F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Yes, mesh networks offer advantages such as improved coverage and reliability compared to 802.11r Fast Transition.

Yes, mesh networks offer advantages such as improved coverage and reliability compared to 802.11r Fast Transition.

Yes, mesh networks offer advantages such as improved coverage and reliability compared to 802.11r Fast Transition.

A
azagale
Junior Member
Find
38
03-12-2019, 11:34 PM
#1
I own a large home with solid walls, requiring several access points for complete coverage. Currently, I rely on older routers running OpenWrt with 802.11r Fast Transition, but my Android devices still struggle to switch between APs and tend to stay on the first one they connect to. This might happen because one AP supports Wi-Fi 6 while another only has Wi-Fi 5. Switching to a unified mesh system such as the TP-Link Deco X10 could improve roaming performance. Would adopting a newer setup with Wi-Fi 6 devices and OpenWrt 802.11r provide better results, or would upgrading to modern hardware be more beneficial?
Reply
Reply
A
azagale
03-12-2019, 11:34 PM #1

I own a large home with solid walls, requiring several access points for complete coverage. Currently, I rely on older routers running OpenWrt with 802.11r Fast Transition, but my Android devices still struggle to switch between APs and tend to stay on the first one they connect to. This might happen because one AP supports Wi-Fi 6 while another only has Wi-Fi 5. Switching to a unified mesh system such as the TP-Link Deco X10 could improve roaming performance. Would adopting a newer setup with Wi-Fi 6 devices and OpenWrt 802.11r provide better results, or would upgrading to modern hardware be more beneficial?

Reply
Reply
Z
ZazaPanda
Member
Find
151
03-19-2019, 03:03 PM
#2
Are your Android devices compatible with 802.11r, 802.11k, and 802.11v? You're asking about features that improve connection speed and network flexibility. While some devices support these standards, others may prioritize the first network they detect. The actual handling depends on the manufacturer or software, which might choose to ignore suggestions and stick with the initial AP until the signal fades.
Reply
Reply
Z
ZazaPanda
03-19-2019, 03:03 PM #2

Are your Android devices compatible with 802.11r, 802.11k, and 802.11v? You're asking about features that improve connection speed and network flexibility. While some devices support these standards, others may prioritize the first network they detect. The actual handling depends on the manufacturer or software, which might choose to ignore suggestions and stick with the initial AP until the signal fades.

Reply
Reply
X
xMagicPvP
Member
Find
154
03-20-2019, 07:47 PM
#3
So... there is no real benefit in moving to a mesh system because the decision is on the devices and not in the AP... I'm not sure they support all the protocols, but changing them is not in the plans, so I'll stick with cheaper routers and openwrt.
Reply
Reply
X
xMagicPvP
03-20-2019, 07:47 PM #3

So... there is no real benefit in moving to a mesh system because the decision is on the devices and not in the AP... I'm not sure they support all the protocols, but changing them is not in the plans, so I'll stick with cheaper routers and openwrt.

Reply
Reply
S
stuff
Member
Find
173
03-21-2019, 12:11 AM
#4
All mesh networks currently support 802.11r, 802.11k, and 802.11v standards. The only exception is a particular setup where all access points share the same frequency, MAC address, and identity, making them appear identical. No mainstream consumer or commercial mesh products rely on this approach. Vendors that once provided it for enterprise deployments are phasing it out—Ruckus discontinued it a decade ago, and Fortinet removed support from newer Wi-Fi 6 devices. Ensure these advanced protocols are active; I’m surprised OpenWRT doesn’t include them, especially since roaming wasn’t a priority before.
Reply
Reply
S
stuff
03-21-2019, 12:11 AM #4

All mesh networks currently support 802.11r, 802.11k, and 802.11v standards. The only exception is a particular setup where all access points share the same frequency, MAC address, and identity, making them appear identical. No mainstream consumer or commercial mesh products rely on this approach. Vendors that once provided it for enterprise deployments are phasing it out—Ruckus discontinued it a decade ago, and Fortinet removed support from newer Wi-Fi 6 devices. Ensure these advanced protocols are active; I’m surprised OpenWRT doesn’t include them, especially since roaming wasn’t a priority before.

Reply
Reply
K
Kev67824
Member
Find
209
03-22-2019, 06:40 PM
#5
The client makes the choice, but it can change. Some mesh/AP tools let you remove a device from certain bands or APs and force it to switch to a better one. For example, different ASUS APs use Smart Connect settings for switching between 5 and 2.4 GHz, while AI Mesh lets you set a preferred AP for a device. Ultimately, the client decides which connection standards they use and how they handle multiple APs or weak signals. However, there are ways to adjust these settings on the AP or mesh side depending on the model.
Reply
Reply
K
Kev67824
03-22-2019, 06:40 PM #5

The client makes the choice, but it can change. Some mesh/AP tools let you remove a device from certain bands or APs and force it to switch to a better one. For example, different ASUS APs use Smart Connect settings for switching between 5 and 2.4 GHz, while AI Mesh lets you set a preferred AP for a device. Ultimately, the client decides which connection standards they use and how they handle multiple APs or weak signals. However, there are ways to adjust these settings on the AP or mesh side depending on the model.

Reply
Reply