EX6400 extends wifi but switch to another channel

[JimJin]

EX6400 extends WiFi signals exactly the same as the source one. So, suppose the source WiFi is "ABC" and in channel 64(5GHz), EX6400 generates the same SSID and channel which is "ABC" and channel 64. But the extended signal would interfere with the original one since they are in the same channel.

Is it possible to let EX6400 switch channel? For example, "ABC"|channel 64 -> "ABC"|channel 165?

[plemans · Accepted solution]

The reason it can't switch is timing/latency. Whenever you switch the channels on router/extender, it reboots to switch channels. 

And even if it didn't reboot, it'd take time to switch channels. And the extender is talking between the router----devices repeatedly every second. Add some latency into that and the extender would be pretty worthless in terms of speed/latency.

Its why the decent wifi mesh systems use a triband setup. That allows them to have the backhaul on a seperate channel that doesn't suffer from interference. It also allows them to avoid the 50% thoroughput hit that single/dual band extenders take. 

If you're wanting to avoid having the extender on a different channel for connection to devices, look at the triband line of extenders like the EX7500, EX7700, EX8000. Their dedicated 3rd band allows that dedicated link between router----extender. Then you can set whatever channel you want for the extender----device connection. 

[plemans]

The only way to have the extender on a different channel is if its hardwired into the router via ethernet and setup in access point mode. 

Otherwise it has to be on the same channel as the router or they wouldn't be able to communicate with each other. 

[JimJin]

Hardwire is too limited and is what we are trying to avoid. May I know the reason that EX6400 can't suport channel switch from WiFi to Wifi? Is it limited by hardware? Or the protocol prohibits this behavior? Is it possible for some hardware to receive one WiFi and generate another distinct Wifi which the channel is different but with the same SSID(and password)?

[plemans · Accepted solution]

The reason it can't switch is timing/latency. Whenever you switch the channels on router/extender, it reboots to switch channels. 

And even if it didn't reboot, it'd take time to switch channels. And the extender is talking between the router----devices repeatedly every second. Add some latency into that and the extender would be pretty worthless in terms of speed/latency.

Its why the decent wifi mesh systems use a triband setup. That allows them to have the backhaul on a seperate channel that doesn't suffer from interference. It also allows them to avoid the 50% thoroughput hit that single/dual band extenders take. 

If you're wanting to avoid having the extender on a different channel for connection to devices, look at the triband line of extenders like the EX7500, EX7700, EX8000. Their dedicated 3rd band allows that dedicated link between router----extender. Then you can set whatever channel you want for the extender----device connection.