How to deactivate the search for new wireless networks?

[major7]

The title says it all.

I usuallly only use 2 networks(home & work) so i was wondering if there was a way to deactivate the continuos search for new wirelees networks in order to save some battery?

P.S.: Without obviously deactivating the Wireless itself

 

[GreyMatta]

The title says it all.

I usuallly only use 2 networks(home & work) so i was wondering if there was a way to deactivate the continuos search for new wirelees networks in order to save some battery?

P.S.: Without obviously deactivating the Wireless itself

there is a check box to disable asking you about selecting other networks in the network settings

 

[major7]

there is a check box to disable asking you about selecting other networks in the network settings

Just tried that but it still looks for other networks....i think that there is no solution but i bet that some energy would be saved if there was an option to stop it.

 

[Doc750]

turn off ur wifi
or join on of the two networkd if available, and it stops searching

 

[GGJstudios]

The title says it all.

I usuallly only use 2 networks(home & work) so i was wondering if there was a way to deactivate the continuos search for new wirelees networks in order to save some battery?

P.S.: Without obviously deactivating the Wireless itself

It doesn't continuously search for new networks. It only does that when you click on the AirPort icon on the Menu Bar. The battery power it uses for that is so infinitesimal, you couldn't measure it.

 

[YMark]

It doesn't continuously search for new networks. It only does that when you click on the AirPort icon on the Menu Bar. The battery power it uses for that is so infinitesimal, you couldn't measure it.

I'm not sure I agree with either of these statements. Not trying to be argumentative, but how do you know that the WiFi radio isn't continuously searching even though it is connected to a network?

I also believe the battery power used for this is absolutely measurable.

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm not sure I agree with either of these statements. Not trying to be argumentative, but how do you know that the WiFi radio isn't continuously searching even though it is connected to a network?

Because when you first click the icon on the Menu Bar, it shows AirPort:On. Then, after a second or two, it switches to AirPort:Scanning... while it searches, then after the search is complete, it reverts back to AirPort:On. It will not search again until you click the icon again:

​

I also believe the battery power used for this is absolutely measurable.

So measure it.

 

[major7]

But it logs into my network automatically so it has to scan for them....automatically! That's what logic says.....

 

[major7]

test 1: clicked on the icon and noticed it looks for networks in a 10 sec interval (but that doesnt mean it looks for networks when im not clicking it)

test 2: opened activity monitor and checked for the airport process....then clicked the airport icon and neither cpu or memory usage increases so i think it is always looking for new networks...

 

[YMark]

Because when you first click the icon on the Menu Bar, it shows AirPort:On. Then, after a second or two, it switches to AirPort:Scanning... while it searches, then after the search is complete, it reverts back to AirPort:On. It will not search again until you click the icon again:

View attachment 270947 View attachment 270948 View attachment 270947​

The above proves nothing.

So measure it.

I don't care enough to run measurements on it. I was just saying that I believe the wireless radio does use a measurable amount of battery.

 

[GGJstudios]

But it logs into my network automatically so it has to scan for them....automatically! That's what logic says.....

Yes, it joins the network you have on your preferred network list. If it doesn't find one available on your preferred network list, it searches for available networks for you to join. Once you've joined a network, it has no need to keep searching, since you've already joined a network. It will not keep searching unless you manually initiate a search by clicking the icon.

test 1: clicked on the icon and noticed it looks for networks in a 10 sec interval (but that doesnt mean it looks for networks when im not clicking it)

If you click and hold the icon, it scans one time and then doesn't scan again unless you release and re-click the icon, initiating another search.

test 2: opened activity monitor and checked for the airport process....then clicked the airport icon and neither cpu or memory usage increases so i think it is always looking for new networks...

Why would you think that it's always searching if you have no evidence to suggest that?

The above proves nothing.

Actually, it does. If it was continually scanning for new networks, the AirPort status would continually show that, rather than only showing it briefly when you click the icon. You haven't provided any evidence to the contrary.

I don't care enough to run measurements on it. I was just saying that I believe the wireless radio does use a measurable amount of battery.

There's no question that WiFi uses battery power. I said the battery power used during a search for a new network uses an infinitesimal amount of power, as it only lasts a few seconds.

 

[major7]

sorry man but test 1 is valid

if you pay attention after 10 sec it looks again for new networks....and 10 sec later it does the same...but its hardly noticed...keep your eyes on the screen and count to 10...im not lying

Edit: any beta testers to make test 1 available?

 

[GGJstudios]

sorry man but test 1 is valid

if you pay attention after 10 sec it looks again for new networks....and 10 sec later it does the same...but its hardly noticed...keep your eyes on the screen and count to 10...im not lying

Edit: any beta testers to make test 1 available?

I held it for over 2 minutes, and it never searched again. It's possible that if your wireless signal is weak or has interference, it may cause it to frequently re-scan to reacquire your network.

 

[MRU]

(but that doesnt mean it looks for networks when im not clicking it)

Paranoid much I have a stone that protects you from Godzilla attacks - how does it work you ask? Well I don't know but I haven't been attacked by any giant lizards yet...........


Seriously you are making a mountain out of a molehill and GGLStudios info is correct.




Also apply some logic. If you only use wireless at home and work, once you are connected to those networks it will not be using any more power as it's always connected anyway so it is at max power consumption.

If you are also adamant that you only use 2 wireless networks then why not switch wireless off when your out... It's so simple - or do you like tormenting yourself with quasi paranoia about your wireless searching?