Connect to two different wifi networks (not bonding/merging/combining)

As I stated, my laptop has TWO WiFi adapters. I am NOT trying to establish TWO connections on a SINGLE adapter.

I am NOT asking about setting up two networks on some other device. I am asking about connecting to two EXISTING networks from a single computer that has TWO WiFi adapters.

As I stated before, this is elementary routing. I don't mean that in the sense of some sort of router configuration. I mean that this is elementary routing that any OS should be capable of.

Assume a computer with two interfaces (forget even that they're WiFi). Interface A (192.168.1.2/24) connects to the WiFi router (192.168.1.1). Interface B (10.0.1.2/24) connects to a local network (10.0.1.0/24). There is only one default route: 192.168.42.1. The computer will have a routing table something like this:

default gw 192.168.1.1

Interface A 192.168.1.0/24

Interface B 10.0.1.0/24

In my scenario, the laptop's built-in WiFi adapter is Interface A. The USB WiFi dongle is Interface B. The interfaces would have no conflict and there would be no confusion about default routes. I am not trying to use the computer as a router between the two networks. I only want to be able to access both networks simultaneously from the computer.

The only thing preventing me from setting this up is Windows' refusal to allow two adapters to be connected at the same time.

One computer (laptop in my example) with 2 WiFi interfaces (one built in, one USB dongle). One WiFi interface connects to the router for Internet access. The other interface, with no default gw, connects only to a single local network. This is an extremely common scenario that I implement frequently on other OS's. There should be no routing confusion or complication in this setup because there is only one default gw. This is simple routing. It's Windows that is making things complicated by refusing to have more than one WiFi interface connected at a time.

I need access to both networks simultaneously, so switching between them isn't a solution.

Are you talking about having one device connected to both at the same time? Two devices connected to both at the same time? I feel like your question is overly complicated to the point its difficult to know what you actually want.

But, obviously, if you want both at the same time, the typical setup of typical wifi hardware will only do one at a time but can switch between them by just connecting to them and then choosing the one to connect to.

If you want both at the same time then you need the hardware to do so or change your approach :-)

I really can't figure out exactly what you're saying though as its not clear enough. Stating what you don't want doesn't help in this case and isn't what you want anyway so its not clear because if it was then you wouldn't need to state that.

Sorry. I've been in forums every day for 12 years and never even seen the question before, which means it's probably too advanced for a consumer forums. From research I just did it's never been asked anywhere.

To be more likely to find someone who knows I would ask this at our sister forums for IT Professionals, Q&A forums here: https://docs.microsoft.com/th-th/answers/index....

There are also equally good (and sometimes busier) IT Pro forums here:

https://www.techrepublic.com/forums/

https://www.spiceworks.com/

I hope it helps.

Hi Nelson. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

Threads are locked here based on age, not being solved.

You may not have found the answer because there isn't a way to connect to two separate Wifi networks from one device, even if one is only for local network. You'd have to have two separate Wifi adapters and they will not work together on the same device without finding software that can do this. But you said you do not want combine, merge or bond which leaves them separate and not viable except for one. So it's not possible that I am aware of or can find.

The only thing possible that can work is to have two networks to choose between, one for internet and the other for local devices. See here:

https://www.actiontec.com/blog/how-to-create-a-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions. Please report back results for all steps given so I know what else to suggest if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.