How to configure networkmanager to auto connect on startup without a user logging in (Wifi)

On a current install of 16.04 the wireless network doesn't connect until someone logs into the computer.

In the past the only thing that was necessary for network connection was to connect to the Wireless. Then every time you reboot the computer it would automatically connect without logging in.

At present, the connection only becomes active once a user logs in. It doesn't matter which user, or whether it's a GUI lightdm login or a console login via one of the Alt-FKeys. Once there is a login the wireless network connects without any other action.

The problem with this is that the computer is in a remote location. Managing it is next to impossible because some maintenance requires rebooting the computer.

Thanks in advance for anyone who has a suggestion.

By the way, I know I can configure a connection via /etc/network/interfaces. However, this disables the networkmanager control. I'm hoping to be able to have an autoconnection on startup and also have the interfaces controlled by networkmanager.

-- L. James

--
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames

Have you tried something like this http://askubuntu.com/questions/46182...m-command-line, either in rc.local or from cron (@reboot)?

Originally Posted by thesnow Have you tried something like this http://askubuntu.com/questions/46182...m-command-line, either in rc.local or from cron (@reboot)?

Yes. It was something that I had never needed to do in the past. I guess from your response, a default action of auto wireless connect is no longer possible with Ubuntu. At present, only the Wired connection type automatically connects when using NetworkManager?

As a programmer, I can perform the script workaround, but it seems a pity that this default functionality has been removed.

It seems like the developers have lost sight of the importance of network connectivity.

Thank you kindly for the input.

-- L. James

--
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames

Not sure if it helps, but wicd will establish wireless connection without user logging in.

For anyone interested, I have found out how to perform this connection with NetworkManager. The reason I wanted to do this with Network Manager is for the GUI connection interface. This way a user having physical access to the computer can easier connect to the best network of the network access point changes.

Using a commandline option disables NetworkManager.

The way to perform this automatic connection is:

Bring-up NetworkManager -> (Click on) Edit Connections -> Select the current connection From the list of connections -> (Click) Edit -> (Click) General -> (Checkmark) Automatical connect to this network & All users may connect to this network

-- L. James

--
L. D. James
ljames@apollo3.com
www.apollo3.com/~ljames