Stupid WiFi Extender Question

kibblerok · 31 Dec 2014 at 12:25

Looking to boost the WiFi signal in the bedroom - the iPad can still get a signal but it's flaky and the internet often times out even though it still retains a signal.

Due to the layout it'll probably be powerline to WiFi point in the bedroom - something like: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-224-NG&groupid=46&catid=1837

I may be thinking about this too much but does it actually boost/extend the existing network so the device works seamlessly, or does it create a second separate access point from the extender for it to connect to if the one from the router drops out?

Caged · 31 Dec 2014 at 12:42

It will create a second network with the same details as the first, but the client always decides when to roam between APs. The only way to have any control of this is to have access points from the same vendor which can support roaming (usually it's nothing more clever than deauthing a client when another AP in the same cluster can see it with a stronger signal).

You won't have to manually pick a different network or anything like that, and clients will move between APs, but you might find that they spend a few minutes connected to the weaker signal before hopping across. Don't expect VoIP or Skype calls to smoothly continue, you will have a small amount of dropped video/audio.

kibblerok · 31 Dec 2014 at 13:02

Caged said:
You won't have to manually pick a different network or anything like that, and clients will move between APs, but you might find that they spend a few minutes connected to the weaker signal before hopping across. Don't expect VoIP or Skype calls to smoothly continue, you will have a small amount of dropped video/audio.

Great news, that I can cope with as long as things just sort themselves out

Thanks

Steveocee · 31 Dec 2014 at 13:08

Wifi extenders usually copy the SSID but add _ext onto the end so you won't roam between seemlessly.

The powerlines you linked won't copy the SSID as they aren't technically classed as wifi extender, they are powerlines with the ability to create a wireless network, this will be separate but can be managed through the devices.