Is there such a thing as wi-fi hand-off?
How is wifi implemented in Windows? I have a router/wi-fi Ap in Room 1. I have a Cat 5 cable from the router to the room 2 where I put a Dlink DIR-300 with the wifi configured in AP mode. The second AP is on one of the LAN ports of the first router/AP. Being in AP mode, the Dlink DIR-300 router does not offer DHCP but merely "relays" traffic to the first AP. The rooms are adjacent but with thick concrete walls. From Room 2 I can receive Room 1's signal, but it's very weak, and it's vice versa from Room 1. Basically, the two cells overlap. I configured the APs to have the same name. How does a Windows client behave? If a notebook is powered up in Room 1, it should connect to Room 1's AP as the signal is much stronger. If I bring the notebook to Room 2 (and assuming there is no total break in coverage to the AP in Room 1), will the notebook automatically switch over to the Room 2 AP once that signal is found to be much stronger? Another question: for the two wifi APs, should they be on the same frequency or on different frequencies? Thanks
July 29th, 2012 9:14am

Hi, Its useless to set routers on the same frequency or different frequencies. My suggestion is that you can name these two AP with different names. If you are in room 1, you can set your wifi to connect room 1s AP manually. Same to room 2. Also you need to know in Windows 7, wifi cant connect automatically to AP which has strong signal.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
July 30th, 2012 3:27am

Thanks, but I do know that enterprise wifi networks does offer seamless coverage for Windows notebooks. I have worked in such a place before and I don't have to manually change AP at all. How is that done?
July 31st, 2012 10:06am

Hi, Based on my research for wifi, i must correct my fault. I am aplogize for previous post. Windows 7 can automatically choose the strong signal. For you previous post, my suggestion is that you can set these two AP with different names and on different frequencies to try. Also, you can cantact Dlink for more professional help.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
July 31st, 2012 10:21pm

My own home system uses a wireless router that is wired to a regular port on a second wireless router that simply acts as a bridge. All router features are disabled on the second router, and the WAN port is left unconnected. Both are set to *different* frequencies (this is very important), but the SSID is *the same* and so is the security key. All our network devices have no trouble switching frequencies from one station to another as they are used in different parts of the house. As far as they are concerned, the wireless network is the same--same SSID, same authentication. Short answer: Set them to different frequencies. You can use different SSID's if you want, and authenticate each separately on your devices, or you can use a single SSID and authentication code.
August 2nd, 2012 7:26am

daflory, my set up is exactly same as what you have described! I will make sure they are on different frequencies and see how the clients perform. Is there any official word from the designer and maker of Windows how it will behave when there are multiple APs in view?
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
August 2nd, 2012 10:49pm

This topic is archived. No further replies will be accepted.

Other recent topics Other recent topics