same ssid to extend wifi coverage using two routers?

[Majick]

I have two Netgear R6220 routers (one on the ground floor of my house and the other on the first).
I want to have a single wifi connection at my home.

Currently I have both configured to have the same ssid and password and this works for the most part. The problem is it seems my phone doesn't crossover from the one network to the other even when it has better signal (this causes it to be very slow). If I disable wifi and enable again it stars using the correct one.

Would I see different behaviour if I configure the routers differently (to be repeaters instead of just having the same ssid)?

 

[Rickster]

Did you assign them different channels?

1 6 or 12

 

[PaCiFieR]

Is should work fine as it is. Just remember to disable DHCP on the one and ensure that your channels are sufficiently apart. So make one router on Channel 6 and the other on Channel 11.

 

[TheFriendlyGhost]

Firstly, u need to only enable DHCP pass through on the second access point
secondly, the AP on which you can change a channel, change that to either 6 or 11 (leaving it in the same same causes dead zones where the two signals will overlap

 

[EasyUp Web Hosting]

Firstly, u need to only enable DHCP pass through on the second access point
secondly, the AP on which you can change a channel, change that to either 6 or 11 (leaving it in the same same causes dead zones where the two signals will overlap

Does the same count for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz on the same AP?

 

[RoganDawes]

You can install OpenWRT/LEDE on the routers, configure one as the DHCP server, and one as a simple AP. Then follow this guide to configure 802.11r.

 

[infscrtyrisk]

Does the same count for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz on the same AP?

Yep

 

[infscrtyrisk]

You can install OpenWRT/LEDE on the routers, configure one as the DHCP server, and one as a simple AP. Then follow this guide to configure 802.11r.

LOL that's hardcore dude. No pretty web interface means that very few will go this route. Having said that, I appreciate the links, never considered Lede before and the 802.11r guide is cool.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Unfortunately it’s working as designed because your client’s roaming aggressiveness is very low.

This will be the case even with different SSID’s.

It’s a client side problem on consumer networks. Most will hold onto an SSID until it literally disconnects before scanning for another.

Partly relates to power saving I believe.

Only real way around it is to...

1. Manually switch.

2. Replace everything with a Mesh network where the AP’s are aware of each other and the controllers can “push” the client onto the better AP instead.

Consumer level you get the Ubiquiti Amplifi but other brands also offer similar.

Or enterprise you get the Ubiquiti Unifi series but it’s a bit more hardcore.

Without spending any money the best you could do is reducing the power on the existing hardware, if it has those options, so they overlap less and the device will literally only support its own area.

That has other pit falls like real dead zones though.

Also setting it up as a Repeater will make no difference at all. It still broadcasts and connects in the very same way except you lose bandwidth to the wireless bridge.

 

[SauRoNZA]

LOL that's hardcore dude. No pretty web interface means that very few will go this route. Having said that, I appreciate the links, never considered Lede before and the 802.11r guide is cool.

OpenWRT has an interface once it’s setup though.

But as I explained above your problem is hardware.

OpenWRT is just the software that runs on top of the same hardware.

****

I missed the guide for 802,11r. That changes things a bit but still applies that the hardware needs to support it.

I see now why the comment about no GUI.

 

[infscrtyrisk]

OpenWRT has an interface once it’s setup though.

But as I explained above your problem is hardware.

OpenWRT is just the software that runs on top of the same hardware.

Not sure I understand you, but thank you

 

[SauRoNZA]

Not sure I understand you, but thank you

The easiest option for your case would probably be to reduce the Tx Power on your routers.

Hopefully they have the option and I would start as low as possible and see how it goes and then ramp it up.

Fatal mistake people make with having multiple APs is letting them all run full blast and then they fight each other.

 

[infscrtyrisk]

The easiest option for your case would probably be to reduce the Tx Power on your routers.

Hopefully they have the option and I would start as low as possible and see how it goes and then ramp it up.

Fatal mistake people make with having multiple APs is letting them all run full blast and then they fight each other.

ok

 

[Majick]

Thanks for the replies everyone!
Both routers have channel assigned to "auto". Would it be better to assign different channels?

 

[TheFriendlyGhost]

Thanks for the replies everyone!
Both routers have channel assigned to "auto". Would it be better to assign different channels?

Yes, AP one on channel 1 and AP 2 on channel 6.
https://www.google.co.za/search?q=wifi+channels&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiG0aenh8rWAhXREVAKHYyHD2EQ_AUICigB&biw=1920&bih=1019#imgrc=q3vPrAsG2uC0MM: