This article covers our options to keep your project moving forward even if you can't generate a list of BSSIDs
Why do BSSID's matter?
BSSIDs, also known as Basic Service Set Identifiers, play a crucial role in the system as they serve as unique identifiers for WiFi access points. These identifiers, along with the location description you assign to each, are used to determine the location of computers that are connected to the network via WiFi. By analyzing the BSSIDs, the system can accurately identify the physical location of devices.
Wait...we have this data!
Great! If you're able to generate a list of BSSIDs, along with a textual description of the physical location of each access point, System Administrators can populate and upload this data on this page: Manage Access Points.
Uploading this data before deploying the software ensures a seamless rollout to all WiFi-connected devices. In simpler terms, by pre-populating BSSID information, end users can use the software without needing to interact with it for it to work properly.
Ugh...we don't have this data!
If you don't have this data, it's ok, you can still rollout the application, you'll just need a little help from your end users or select personnel.
Crowd Source Via End Users
To successfully deploy the Computer Panic Button software without pre-populating BSSIDs, you will need the assistance of end users. During the software deployment, end users will be prompted to provide their current location to the system. The available options will align with your Security Zone structure. Thus, you'll need to ensure your Security Zone structure is well defined. You can refer to our Knowledge Base article on Security Zones for further information. The prompt will resemble something like this:
When an end user competes the prompt, the location identified by the user becomes associated to the BSSID that has the strongest signal strength to the device. Once an AP has been added to the portal, other users that connect to the AP will not be prompted.
Sourcing APs via Solo User
To source the Access Points via solo user or a group of dedicated personnel using laptops with the CPB installed. Right click on the CPB icon and click on "Details," this will put the CPB in a state where it's actively roaming. While the Details Window is present on the screen, the machine will constantly scan for unrecognized APs, prompting the user when an unknown AP provides the strongest signal to the machine. Once an AP has been added to the portal, other users that connect to the AP will not be prompted. When the Details Window is closed, the constant-scanning behavior will stop. PLEASE NOTE: This feature is only available on the Windows CPB.
Important Notes
- In order to leverage the crowd sourcing feature, you need to ensure WiFi Prompting is turned on. This can be done on the Computer Panic Button configuration page.
- If a BSSID is already registered in the system, end users will not be prompted to specify the location of their machine. This helpful feature reduces the number of popups and ensures a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
- If there are multiple BSSIDs within the range of a computer, and any of those BSSIDs have already been assigned a location, end users will not be prompted with a popup. In other words, end users will only receive the prompt if none of the BSSIDs within the range of the computer exist in the system.