Experiencing issues with changing between Wi-Fi networks at home
Experiencing issues with changing between Wi-Fi networks at home
Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on this setup issue. I have a Wi-Fi router (WIFI-A) in the living room, but I can’t get a steady signal in my bedrooms behind the walls. I moved a second router (WIFI-B) to my bedroom and connected it via a long Ethernet cable from WIFI-A to B. Now my bedroom has a stable connection. However, when I switch rooms, I have to manually change the Wi-Fi settings on my devices. It’s frustrating. Can anyone suggest merging these two networks or let my phone switch automatically between them?
For smooth continuous coverage, consider using mesh networks or controller-based systems. If you're okay with brief interruptions, simply set the WiFi-B SSID and password to match the WiFi-A settings.
Mesh-friendly routers are available in the same range as the ASUS collection featuring AiMesh technology. Many standard repeaters serve only as additional connection points without true mesh capabilities, which is why they’re called "repeaters." The most affordable gigabit Wi-Fi 6 devices from ASUS typically cost around $50, while high-end mesh systems such as UBIQUITI come at a much higher price.
Configure the second router as an access point (AP) and match its SSID and password with Router A. Connect the network cable between the two devices on their LAN ports. This should enable smooth roaming between them. Alternatively, you could use a wired WiFi extender connected to Router A as the backhaul, but setting Router B in AP mode will achieve the same result.
Even when you ensure that only one device is a router and one is acting as an AP, it is largely up to the client device (like your phone) how it transitions between physical devices that use the same SSID. Another feature of at least some ASUS routers/APs is a setting that allows a lower limit to how weak of a connection devices can maintain, and if it falls below a certain db level for a given 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency (can be configures separately) then it drops the client device. I don't know how well this works and whether all client devices handle this well, but it's another option. Another option for at least Android phones is to install an app on your phone to switch between wifi devices under certain conditions. I don't have experience with these.
Yes, and mesh is more likely to auto manage signal strength than dedicated APs, but not all mesh is designed to actually minimize such overlap unless the mesh maker says they do and follows through with it. It is also possible that mesh systems using a wifi backhaul (instead of ethernet) cannot minimize overlap because signal strength must be as strong as possible for backhaul between the mesh nodes. In order for this to not be true, there would have to be independent transmit bands or SSIDs for backhaul versus devices, which I don't see with my own mesh system with wifi backhauls.
I've never experienced a single SSID changing behavior. In any case, if it drops, it attempts to connect to the strongest signal. With unique SSIDs you can more easily direct traffic, though it still tends to stay on the weakest link. As signal strength doesn't always reflect stability or speed, this feature should help when reconnecting. The idea of limiting clients below a certain threshold works in theory, but in practice it often fails because performance varies. That said, a managed system is meant to switch smoothly between APs, though I've only seen it work reliably when the network isn't too busy. At conventions, WiFi usage was usually poor regardless.
Lower the signal strength of the B wireless device so it fades out, making it harder to detect the other available network. No complex mesh setup needed—just a straightforward two AP configuration. You can also limit B to operate only at 5 GHz and cut down its transmission power, which will shrink its coverage. Raising the beacon interval to one full second (instead of ten per second) would stop it from broadcasting its name, improving reception chances.
Hey guys, thanks for the help! These answers really made a difference. I’m leaning toward going with the mesh option if I move and upgrade later. Right now, my routers aren’t mesh-compatible, so I’m stuck. Maybe I should just lower my screens a bit and chat more with my family in the living room instead.