What Access Point am I connected to?

Background - BSSID's and Helpful Commands

In the event that you are having issues connecting with a specific access point. Inside large network environments, determining which AP you're associated with can help all parties work towards identifying a solution. You can also note the BSSID any time you want to verify if you are connected to the same access point if moving or connecting in a new area on the existing WiFi. 

What is a BSSID?

A Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) is a unique identifier assigned to a wireless access point (AP) or router in a wireless local area network (WLAN). It serves as a way to distinguish one access point from another in the same vicinity. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your device (such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet) communicates with the access point using its BSSID. This is especially helpful in large buildings recognizing  what access point you're connected to, and service changes when moving around a large network space. 

Administrators Note: The following actions may require admin elevation, or the ability to open applications as an administrator. 

Windows - Command Prompt

Method 1 - Start Menu

1. Open Command prompt via any method below
   (Note: You may need to "Run as Administrator" via menu or right clicking before opening)
   
   
   • Launch the start menu and type “cmd” into the search bar
     
     

Method 2 - Run Menu

Press The Windows Key + R simultaneously to open the run menu. In the run bar, type “cmd” and hit the ok button.

Command Prompt

Type or Paste the following command into command prompt and hit enter: 

netsh wlan show interfaces

Once your results display, look for the BSSID. In this example that would be 72:bd:c5:a8:54:3a

Mac/OSX - WiFi “Options” Menu

1. Start off by connecting to the WiFi network in question.

2. On the top menu bar, Press and hold the “Option” key
   
   
3. While holding the option key, click the Wireless icon. This will bring up an expanded window with additional information not normally shown.
   
   
   
   
4. Take note of the BSSID. In this case the BSSID would be 62:bd:c5:a8:54:3b