Why can't my Mac mini M1 detect a specific Wi-Fi network?

Thanks for the reply. In fact I did just that. I posted the `iwconfig` information to `Gemini 2.0 Flash` AI. Here is a summary of the exchange...

Me:
My Linux machine is also showing:

Signal strength: Weak
Link speed: 39 Mb/s
Security type: WPA2
IP4 address: 10.128.91.217
IP6 address: fe80::9448::7d5f::3a1a::e9df
Hardware address: BO:35:9F:8B:7F:2C
Default route: 10.128.128.128
DNS: 10.128.128.128

Does that help?

AI:
Yes, that information *is* helpful! Especially the "Security type: WPA2" part. Also, the "Signal strength: Weak" helps paint a better picture of the environment.

Here's how this new information impacts our troubleshooting:

1.  **Security Type Confirmed: WPA2:** This means you should use "WPA2 Personal" (or just "WPA2" depending on the Mac Mini's options) when manually adding the network, if you go that route. This eliminates the possibility of using the wrong security protocol, which is a common mistake.
2.  **"Signal strength: Weak" is Significant:** This strongly suggests that the Mac Mini's 
inability to detect the network is likely due to a *weak signal* reaching the Mac Mini. The fact
that the Linux machine also reports a weak signal, even though it *can* connect, means the Mac 
Mini is probably just below the threshold for detection.
    **Here's what to do *immediately* based on the "Weak Signal" finding:**
*   **Physical Proximity:** This is the *most important step*. Move the Mac Mini *as close as 
    possible* to the wireless access point (the router providing the "Housing21 Guest WiFi" 
    network). Ideally, put it in the same room, with a clear line of sight, and as close as you 
    can. Even a few feet can make a huge difference.
*   **Eliminate Obstacles:** Make sure there are no significant obstacles (walls, metal objects, 
    large appliances) between the Mac Mini and the access point.
*   **Router Antenna Orientation:** If the router has external antennas, try adjusting their 
    orientation. Experiment with different angles (vertical, horizontal, angled) to see if it 
    improves the Mac Mini's reception.
*   **Check for Interference:** Look for potential sources of interference near the Mac Mini:
    *   Cordless phones
    *   Microwave ovens
    *   Bluetooth devices (speakers, headphones)
    *   Other wireless devices
*   **Test with 2.4 GHz (If Possible):** If you can access the router's settings and create a 
    separate 2.4 GHz network, try connecting the Mac Mini to the 2.4 GHz network. 2.4 GHz 
    generally has better range and penetration than 5 GHz, so it might be easier for the Mac Mini 
    to detect.
*   **Check Channel Selection on Router:** Some routers allow you to manually select the WiFi 
    channel. Try selecting a channel that is less congested.

** After taking these steps, try the following again (in this order):**
1.  **Scan for Networks:** Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and see if "Housing21 Guest WiFi" 
    now appears.
2.  **If it Still Doesn't Appear: Wireless Diagnostics Scan (As Before):**
    *   Hold down the **Option (Alt)** key and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
    *   Select **Open Wireless Diagnostics…**
    *   Go to **Window > Scan**. See if "Housing21 Guest WiFi" appears *in the Scan window*.
3.  **If Still No Luck: Manually Add the Network (As a Last Resort):**
    *   Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
    *   Select **Join Other Network…**
    *   **Network Name:** Enter "Housing21 Guest WiFi" *exactly*.
    *   **Security:** Select "WPA2 Personal".
    *   **Password:** Enter the Wi-Fi password.
** The Key takeaway is that the "Weak Signal" is the most important clue. Focus on improving the 
   signal strength reaching the Mac Mini.** The other information is helpful, but improving the 
   signal is the immediate priority.
Let me know what happens after you've tried these steps.

The WiFi signal strength is described as "weak", and may be just above the required level for detection of some of my devices, but, crucially, below the required level on my Apple Mac. This sounds like a perfectly feasible explanation of why my Mac Mini "seemed" to be "singled out" out for not working!

Having reported the problem, now I have to wait for external contractors to address the problem...

You say that about the 2.4 Ghz channel, yet when i did `iwconfig` on the Linux machine I got this

carl@thinkpad:~$ iwconfig
lo        no wireless extensions.

enp0s31f6  no wireless extensions.

wlp4s0    IEEE 802.11  ESSID:"Housing21 Guest WiFi"  
          Mode:Managed  Frequency:5.24 GHz  Access Point: 9E:18:98:BD:FE:4A  
          Tx-Power=22 dBm  
          Retry short limit:7   RTS thr:off   Fragment thr:off
          Power Management:on
          Link Quality=32/70  Signal level=-78 dBm  
          Rx invalid nwid:0  Rx invalid crypt:0  Rx invalid frag:0
          Tx excessive retries:0  Invalid misc:3   Missed beacon:0

Am I misreading this, or does this indicate that the network in question is a 5.24 Ghz one, not a 2.4 Ghz one?

Forgive me as I am a few steps beyond the limits of my knowledge and understanding of these things 😉

Since our last exchange, I've been pursuing the goal of using the Linux laptop connected to the WiFi to act as a router for the Mac. I purchased a USB Ethernet adapter and have connected the two machines.

However, I seem to have configuration problems at both ends. On the Mac, the Ethernet service is constantly showing `Not connected`, and I cannot even remember, at this stage, what the problem on the Linux box was! My main priority, initially, is to get the Mac's Ethernet service to be Active.

Any help would be gratefully received!

See additional text...

You `did` ask ;-)

I couldn't find `RSSI` or `noise` in that text. btw, `wlan` could not be found but my Wifi network is `wlp4s0` it seems...