How to automate a network connection on Windows 7?

sand_man

sand_man

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With the inconsistent nature of SA telecoms, heavy users are sometimes compelled to use multiple ISP accounts to maximize performance.

My request is a simple one.

I would like to fully automate and/or schedule the ISP my Windows 7 pc connects to.

IE I have an after hours uncapped account. I would like my Windows pc to connect to this account everyday at 6pm and disconnect at 6am and again Friday's at 6pm till Monday morning 6am.

How do I accomplish this??!!!!
 
Xzib1t said:
Would also like to know, however I can only think of a MicroTik router being able to accomplish this.
Click to expand...

The question was asked the other day and somebody insinuated that it could be done via a specifically written script. I wouldn't know where to start but waiting for programmers out there to offer advice...
 
I don't know enough about modern router models to comment about their particular capabilities.

But if you want that capability and a lot more besides, you should think about running pfSense. I run it in an ESXi VM on an HP MicroServer. Gives me full control, configurability, firewall, etc, etc. I run multiple connections to multiple ISPs, VPN and VoIP, and I have full control to do exactly what I want.
 
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Arthur said:
I don't know enough about modern router models to comment about their particular capabilities.

But if you want that capability and a lot more besides, you should think about running pfSense. I run it in an ESXi VM on an HP MicroServer. Gives me full control, configurability, firewall, etc, etc.
Click to expand...

I have pfSense, OpenMediaVault, Win2012r2 and an OwnCloud instance running on my Proxmox box. Really good, cost effective and energy efficient way of running things!

OP, look into a more robust solution, it worth it.
 
sand_man said:
With the inconsistent nature of SA telecoms, heavy users are sometimes compelled to use multiple ISP accounts to maximize performance.

My request is a simple one.

I would like to fully automate and/or schedule the ISP my Windows 7 pc connects to.

IE I have an after hours uncapped account. I would like my Windows pc to connect to this account everyday at 6pm and disconnect at 6am and again Friday's at 6pm till Monday morning 6am.

How do I accomplish this??!!!!
Click to expand...

All you need is one good ISP, by the sounds of it your ISP throttles and shapes.
 
I'm pretty bad with networks but to my knowledge a few routers like some microtik and cisco have sheduled routing so thats one option.

Another is to use the windows task scheduler to run connections/disconnections to different wifi AP's using netsh like to connect:
netsh wlan connect SSID

Or even use the scheduler to add/remove routes.

Should be a few ways to acomplish this so you just need to try a few things.
 
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Arthur said:
I don't know enough about modern router models to comment about their particular capabilities.

But if you want that capability and a lot more besides, you should think about running pfSense. I run it in an ESXi VM on an HP MicroServer. Gives me full control, configurability, firewall, etc, etc. I run multiple connections to multiple ISPs, VPN and VoIP, and I have full control to do exactly what I want.
Click to expand...

Instructions.. Maybe?
 
Sounds like something you could do with a macro recorder. For windows you'd start the macro with something like "WINKEY + D" to get to the desktop, then start recording your actions to switch networks. Once done, schedule that task to run at a certain time. I haven't used a macro recorder for a while so not sure what software to recommend.
 
Beachless said:
I'm pretty bad with networks but to my knowledge a few routers like some microtik and cisco have sheduled routing so thats one option.

Another is to use the windows task scheduler to run connections/disconnections to different wifi AP's using netsh like to connect:
netsh wlan connect SSID

Or even use the scheduler to add/remove routes.

Should be a few ways to acomplish this so you just need to try a few things.
Click to expand...

saor said:
Sounds like something you could do with a macro recorder. For windows you'd start the macro with something like "WINKEY + D" to get to the desktop, then start recording your actions to switch networks. Once done, schedule that task to run at a certain time. I haven't used a macro recorder for a while so not sure what software to recommend.
Click to expand...

Yeah, macro recorder seems to be the easiest and most cost effective option.

Found a good one here.Number 3 on the guys list, Perfect Automation!

I've installed, tested and configured but tonight/tomorrow morning will be the acid test.

It has a built in scheduler and I've recorded 2 macros, 1 to run everyday at 6.15pm which should enter my router settings for the uncapped after hours vox bolt-on account and then tomorrow morning at 5.55am another macro should run to enter my router settings for the WebAfrica capped account I use during office hours.
 
Damn it man, there is a snag!!

The macros run as scheduled but a prompt box comes up where one has to manually select play to actually run the macro!!!

Wtf is the point of that? The whole idea is for the macros to run without me having to physically be at my desktop??!!
 
sand_man said:
Damn it man, there is a snag!!

The macros run as scheduled but a prompt box comes up where one has to manually select play to actually run the macro!!!

Wtf is the point of that? The whole idea is for the macros to run without me having to physically be at my desktop??!!
Click to expand...
Haven't had a chance to look at what you're using, but when I used something similiar it allowed you to create an .exe file that could be run & didn't require any further prompting. There must be a way around it.
 
saor said:
Haven't had a chance to look at what you're using, but when I used something similiar it allowed you to create an .exe file that could be run & didn't require any further prompting. There must be a way around it.
Click to expand...
Yes, there probably is just trying to figure out what and yes, it does create a .exe file as well as a .pa and .pam
 
Select 'Executable File silent' .exe then record the macro and it creates an exe file. I ran one now without any further prompts.

1.png
 
Power off your router, then go to the Win7 pc. Right click taskbar icon and open Network and Sharing, click on Manage Wireless Networks and delete all of them, and re boot. While re booting power ON router, wait till all lights show then re enter your password. Now for the most important part, cross your fingers and pray.
 
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