Adding a wireless access point

[hab1966]

I have a wireless router downstairs and have added a wireless access point (WAP) upstairs to make coverage better.

The WAP is connected to the router using ethernet.

I have set the WAP and the router to have the same SSID.

Do i use the same wireless channels on both the WAP and router, or do i need to use different ones?

[megaphone]

I would set different channels this will help with handoff. Also if you can adjust the power of the router and AP down a bit it will help with handoff/roaming, client devices have a habit of hanging on to a strong signal and not switching.

[hab1966]

megaphone said:

I would set different channels this will help with handoff. Also if you can adjust the power of the router and AP down a bit it will help with handoff/roaming, client devices have a habit of hanging on to a strong signal and not switching.

I shall look into the power settings. Its Mikrotik kit (2x hAP AC2's) so would expect it to be an option.

[megaphone]

hab1966 said:

megaphone said:

I would set different channels this will help with handoff. Also if you can adjust the power of the router and AP down a bit it will help with handoff/roaming, client devices have a habit of hanging on to a strong signal and not switching.

I shall look into the power settings. Its Mikrotik kit (2x hAP AC2's) so would expect it to be an option.

Another thing you may want to try is separating the 2.4ghz and 5ghz SSID, then you can ensure your devices are connecting to the optimum network.

[hab1966]

megaphone said:

Another thing you may want to try is separating the 2.4ghz and 5ghz SSID, then you can ensure your devices are connecting to the optimum network.

If i ran separate SSID's, if i were to connect my phone to the 5GHz SSID, how would the phone revert to 2.4GHz if it lost the 5GHz signal and how do i prioritise the 5GHz over the 2.4GHz?

[buggalugs]

Personally I set the channels to auto and all bands the same SSID, and let the device figure out the best network to connect to. I usually turn off any 'band steering' type stuff on the AP's as it often works by failing the 2.4g connection for a few seconds to see if the device picks up 5g instead, things just seem to run smoother with it off. Just my 2p am sure others would have different opinions

[megaphone]

hab1966 said:

megaphone said:

Another thing you may want to try is separating the 2.4ghz and 5ghz SSID, then you can ensure your devices are connecting to the optimum network.

If i ran separate SSID's, if i were to connect my phone to the 5GHz SSID, how would the phone revert to 2.4GHz if it lost the 5GHz signal and how do i prioritise the 5GHz over the 2.4GHz?

That's the point, it wouldn't revert to 2.4ghz. Obviously if the 5ghz coverage is not up to it then it might be better to stick to 2.4ghz. Depends how good the client device is at roaming.

Best thing to do is to set-up and test, experiment until you get the best settings for your requirements. You may find just leaving everything in auto will work fine.

[xeny]

hab1966 said:

If i ran separate SSID's, if i were to connect my phone to the 5GHz SSID, how would the phone revert to 2.4GHz if it lost the 5GHz signal and how do i prioritise the 5GHz over the 2.4GHz?

Tell the phone about both networks, and in the phone's order of preference, set the 5GHz SSID as preferred over the 2.4 ?

Ideally you have enough APs that you get good blanket coverage with 5GHz and turn the 2.4 transmit power down enough that 5GHz always looks preferable.