Switching between APs takes a long time

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johentie

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Nov 5, 2014
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Hey Hey,

So i've had some issues after setting up my AP. My main Router/Modem is on the first floor (netgear 6300) and I setup a AP in the basement with a cheap TP Router (still dual band) that's wired to my main Router.

I set the same SSID and it works.

but when i go from the basement to the 2nd floor i won't get internet connectivity for about 5-10mins.. wifi signal is still there and i can see it switch from low signal to better signal, but still cannot browse etc for about 5-10mins..

the two routers are on different channels (6 and 11 for 2.4 and 153 and 157 for 5g). I tried putting them on the same channel manually and there is no difference.. still takes a long time..

also in the basement i get about 90mbps but first floor and 2nd floor i get about 189mbps.. i'm assuming it's cause i am connected to the TP router in the basement and the netgear on the first and second floor...

anyone can assist on if i am missing something and causing high wait times to switch between APs?
 
Solution
RealBeast
It is generally not possible to get a zero roaming handoff with consumer gear. Usually in the consumer situation the device handles the choice of when to drop the old signal and pick up the new one -- and most often it waits until the signal is extremely weak. Actually, it is part of the wireless standard to let the roaming device control the handoff, but there are ways to control that with the right equipment. Take a look HERE for an overview of what is involved.

Professional level wireless networks handle the handoffs rather than letting the device do it, see HERE for a brief description of the Ubiquiti approach.

With some devices, like Intel laptops, you can set the roaming aggressiveness (see...
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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It is generally not possible to get a zero roaming handoff with consumer gear. Usually in the consumer situation the device handles the choice of when to drop the old signal and pick up the new one -- and most often it waits until the signal is extremely weak. Actually, it is part of the wireless standard to let the roaming device control the handoff, but there are ways to control that with the right equipment. Take a look HERE for an overview of what is involved.

Professional level wireless networks handle the handoffs rather than letting the device do it, see HERE for a brief description of the Ubiquiti approach.

With some devices, like Intel laptops, you can set the roaming aggressiveness (see HERE).

Bottom line is that I usually use different SSIDs on home networks and allow the user to manually select and manually switch between radios.

Perhaps Bill001g can pitch in with some other ideas for the consumer situation that I haven't tried. :)
 
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Solution
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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Not sure what to add, you need to at least look at what realbeast linked. The problem is a fundamental issue with how the radio chips in your device are built. They have no way to even know that another AP exists when they have a session open with your AP. If they were to stop and scan for other AP to see if they even exist your session would drop so they don't do it. So they pretty much wait until the session drops and then they scan.

This can't really be fixed just from the ap/router side. This is a very advanced topic but bottom line is you can't accomplish it with consumer equipment.
 
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J

johentie

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Nov 5, 2014
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i guess it's not a huge deal.. thought there might be something to improve it.. not gonna spend hundreds of dollars for my home wifi hehe..

lately it's just been really spotty.... can't stream without buffering etc..but that's another issue

thanks guys!!
 
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bill001g

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hundreds...ya sure the system that works well from cisco costs more than most cars do plus a yearly maintenance fee.

You should be able to quickly click disconnect/reconnect and it will move to the strongest signal almost as fast as you can click the icons.

What this was/is mostly used for is to allow people to use VoIP wireless handsets as they walk around a office area and not drop the call. Now that you can get small cell tower like device that integrate with company PBX systems it is much simpler to just use cell phones and use cell technology where the AP (ie cell tower) has full control over the handset.
 
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