Fix the Wi-Fi roaming issue in Archer C6
Fix the Wi-Fi roaming issue in Archer C6
The subnet mask remains consistent across both scenarios: 255.255.255.0. Because DHCP is disabled, you won’t need to define IP ranges. Determine which DNS and gateway IP addresses are configured on the AP. Adjust the IP renewal time to 86400 seconds (24 hours) or assign fixed static IPs to devices tied to their MAC addresses.
Yes, the process also relies on the manufacturers. Certain Chinese makers such as Xiaomi and OnePlus offer seamless roaming. All my relatives use Samsung gadgets and generally maintain stable connections without frequent interruptions. However, I recently experimented with a method that isn't advised—keeping both devices on identical channels. I set both routers to the same channel, SSID, password, bandwidth, and encryption. It functions correctly about 90% of the time, switching to the stronger signal when available. The main issue remains: my devices sometimes fail to connect to or switch to the 5GHz band even when it's nearby or more powerful. Just yesterday I adjusted the settings and switched both to 2.4G and 5G SSIDs. I plan to test this over the coming days to see if performance improves.
According to @Falcon1986, set the lease duration to one day. It's also advised to use a short preamble, likely because there are few active devices from before 2009.
It’s discouraged as it risks damaging your own network by introducing interference or noise. Using unused channels during a wireless survey is preferable to cause conflicts. Delays appear once active clients connect from each AP. Parameters like channel width, SSID, password, and encryption can remain unchanged. This approach is only viable when the spectrum is already congested—such as in the 2.4GHz band—but you’re facing a challenging setup. In such cases, lowering the radio’s power might help minimize overlap.
I understand this can lead to both positive and negative interference depending on the situation. I’m not heavily used by others, and my connection is via Gigabit LAN. Besides that, there are about 15 active devices—mainly smartphones and a few smart gadgets. Occasionally I make video calls through WhatsApp, Google Duo, or Meet. That’s why I require smooth roaming. The 2.4GHz band has fewer access points but is already busy; one neighbor uses channel 7, another uses channel 1, while I’m on channel 1. I’ve separated channels on the 5GHz band. My neighbor is on channel 149, and another’s signal is weak sometimes (I don’t recall their channel). For my routers, I use 36 and 56 at 80Mhz on 5G but still face roaming issues when I switch to 2.4G. In most cases the devices connect to the same access point. I’m certain this isn’t a channel-related problem, yet I’ve felt it before. Another concern is the anti-interference setting on my main router.
I didn't do it. I mentioned DHCP is on the Archer. AP lacks a DNS and gateway that need to be configured. I've already attempted to assign a static IP by binding to MAC, but it didn't work.
In the DHCP settings of your primary router, identify your TP link device. Configure an IP range that excludes the default range (for example, from 192.168.0.3 to 192.168.0.255). You mentioned removing the Iball ibaton 150M wireless-n adsl2+modem router at 192.168.1.1 after switching to BSNL via fiber. Since you used Archer C6 in a bridge configuration, it likely doesn’t require PPPOE. If your router is older than 2009 and you haven’t updated settings, ensure all wireless interfaces operate in 802.11n mode only. For 5GHz, verify compatibility with 802.11ac devices—use ac if compatible, otherwise stick to a/n/ac. Your 2014 smart TV supports 5GHz but only 802.11a (limited to 54Mbps). If no nearby APs exist, use the 40MHz band; otherwise, avoid it due to increased interference. For 5GHz channels, typical channel widths are 40MHz, 80MHz, or 80MHz/160MHz. Channel allocations generally follow these ranges: 36-48 for 80MHz, 52-64 for 52-64, 100-112, 116-128, 132-144, 149-161. Also consider that outdated CAM tables might affect performance.
It seems unusual. You mentioned configuring the static IP directly on the access point, but there should be an option to set the gateway and DNS server—specifically the internal Archer IP address.
Certain routers face this problem—they require the DHCP server to be active, and within the DHCP settings, the DNS must point to the primary router. On my old device, which functions as a port switch, I leave it disabled; it operates fine without it. If the setting is left as None, no options are available.
DNS and gateway are configured for a DHCP server that is turned off. This is what Aditya mentioned.