6 ways to improve WiFi Roaming [Seamless Roaming]

Summary

This video discusses the importance of seamless roaming in wireless networks with multiple access points. It covers six key points, including optimal placement of access points, adjusting transmit power for different frequency bands, managing the number of access points, utilizing IEEE 802.11 standards for improved roaming, adjusting client roaming sensitivity, and utilizing features like ASUS's Roaming Assistant for better roaming decisions.

Takeaways

• 📡 Seamless roaming is crucial in networks with multiple wireless access points to avoid interruptions in services like conference calls.
• 🔄 Access points should be neither too close nor too far from each other to prevent sticky client issues and roaming dead zones, ideally with a 15-20% overlap.
• 🌐 Dual or tri-band access points can affect roaming due to differences in frequency ranges, requiring adjustments in transmit power for optimal coverage.
• 🔢 The number of access points and the networks they broadcast are critical for network quality; too few or too many can lead to poor roaming and interference.
• 🏡 Good network design, including the placement and configuration of access points, is essential for seamless roaming and can prevent future issues in both home and business networks.
• 📚 Utilizing certain IEEE 802.11 standards can improve roaming by providing information about neighboring access points, storing encryption keys, and suggesting less busy access points.
• 🔄 Roaming issues can sometimes be resolved by adjusting the client device's roaming sensitivity or aggressiveness settings.
• 🛠️ Some wireless routers or access points have features like ASUS's Roaming Assistant that can help clients make better roaming decisions by disconnecting them when signal strength is low.
• 🔄 Network design is not just for sophisticated networks; even home networks can benefit from thoughtful planning to avoid issues like poor roaming.
• 👍 Engaging with the audience by asking for likes can be a way to gauge interest in more detailed content, such as a video on home network design.

Q & A

What is the primary advantage of using a wireless network over a wired one as mentioned in the script?

The primary advantage is the ability to move around freely while remaining connected to the network.

Why can having multiple access points in a wireless network be tricky for seamless roaming?

It can be tricky because clients need to seamlessly roam between access points without losing connection, which might not happen if the roaming is not managed properly.

What is the term used to describe a client that does not switch to a stronger signal access point even when in range?

This is referred to as a 'sticky client issue'.

What overlap percentage between wireless networks is recommended for seamless roaming?

A 15 to 20 percent overlap between the wireless networks is recommended.

What impact does the number of access points and their configuration have on network roaming?

The number of access points, their location, distance from each other, radio frequency, and transmit power can significantly affect the quality of roaming.

Why might reducing the transmit power for the 2.4 GHz band help with roaming issues?

Reducing the transmit power for the 2.4 GHz band can help prevent a sticky client issue by ensuring that clients switch to the stronger 5 GHz signal when in range.

What is the significance of using multiple frequency bands in access points for roaming?

Using multiple frequency bands allows for better coverage and can help avoid issues like the sticky client problem by providing options for clients to switch between bands based on signal strength and other factors.

What role does network design play in achieving seamless roaming in a wireless network?

A good network design, including proper placement of access points and configuration of frequencies and transmit power, is crucial for achieving seamless roaming and preventing issues like interference and dead zones.

What are some IEEE 802.11 standards that can improve roaming and how do they work?

Standards like 802.11k, 802.11r, and 802.11v can improve roaming by providing information about neighboring access points, storing encryption keys on all access points for faster authentication, and suggesting less busy access points for clients to roam to, respectively.

How can adjusting a client's roaming sensitivity or aggressiveness help with roaming issues?

Adjusting roaming sensitivity allows the client to start the roaming process based on the strength of the current signal, which can be set to higher or lower values depending on whether you want the client to roam earlier or later.

What is the 'Roaming Assistant' feature and how does it help with client roaming decisions?

The 'Roaming Assistant' feature, found in some ASUS wireless routers, helps clients make better and faster roaming decisions by forcing them to find a better access point when their signal strength falls below a user-defined threshold.