. didn't expect a quick response ..lol brill. thanks mate!!!

 

[Corazon]

Very welcome.

 

[aem]

Get Windows 8 Developer Preview and this option might change. It looks like you can set to auto connect to multiple wifi. Don't have more than one router so cannot test it for you.

 

[Corazon]

You mean Windows 8 can connect to multiple routers simultaneously? ...To what end?

 

[severedsolo]

You mean Windows 8 can connect to multiple routers simultaneously? ...To what end?

I can think of a couple of uses. Load balancing for one thing. Windows 7 was supposed to have this, but it doesn't work very well if you try and run Ethernet and wireless.

So if you have two internet connections you can run them both simultaneously and use both's bandwidth.

 

[Corazon]

Intriguing!

But I can't help but wonder if paying for two separate Internet accounts would actually be cheaper than having one very fast connection...

 

[severedsolo]

Intriguing!

But I can't help but wonder if paying for two separate Internet accounts would actually be cheaper than having one very fast connection...

I am inclined to agree although I can see certain scenarios where it would be useful.

Just as an example, here in the UK 90% of our broadband is ADSL (up to 8Mb or up to 20Mb depending on where you live).

Now ADSL is limited primarily by the length of your line. If you live far away from the exchange and your line is only receiving say 2Mb/s then there is bugger all you can do. Your Line will ALWAYS get 2Mb/s. It's a physical limitation of the technology.

You can't pay a bit more and get a faster connection, as that's as fast as it goes where you are. You could however, get a 2nd phone line put in, and with load balancing get 4Mb/s (well slightly less with overheads, but you know what I mean)

As another example, Windows 8 is Tablet focused. What if you are in Starbucks (or wherever) and are picking up multiple open Wifi hotspots? If you were to load balance them, it would be much faster. (Lets face it, open Wifi isn't exactly quick)

 

[Corazon]

I'm liking this more and more.

 

[aem]

I'm liking this more and more.

Well then get your hands on the Developer Preview and try it out.

 

[Corazon]

Heh, even if I wanted to...I don't have multiple Internet connections laying around. I just find the whole idea intriguing, that's all.

(We've kinda gone a bit off-topic here anyway...)