Odd wireless access point problem

[uncinqsix]

Slightly odd one here - I've tried googling but no luck.

I have a Fritzbox 7490 as my main router downstairs (supplied by the ISP, fibre connection), but as the signal is very weak in the upstairs bedroom, I've put my old TP-Link TD8960N in there as a second access point, connected directly to the Fritzbox via cat6.

When I move from downstairs to upstairs with any device (android phone or windows laptop), the device connects fine to the upstairs wireless, but then it doesn't connect to the internet for another 5 minutes or so - the connection status on the phone/laptop just says "IP address unavailable," until it finally kicks in and the IP address appears (usually the same address it had from the fritxbox). Once it's up and running, the connection works fine - fast and stable. There just seems to be a huge delay in getting that IP address.

I've configured the TP-link as per the normal practice - DHCP server disabled, security type the same for both routers etc. I've tried having it with the same SSID/password as the main router, and different SSID/password. Behaves the same both ways.

Does anyone have any idea what could be causing the delay in connecting?

[megaphone]

I'd always set with the same SSID, BUT make sure the router and AP are set on different WiFi channels, 1, 6, 11 are the best as they do not overlap with others, however they're often the most crowded. If they have power settings then set the WiFi power to a lower setting. This will help with roaming.

Also give this a try. If you can put the AP on a static IP, or reserve it an IP in the router. It could be the AP is also looking for an IP when you connect to it.

[uncinqsix]

They are on different channels (downstairs on 6, upstairs on 11).

The AP is properly connected to the main router and has an IP assigned to it, so I don't think it's that.

Very odd.