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Forum Discussion
Epson printer won't connect to closer satellite on mesh network
I have an Epson WF-4820 on a 2.4GHz frequency with my Nighthawk mesh wifi 6 system. I have a satellite about 6 feet away from the printer, but the printer wants to connect to the main router upstairs...
JohnG48 wrote:
How do I get it to connect to the closer satellite?
This is one of the most common questions on the forum. The "bottom line" is that WiFi devices choose which WiFi access point to use. The device surveys the available access points, finds one with an SSID/password that it recognizes, and connects.
One thing that appears to affect which access point is chosen is whether the decide is seeking a connection when the system boots up. WiFi access points broadcast their WiFi SSID up to 10 times per second. If the base unit powers up and begins broadcasting WiFi before it tells the satellite to begin, then the printer may "see" the base unit, connect to it, and quit looking. (Mobile devices, such as smartphone, tablets, laptops, are often programmed to scan almost constantly for WiFi so that they can "roam". Printers typically remain physically in one place.)
So, I recommend:
- never turn the WiFi system off.
- if the printer gets disconnected, power it off and back on.
And.... join the hundreds of frustrated users who face this problem.