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Forum Discussion
Moving Between Router & Satellites
I have read about issues with other mesh networks when a user with a mobile device moves far away from the router or satellite they intially connect with. It seems often the device will try to stay connected to the weaker signal option even when it is closer to a stronger better option and the only way to set it straight, so to speak, is to turn off and on wifi.
My question is, does Orbi deal with this situation in a better way than others?
15 Replies
Hello meyerla
Yes the orbi has one wifi network that will keep you connected to the best signal in the house so no switching to the extenders network. The orbi also has band steering to keep you on the best network band for your devices.
DarrenM
Darren,
How dependent is that on the smarts of the device? For example, I have a nestcam on the opposite side of the house from the router. The satellite wasn't on when the devices joined and they still have not switched to the satellite (on that side of the house). I suppose I could restart the nestcam, but just curious.
I would restart the Nestcam. It's all one SSID now.
Check out my post 'Devices get stuck connected to Orbi in 2.4 GHz mode'.
Seems like the Orbi or the device doesn't always pick the best network band for the device. Is that an issue with the device? Orbi? Tested with 2 iPhones and 1 laptop (which just sits in an office).
I too had to disconnect and reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network to get back on the 5GHz band.
Wireless clients (including iDevices) will pick the strongest signal first, which is usually 2.4ghz, as it has a a stronger signal at a farther range, compared to 5ghz. For clients it`s about connection strength, not speed.
My iPhone 6s constantly grabs the sattilite even if I am 10ft from the router. Strange thing sitting 10ft from the router and having the sattilite downstairs I was getting a stronger signal from the sattilite.
Just noticed that two of my nests that are on the opposite side of the house from the satellite have moved from the router which is about 30' away to the satellite which is about 80' away. Seems a bit strange.
th3w01f wrote:Just noticed that two of my nests that are on the opposite side of the house from the satellite have moved from the router which is about 30' away to the satellite which is about 80' away. Seems a bit strange.
That's exactly my scenario. Camera 1 is going to the satellite (which is 3x the distance vs the router) and Camera 2 is going to the router (which is 3x further than the Satellite an dehind some HVAC ducts relazertive to that camera). I restarted both NestCams. I wonder if there is something in the prioritization logic that tries to keep both NestCams off the satellite?
I'm thinking the Wifi analyzer will show the closer is stronger, but I could be surprised. I wish there was a way to force a device to a particular ORBI node.
- Do a signal test. I'm not home but I said earlier my satellite had a stronger signal than the router.
- Inssider 4 but it's not free but there are free versions out there.
