Home Wifi Signal Misery......

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  jelko on 28/07/2018 - 14:29

  +4

  You need a mesh network. Something like "Google Wi-fi" or "Netgear ORBI".

  These will create a single network with multiple access points. You can freely move around the home and you will be connected to the strongest point.

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  wordplay on 28/07/2018 - 14:38

  +1

  I would be downsizing.

  • 

    Pumpkin_rrr on 28/07/2018 - 16:20

    No way! Love my big house LOL

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  Cartman2530 on 28/07/2018 - 14:49

  +6

  Change both WIFI SSIDs to the same name and password, your devices should lock on to the stronger signal.
  This should work as long as the access point uses the DHCP server on the modem.

  Also need to make sure the channel settings for both the modem and the access point are at least 2 away from each other but not the lowest or highest channel, so they don't interfere with each other or have reduced bandwidth from being on the highest or lowest channel.

  Done this at a friends house to fix the exact problems you are having.

  If none of this makes sense, get a friend with some IT experience to give you a hand.

  • 

    JimmyF on 28/07/2018 - 17:02

    Change both WIFI SSIDs to the same name and password, your devices should lock on to the stronger signal.

    To a point, doesn't always work well.

    • 

      Cartman2530 on 28/07/2018 - 18:19

      +1

      The end result is up to the client device, usually they are clever enough to lock on to the stronger signal.
      The channel settings also help if the access point is on the same or near channel as the modem.

      Bottom line is that it can't hurt to try as it costs nothing.

      • 

        JimmyF on 28/07/2018 - 23:02

        Bottom line is that it can't hurt to try as it costs nothing.

        True……

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  alvian on 28/07/2018 - 15:48

  +1

  Classic Wi-Fi roaming is determined by the client devices* and not by the base stations. If the client devices refuse to roam to a stronger signal then there is not a lot you can do.

  • My comments here may help. The key is to reduce the radio transmission strength on the base stations. Those comments were made with seamless roaming in mind. Seamless roaming is a different problem to sticky clients so please pick and choose the relevant parts of the comments.
  • You can increase roaming aggressiveness on some client devices.
  • You can deploy 802.11k&v when equipment become widely available. Ideally this involves a complete replacement of your devices and stations, however base stations with these protocols may help by disassociating legacy clients with weak signals.
  • You can try Aruba's ClientMatch technology, but it only helps for legacy non-802.11k&v client devices (i.e. your result may vary), and Aruba gear won't be cheap.

  *second paragraph gave a reason

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  Pumpkin_rrr on 28/07/2018 - 16:22

  @jelko, @Cartman2530 , @alvian :

  Thanks Guys. Will investigate.
  Enjoy your weekend!

• 

  JimmyF on 28/07/2018 - 17:03

  +1

  So hubby installed a Access Point upstiars, fed via a blue cable from the Modem downstairs.

  Well you have the bones of a good product, just the wrong devices on the end. So its not all bad.

  You'll want to look at some unifi AP points or openmesh products or googles units or one of the many meshed products.

  I personally like either openmesh or unifi APs. Openmesh uses a cloud controller, so nice and easy and just 'work' with no ongoing fees like some others.