Ideal ASUS AP Setup Config for WiF Coverage?

[CntrlAltDel]

Hi there,
So I just have a quick question specifically around my concern about AP handover on WiFi. There's one WiFi deadzone in my household that I want to correct by adding another RT-AC88U (I have another in the front of my house).
The core idea is to use the same equipment assuming there is some inbuilt consideration for how these APs behave between each other. Maybe with AI Mesh + Ethernet backhaul? I've not tested the behaviour ye better to get feedback from you guys who have ran the gauntlet of tshoot already.
I just want to know for sure how do I best minimize that handover delay of my client device to the next AP when I move from the back to the front of the house on ASUS APs?

So far the gist that I have on my end is:
- Identical 2.4GHz + 5GHz SSIDs+Passwords across both of the APs.
- Separate channels for 2.4GHz and 5GHz on each AP.
- Lower power output for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz so no overlap caused hanging.

 

[degrub]

The client device determines when a switch of APs occurs, not the APs. ASUS APs cannot get very low on RF power output. And the connection speed will drop. You need SMB or better APs and a controller to do what you want. TPlink Omada, Ubiquity, CISCO, etc.
If the low RF power zone is below -75dB, e.g. -80 dB , then, depending on the client device, it may start looking for a new AP to attach to.
So , make a RF power heat map of your coverage area to see if you are below that threshold in the wifi dropoff area. IF you are, find a spot to place the AP and see if it is too much RF even at low power setting. If you are not, then the client may not switch automatically. You may have to do the switching manually on the client device. If a stationary client, then no big deal. If you need higher bandwidth ( > 100 Mbit/s) , you are likely better off hardwiring the device. Consumer APs/routers are designed to try to cover an area by using maximum allowed power output with one device only.

 

[CntrlAltDel]

The client device determines when a switch of APs occurs, not the APs. ASUS APs cannot get very low on RF power output. And the connection speed will drop. You need SMB or better APs and a controller to do what you want. TPlink Omada, Ubiquity, CISCO, etc.
If the low RF power zone is below -75dB, e.g. -80 dB , then, depending on the client device, it may start looking for a new AP to attach to.
So , make a RF power heat map of your coverage area to see if you are below that threshold in the wifi dropoff area. IF you are, find a spot to place the AP and see if it is too much RF even at low power setting. If you are not, then the client may not switch automatically. You may have to do the switching manually on the client device. If a stationary client, then no big deal. If you need higher bandwidth ( > 100 Mbit/s) , you are likely better off hardwiring the device. Consumer APs/routers are designed to try to cover an area by using maximum allowed power output with one device only.

Alright, it seems it may just be better for me to get a L2 switch to handle the cabling and then to move the AP to central and elevated position in the house (in the middle somewhere). I think I'll give it a go and see what the outcome is.

 

[bbunge]

There is no "ideal" WIFI setup. Here you will get a lot of recommendations but in the end it is what works for you and in your environment.

In my place I pretty much leave the WIFI settings at default even though the router WIFI exceeds the bandwidth of my ISP service. I have set the 2.4 GHz to 20 MHz because of the numerous neighbors and their WIFI prevents mine from ever going to 40 MHz. I have also set the 5 GHz to 80 MHz which can give better range than 160 MHz. I have had DFS enabled and disabled and it seems to make no difference as I am seldom bothered by RADAR. I do use Dual Band SmartConnect. The AiMesh uses default settings with Ethernet backhaul. I do not mess with the professional settings or the power.
At this moment, all the WIFI settings are back to default and the family is happy. Will I change something in the nest week? Only the Shadow knows....