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Forum Discussion
fmalloy
May 27, 2020Luminary
Satellite/Router Connection Algorithm
How does Orbi assign WI-Fi clients to satelites/router? I have 2 satellites (downstairs) and a router (upstairs). My smartphone is quite close to Satellite 2, yet it's connected to the router upst...
- May 27, 2020
Distance is a factor. Be aware that Orbi doesn't tell devices where to connect. It helps them get connected, however it's the device themselves that pick and choose which signal source and frequency to connect too based on there design, noise, signal quality and strength and environment.
fmalloy
May 27, 2020Luminary
Thank you! A very clear answer - makes sense.
CrimpOn
May 27, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Is "Fast Roaming" enabled on the Orbi Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings, Wireless Settings?
- fmalloyMay 27, 2020Luminary
I do not have Fast Roaming enabled (I left the default). Should I?
- FURRYe38May 27, 2020Guru - Experienced User
FR is someting that you need to test to see if it's needed or not and if it works well for your wireless mobile devices that if your walking around you home alot with your mobile device, does it help or not. This feature is for when your moving around like if your on a phone call or video conference walking around. Not needed for stationary devices.
- fmalloyMay 27, 2020Luminary
FURRYe38 wrote:FR is someting that you need to test to see if it's needed or not and if it works well for your wireless mobile devices that if your walking around you home alot with your mobile device, does it help or not. This feature is for when your moving around like if your on a phone call or video conference walking around. Not needed for stationary devices.
My biggest concern is stability. I just came from a Nighthawk R7000 that was absolutely horrible. Constant random wi-fi disconnects and reboots. Orbi came recommended and I'm holding my breath it will be reliable. Even afraid to upgrade firmware.
- CrimpOnMay 27, 2020Guru - Experienced User
fmalloy wrote:I do not have Fast Roaming enabled (I left the default). Should I?
"Should" is beyond me. I have experimented with my smartphone and tablet. With "Fast Roaming" enabled, I opened the Orbi web interfaced Attached Devices page on the phone/tablet and confirmed that they were connected to the router (that I was standing near). Walked downstairs to the satellite, and within less than 2 minutes, the Attached Devices display said I was connected to the satellite. Went back to the router, and my device became connected to the router.
I have no idea what would have happened if "Fast Roaming" was not checked, but this is a pretty simple experiment. Try it without Fast Roaming and then with Fast Roaming.