On 11/04/2015 09:10 AM, Bowie Bailey wrote:> If all of the routers are providing access to the same network, you > can set up the same SSID, wifi password, and security type for all the > routers and the clients should seamlessly switch between them as they > move around.As a point of clarification: The setup that you're describing isn't multiple WiFi routers, it's multiple WiFi Access Points. I think that's generally the best way to deploy wireless networks, but the distinction is important. Access Points, as opposed to routers, are merely bridges to a standard Ethernet LAN. They don't run DHCP, or provide NAT, or route packets at all. Most WiFi routers can be configured this way by a) giving each a unique LAN address b) disabling the WAN port c) disabling DHCP d) connecting Ethernet to one of the LAN switch ports and nothing to the WAN port and e) configuring the same ESSID and security for WiFi.
Gordon Messmer wrote:> As a point of clarification: The setup that you're describing isn't > multiple WiFi routers, it's multiple WiFi Access Points.Thanks for your response, and for all the others. I am indeed using the two routers as Access Points, turning off dhcp on them, etc. I did actually try what has been suggested, but it didn't seem to work, which made me wonder if it was possible in principle. However, I almost certainly made some mistake setting up the second router/AP, which is actually an ancient Netopia router from my ISP, whose manual says it can be used as an AP. I see it with "arp -a" on my server, but I've now noticed I don't see it on my Android phone, or with "iwlist scan" on my laptop. Apologies, I don't think this router/AP is working ... -- Timothy Murphy gayleard /at/ eircom.net School of Mathematics, Trinity College, Dublin
On 11/5/2015 7:22 AM, Timothy Murphy wrote:> Gordon Messmer wrote: > >> As a point of clarification: The setup that you're describing isn't >> multiple WiFi routers, it's multiple WiFi Access Points. > Thanks for your response, and for all the others. > I am indeed using the two routers as Access Points, > turning off dhcp on them, etc. > > I did actually try what has been suggested, > but it didn't seem to work, > which made me wonder if it was possible in principle.It is possible. I have this setup running both at home and at the office.> However, I almost certainly made some mistake setting up > the second router/AP, which is actually an ancient Netopia router > from my ISP, whose manual says it can be used as an AP. > I see it with "arp -a" on my server, > but I've now noticed I don't see it on my Android phone, > or with "iwlist scan" on my laptop. > > Apologies, I don't think this router/AP is working ...In order for devices to be able to seamlessly switch between access points, they must have the EXACT same wifi security setup (SSID, security method, and password). I had a problem with this at work trying to use an old router that would not do WPA2. It can be confusing to figure out exactly which access point you are using when the SSID's are all the same. The Wifi Analyzer app will give you the mac address of the router so you can be sure you're using the one you think you are. It's a free app, so give it a try. I've found it to be very useful for dealing with wifi routers and access points. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer -- Bowie