access points

deano1

why do my wireless devices only ever connect to one AP and not the other

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @deano1

Wireless devices not roaming between access points (APs) is a common issue often related to client device behavior and network configuration. Client devices primarily decide when to switch APs based on signal strength. If the signal from the currently connected AP is still strong enough, the device may not switch, even if a closer AP offers a better signal.

To optimize roaming and ensure devices connect to the most appropriate AP, consider the following:

1. Signal Overlap and Interference: Ensure around 15-20% signal overlap between APs for seamless transitions. Adjust AP placement or output power to balance these factors.
2. 802.11k/v/r Roaming Features: Enable 802.11k (Radio Resource Management), 802.11v (Wireless Network Management), and 802.11r (Fast Basic Service Set Transition) in Nebula. These standards help devices intelligently select the best available Wi-Fi network and facilitate faster, smoother transitions between APs. This can be configured under Configure > Access Point > SSID Advanced setting.
3. Smart Steering Threshold Settings: Configure smart steering to encourage devices to roam. This feature allows the AP to disassociate a client if its signal strength (RSSI) falls below a set threshold, prompting the client to connect to another AP with a stronger signal. Ensure that the "Station Signal Threshold" and "Disassociation Station Threshold" are lower than the RSSI in the overlapping area. These settings can be found under Configure > Access points > Radio settings > Smart steering.
4. Band Select: Disabling band select is recommended as it may cause roaming delays and interruptions for time-sensitive applications.
5. Load Balancing: Configure load balancing under Configure > Access points > AP & port settings > Load Balance to distribute network traffic across multiple APs and prevent a single AP from becoming overloaded.

Additionally, some client devices, especially older ones, may not fully support advanced roaming features, which can impact their roaming behavior.