topic Re: Some macOS devices connect to wifi, but have no internet connection in Wireless

Some macOS devices connect to wifi, but have no internet connection

bbot — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:32:00 GMT

MR42 and MR46 access points running firmware MR 30.7
Authentication set to WPA3 authentication.

We're seeing this about 1-2 times a day on a 65 device environment. The Mac will try to connect for 30+ seconds, then will show as connected, but with no internet connection. On most devices, it'll resolve itself after a few minutes.

Connecting to a guest network will work immediately. (Using WPA3 Transition mode)

Anyone else run into anything similar?

Re: Some macOS devices connect to wifi, but have no internet connection

kYutobi — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:36:42 GMT

I ran into a similar situation with Macs but only a few users. Same settings you have only hidden network. When user goes from one campus and back to the other SSID connects but receives no internet access. I sometimes believe it has to do with the way WPA3 Transition mode works but will soon test that theory on a WPA2 network which in comparison I've seen another Meraki network with the same setup but the only difference is the encryption type on password.

Re: Some macOS devices connect to wifi, but have no internet connection

ConnorL1 — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 22:15:26 GMT

FYI, might not be related but if you're running macOS Sequioa, there's a few issues with the built-in firewall. I get similar issues on my home network and usually have to toggle Wi-Fi off/on after my laptop wakes.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/apples-new-macos-sequoia-update-is-breaking-some-cybersecurity-tools/

Re: Some macOS devices connect to wifi, but have no internet connection

bbot — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 22:27:53 GMT

Looking at the article, it says the firewall may block browsers from accessing the internet.

My issue looks slightly different in that the entire device has no network connection.

Re: Some macOS devices connect to wifi, but have no internet connection

Philip D'Ath — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:27:23 GMT

>Authentication set to WPA3 authentication.

WPA3 is not ready for "prime time" deployment. Lots of devices can connect at all or experience connection-related errors. We are probably several years away from drivers being solid enough to roll out WPA3 generally.

What I tend to do is create a seperate WPA3 SSID, and only put devices that I know that work onto it. At best, I would only use WPA3 for a test environment like this.

Re: Some macOS devices connect to wifi, but have no internet connection

Philip D'Ath — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:28:35 GMT

>Using WPA3 Transition mode

I've found compatibility with transition mode even worse than pure WPA3. I've given up trying yo use transition mode, even in test environments.