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Mac will not reconnect to wireless after sleep

Hi, I'm currently using a 2015 MBA running OSX 10.11.1. It seems that when I wake my computer after walking away, by putting it to sleep or locking the screen etc, I lose my wireless connection, even though it shows the status of it being connected, valid IP, DNS etc. Yet will not ping anything on network. I have tried numerous troubleshooting measures. Nothing seems to work other than disconnecting and re connecting. I'm currently connected to an 802.1x network using EAP-PEAP. Is this an 802.1x issue? Or a mac bug that happens when its connected to a network using encryption. I only seem to experience this issue on encrypted wireless. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

MacBook Air, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Nov 5, 2015 8:47 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Nov 5, 2015 9:16 AM

Please test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved. Back up all data before making any changes.

1. If possible, test on at least one other network, such as a public hotspot or the hotspot created by a mobile phone. Some Wi-Fi routers are not fully compatible with some Apple devices.

2. Make sure the network is on the preferred list by following these instructions. It's important to read the article carefully, as it's the starting point for any further efforts to solve the problem. If you skip any of the steps, the problem may not be solved. Make sure the box marked

Remember networks this computer has joined

is checked.

3. Follow the applicable instructions in this support article.

4. Reset the PRAM.

5. Make a note of all your settings for Wi-Fi in the Network preference pane, then delete the connection from the connection list and recreate it with the same settings. You do this by clicking the plus-sign icon below the connection list, and selecting Wi-Fi as the interface in the sheet that opens. Select Join other network from the Network Name menu, then select your network. Enter the password when prompted and save it in the keychain.

6. From the Location menu at the top of the Network preference pane, select Edit Locations. A sheet will drop down. Click the plus-sign button to create a new location. Give it any name you want. In the new location, set up the Wi-Fi service with the same settings you used before. Click Apply and test.

7. Launch the Keychain Access application. Search for and delete all AirPort network password items that refer to the network. Make a note of the password first.

8. Repair permissions on the startup volume.

9. Turn off Bluetoothand test.

10. Reset the System Management Controller.

11. This step shouldn't be necessary, but has been advised by Apple Support in some cases, apparently as a workaround for a bug. Open the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences. If applicable, click the padlock icon in the lower left corner to unlock the settings. Enter your administrator login password when prompted.

Select the Power Adapter tab and uncheck the boxes marked

Wake for Wi-Fi network access

and

Enable Power Nap...

if present. Then, if the computer is a MacBook, select the Battery tab and uncheck

Enable Power Nap...

12. Reinstall OS X.

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Nov 5, 2015 9:16 AM in response to Bonkified

Please test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved. Back up all data before making any changes.

1. If possible, test on at least one other network, such as a public hotspot or the hotspot created by a mobile phone. Some Wi-Fi routers are not fully compatible with some Apple devices.

2. Make sure the network is on the preferred list by following these instructions. It's important to read the article carefully, as it's the starting point for any further efforts to solve the problem. If you skip any of the steps, the problem may not be solved. Make sure the box marked

Remember networks this computer has joined

is checked.

3. Follow the applicable instructions in this support article.

4. Reset the PRAM.

5. Make a note of all your settings for Wi-Fi in the Network preference pane, then delete the connection from the connection list and recreate it with the same settings. You do this by clicking the plus-sign icon below the connection list, and selecting Wi-Fi as the interface in the sheet that opens. Select Join other network from the Network Name menu, then select your network. Enter the password when prompted and save it in the keychain.

6. From the Location menu at the top of the Network preference pane, select Edit Locations. A sheet will drop down. Click the plus-sign button to create a new location. Give it any name you want. In the new location, set up the Wi-Fi service with the same settings you used before. Click Apply and test.

7. Launch the Keychain Access application. Search for and delete all AirPort network password items that refer to the network. Make a note of the password first.

8. Repair permissions on the startup volume.

9. Turn off Bluetoothand test.

10. Reset the System Management Controller.

11. This step shouldn't be necessary, but has been advised by Apple Support in some cases, apparently as a workaround for a bug. Open the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences. If applicable, click the padlock icon in the lower left corner to unlock the settings. Enter your administrator login password when prompted.

Select the Power Adapter tab and uncheck the boxes marked

Wake for Wi-Fi network access

and

Enable Power Nap...

if present. Then, if the computer is a MacBook, select the Battery tab and uncheck

Enable Power Nap...

12. Reinstall OS X.

Mac will not reconnect to wireless after sleep

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