Q: Extending a Wi-Fi Network
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Aug 28, 2016 8:41 AMby Bob Timmons,HelpfulThis setup requires the use of two SSIDs
Is there a reason why you can't use the same SSID for both access points? The iPad would have a better chance of switching between access points as it moved about if both access points use the same SSID, as they would do in a roaming network.
If you had used another Apple device to "extend" the network, the setup utility would have automatically used the same SSID for both AirPorts.
Unfortunately, most mobile devices like iPhones and iPads do not do a very good job of automatically switching between access points as they move about the house. I haven't checked an iPad Air for this though.
Mac laptops will usually do a nice job of automatically switching between access points as the move around the house. For example, I use 3 Airports as access points at the house here in a roaming type of setup. If I walk my Mac laptop from one end of the house to the other, the Mac will almost always switch from one access point to another as it changes location.
But, if I walk my iPhone or my wife's iPad about the house, the device will usually stay on the device to which it originally connected.....even if it moves close to another access point with a stronger signal. Sometimes, the device will switch over after a few minutes, and sometimes not. Nature of the beast with iOS devices, I am afraid.
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Aug 28, 2016 8:42 AMby Robert Racansky,Is there a reason why you can't use the same SSID for both access points?
I went by the instructions in the manual for the Netgear. The default was SSID_EXT
This is one of those things that, if I was doing for myself in my own home, I would definitely engage in more "trial and error" testing to see what works and what does not, and tweak as needed. But since this is for somebody else who does not live near me, I just followed the instructions to get this up-and-running.
If you had used another Apple device to "extend" the network, the setup utility would have automatically used the same SSID for both AirPorts.
That's one of those things I was wondering, but couldn't find an answer for. That's good to know.
Unfortunately, most mobile devices like iPhones and iPads do not do a very good job of automatically switching between access points as they move about the house.
But, if I walk my iPhone or my wife's iPad about the house, the device will usually stay on the device to which it originally connected.....even if it moves close to another access point with a stronger signal. Sometimes, the device will switch over after a few minutes, and sometimes not. Nature of the beast with iOS devices, I am afraid.
That's also good to know. Thanks.
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Aug 28, 2016 8:55 AMby Bob Timmons,I went by the instructions in the manual for the Netgear. The default was SSID_EXT
That may be what Netgear thinks users want to do, but....in my opinion.....it does not make much sense if most users are probably purchasing the product to "extend" or "repeat" their existing network in another area of the house.
By adding the "_EXT", this forces users to log off of their "main" network and then log onto the other network with the "_EXT" name.
Rightly or wrongly, Apple assumes that a user who is adding an extender to the network wants to "extend" or "repeat" the same network in another area of the house.
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Aug 28, 2016 11:44 AMby Robert Racansky,Unfortunately, most mobile devices like iPhones and iPads do not do a very good job of automatically switching between access points as they move about the house.
But, if I walk my iPhone or my wife's iPad about the house, the device will usually stay on the device to which it originally connected.....even if it moves close to another access point with a stronger signal. Sometimes, the device will switch over after a few minutes, and sometimes not. Nature of the beast with iOS devices, I am afraid.
For future reference, I found this ( HT203068 ):
Wireless Roaming Reference For Enterprise Customers
With iOS 8 and later, roaming behavior and efficiency in enterprise environments was improved. This document details the most important aspects of the decision making process.
Before you begin
The changes and behaviors described in this document apply to the following devices in enterprise environments:
- iPad Pro
- iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, and later
- iPad Air and later
- iPad mini 2 and later
- iPod touch (6th generation)
iOS uses different criteria when roaming in consumer environments. Other devices use the same roaming behavior found in iOS 7.
iOS uses -70 dBm as the trigger and will therefore remain connected to the current BSSID longer than you expect.
Review how the cell overlap was measured. The antennas on a portable computer are much larger and more powerful than a smartphone or tablet, so iOS devices see different cell boundaries than expected. It is always best to measure using the target device.
Roam performance indicates the time a client requires to successfully authenticate to a new BSSID.
Finding a valid roam candidate is only part of the process—the client has to actually complete the roam process quickly and unobtrusively so the user experiences no interruption in service. Roaming itself involves the client authenticating against the new BSSID and deauthenticating from the current BSSID. The security and authentication method dictates how quickly this can be achieved.
802.1X-based authentication requires the client to complete the entire EAP key exchange before it can deauthenticate from the current BSSID. This can take several seconds, depending on the environment’s authentication infrastructure, and translates into interrupted service to the end user in the form of dead air.
The best way to streamline this process is to utilize the fast roam capabilities of 802.11r if this is supported by your networking equipment. 802.11r allows clients to pre-authenticate against potential access points, reducing the authentication time from potential seconds to milliseconds.
Last Modified: Nov 16, 2015
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Aug 28, 2016 2:31 PMby Bob Timmons,Thanks, we are well aware of these developments, but you mentioned that you did not favor changing into an Enterprise type of setup.......which is what the article, and other similar articles.....focuses on.
In a normal extended network, iPads, iPhones, iPods, most other mobile devices, and most PCs as well that I've checked have trouble switching access points in a normal type of setup with consumer grade products.....the kind found in 99%+ of homes.
