Understanding Roaming Between Two Access Points
Roaming between two access points (APs) is a feature that allows wireless clients to maintain a stable connection while moving from one AP to another. This is especially important in large buildings or campuses where a single AP may not be able to provide adequate coverage. In order for roaming to work properly, there are a few requirements that must be met:
- The two APs must be connected to the same wired L2 network.
- The SSID (Service Set Identifier) and security settings on both APs must be identical.
Linksys WRT1200AC and TP-Link EAP610: A Case Study
In this article, we will be discussing the specific case of roaming between a Linksys WRT1200AC and a TP-Link EAP610. Both of these APs are popular choices for small to medium-sized networks, and they support the latest wireless standards (802.11ac and 802.11ax, respectively).
Setting up Roaming Between the Linksys WRT1200AC and TP-Link EAP610
To set up roaming between the Linksys WRT1200AC and TP-Link EAP610, follow these steps:
- Connect both APs to the same wired L2 network. This can be done by connecting them to the same switch or router.
- Configure the SSID and security settings on both APs to be identical. This includes the network name (SSID), password, and encryption type (e.g. WPA2-Personal).
- Place the APs in strategic locations to provide adequate coverage. It is important to ensure that there is some overlap between the coverage areas of both APs to allow for smooth roaming.
Testing Roaming
To test the roaming functionality, you can use a wireless client (e.g. a laptop or smartphone) and move it between the coverage areas of both APs. The client should automatically switch to the AP with the strongest signal, without interrupting the connection. This can be verified by checking the IP address of the client (it should remain the same) and by monitoring the signal strength and connection quality.
Troubleshooting Roaming Issues
If roaming is not working as expected, there are a few things you can check:
- Make sure that both APs are connected to the same wired L2 network.
- Check that the SSID and security settings on both APs are identical.
- Ensure that there is adequate overlap between the coverage areas of both APs.
- Verify that the wireless client supports roaming and that it is configured correctly.
Roaming between two access points is an important feature for wireless networks, especially in large buildings or campuses. By understanding the requirements for roaming and following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up roaming between a Linksys WRT1200AC and a TP-Link EAP610 (or any other compatible APs).
References
// Example code for configuring roaming on a Linksys WRT1200AC
interface Wireless-SSID
ssid MyNetwork
wpa-psk ascii 0 MyPassw0rd
// Example code for configuring roaming on a TP-Link EAP610
system-mode ap
ssid MyNetwork
wireless-security wpa2-psk
wpa-pre-shared-key MyPassw0rd