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Forum Discussion
Extending existing WiFi network rather than creating new one?
I had an existing network from my AT&T modem called 2WIRE996. I use Windows 10. A couple of years ago I plugged in 2 Netgear WiFi Range extenders and they became 2WIRE996_EXT and 2WIRE996_2EXT. Things worked OK but I thought the idea of the Powerline 1000 (PLW1010-100NAS), 2 unit set would strenghten the WiFi signal throughout the house. When I plugged in the 2 new Powerline 1000 units a new connection called NETGEAR39_EXT appeared and appears to be coming from the Powerline 1000 Range Extender with the rabbit ears. (I'm using a WiFi analyzer app on my phone to identify signals.) Questions:
1. Just for neatness purposes can they all be on the same WiFi network name?
2. Should I care if they are on 2 names?
3. If I hook another Range Extender up will it tie into the 2WIRE or the NETGEAR network? Thank you very much for any assistance.
3 Replies
- It's difficult to use a single SSID with range extenders. The problem is that the extenders could end up connecting to each other instead of the main router.
There is an alternative. Many range extenders can be used as wired Access Points (AP). You'll have to check the manual for the range extender to determine whether AP mode is supported. If it is, then wire them into the router and set them up to broadcast the same SSID.I also wonder about the need for the same SSID. I have several in my messy mixture of routers, APs and whatever, and my wifi devices usually find the most suitable source and connect to that without me doing anything.
Obviously, it's easier to manage 1 SSID and 1 password on multiple devices.
In addition, roaming within an ESSID (i.e. a Wi-Fi network with multiple APs broadcasting the same SSID) is more streamlined. Devices can avoid renegotiating DHCP and the reassociating with a new AP is also easier. OTOH, devices are generally terrible at roaming (they are quite sticky to an AP), so often this advantage is lost. Some manufacturers, however, are starting to support fast roaming technologies, like 802.11r/k/v, which can not only give devices much more information about nearby APs, but also give APs more sway in encouraging devices to roam.
If multiple SSIDs work for you, then by all means stick with it.
