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WiFiDad's avatar
WiFiDad
Initiate
Jan 03, 2023

Add Access Point to a Nighthawk MK83 Mesh Network?

I recently installed a Nighthawk MK83 Mesh Network (1 MK80 Base Router and 2 MS83 Satellites) in my 4,000 square foot home. It works great. Coverage is a bit spotty in the garage area and backyard and I'm thinking of adding an old AC 1900 Smart WiFi Router in Access Point mode (that I have not been using) to enhance the coverage. If I connect it to the network via ethernet cable and give it the same SSID and Password - will it work seamlessly in the Mesh Network? In other words, will devices that are configured to connect to the MK80 or MS80's seamlessly switch over to the AC 1900 (in AP Mode) when they detect a better signal from it?

 

Any issues with this set-up or is there a better way to do it?

2 Replies

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jan 03, 2023

    Can you do that? Sure!

    Will it be as seamless as the MK system? No. It doesn't fully integrate with all the smart roaming functions. 

    But it can work. You'll just find that devices might be a little more "sticky" in not wanting to roam between the 2x systems. 

    If its to much of a problem, then simply give it a separate SSID so you can choose which to connect to. 

    Or pickup another satellite.