Two Routers With The Same SSID's? (WIFI Network ID's) When You Can & When It's Not A Great Idea.

[@claric81]

if you use same SSID for 2 router simply check your device signal to find out whether you near or far from both router.. if the signal become weak simply turn off the wifi and turn it on again and BOOMM..!!! it will connect to a strongest router signal.

[@paulytone]

Please make a video of how to get our laptops/phones to always use the strongest signal from our 2 or 3 routers!

[@CaptainBee100]

Just this morning I set up a Wi-Fi extender on the top floor of my house to provide coverage into my back garden. This uses a Powerline adapter to provide backhaul to the router on the ground floor. It seems to work well except for exactly the problems you describe. They both have the same SSID so I don't know which one I'm connected to. So I could be down the garden still connected to the weaker signal from the router, when ideally I should be connected to the new Wi-Fi extender. A quick Google search turned up your very informative video and so I am now changing the SSID of the repeater so I know exactly what's going on! I've subscribed to your channel so I can learn some more. Thanks! 😀

[@jomada8284]

Thank you for the information sir. So basically we need "deadzone" to connect to the other router. When both router meet in the same area, my device will still connect to the first router that i connect. This is my testing: 1. I connect to my router1. Then i move closer to router2, but in the same time i still get the signal of router1. I try to turn off then turn my wifi on again. And boom, i still connect to router1, even my router2 signal is stronger. Its effect also with the other simulation. I connect to router2>move to near router1>turn off then on my wifi>i still connect to router 2. Thats the poin of deadzone. And thank you again for the explanation sir!

[@sebastiana2871]

Then, two different SSID, always is better.

[@edbouhl3100]

So really we won’t see seamless transition to the strongest signal until the Wi-Fi rules in the clients change. Thanks, this saved me from wasting any more time wondering if the different ssid on my access points were preventing a smoother handoff!

[@richardlloydusa]

Correct. Mesh systems "claim" to have fixed this problem but I hear complaints about them too. You're most welcome. I'm glad and very happy to know that I could help you. Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@sushantshidore5713]

There couldn't be explanation any simpler than this. Thanks, Richard!

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. I do my best to keep it simple but it doesn't hurt that you're smart too! Thank you so much for commenting, watching and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@pm71241]

What's described is basically what everyone would expect and could extrapolate themselves. What would be more interesting would be if it explained fast roaming and mesh WiFi.

[@MrFreekyJ]

Here I was thinking perhaps in the second scenario, having 2 different SSID's, the gadet (phone,tablet) would be able to differentiate and choose the stronger signal router. Even so, although not ideal, its not too much trouble to reconnect manually to the stronger zone when you have different SSID's in place. In regards to both scenarios, I think its best having different SSID's for each router in most cases as in general its uncommon to have an absolute dead zone in between 2 or 3 routers and in scenario 1 (the white area) unless your house is unusally long. Great video Richard, as always.

[@richardlloydusa]

Yes the overlap is the usual situation which is why I don't usually recommend using the same SSID by default. I made this video to elaborate on why I default to the "it's not a good idea" answer every time I am asked but also to show where it will work well (and why) and were it will work (badly) and why. I am considering a WIFI optimization video in the future as well. The variables are crazy so I have to consider a WIFI optimization video for a single router environments and another video for multiple router environments. Thank you for watching, commenting and the kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@deltoncbaker]

I watched your video about eight times before I got it right and I truly thank you for your video. In your video you taped over the Internet Port "in" on the secondary Router. I have found that instead of taping over the port I plugged a "Crossover Adaptor" and have had no problems with using it.

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. I'm glad to know I could help you. Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@lobo851]

Your explanation of how two routers work together is excellent. You have great ability to distill complex issues into easily understandable concepts. Thanks for helping me maximize my home network.

[@prestotechreviews8871]

Hey, thanks for the very detailed video! I should mention, if you want the perfect scenario, you should have a little bit of overlap. For example, probably no more than 10-15 percent. That way, when you walk, and your device loses signal, it will automatically connect to the stronger ones. However, this may not work depending on your application. Of course, you could always power down one or some of the access points to diminish some of that crossover, but then you lose coverage other places.

[@JoeHawk77]

Richard, thank you for your vids. They have helped me get pretty far. Maybe you can help with the last of my dilemma? My goals: 1. wifi coverage throughout larger home/multiple floors. 2. Connecting wifi smart items to a single network. Google home, Google mini, 8 switches, 3 chromecasts, doorbell camera, three cell phones with wifi calling and google home app. etc. 3. Setting wifi printer with fixed ip address 192.168.1.52 outside DHCP range in order to reduce loss of connectivity between resets etc. Also reserved this ip address specifically for the printer. 4. Reserve within the DHCP range ip addresses for each cell phone in order to reduce loss of phone connection over wifi. With your help, I have already: On router (main router with cable modem attached) reduced DHCP range allowing space for non-dhcp ip addresses. Range 192.168.1.3-49 Main router ip 192.168.1.1 wifi network ssid "jimbob", channel set to 1 On 2nd router, set to Access Point (AP) Turned off DHCP Set ip to 192.168.1.2 wifi network ssid "jimbob", channel set to 6 The first thing I notice is that my phone when connected to the main router connects with the desired reserved ip address 192.168.1.13, but if the phone connects to the AP, the ip on the phone changes to 192.168.10.103. Is there some setting I can change to force the phone's ip address to the reserved ip, even if the phone connects to the AP? Where does the AP come up with the 192.168.10.103? since DHCP is off in the AP? Bottom line is that I would like to connect all my home's smart items, including the controlling app device (phone) to a single network (as this is the only way to reliably control them). Some of the devices are outside the range of any one router/AP.

[@richardlloydusa]

You are most welcome. I have seen this issue before. I am guessing you have what I call a "rouge DHCP server" running in your network. Are you connecting to WIFI using your SSID and password on that phone? If so then there is another DHCP server running in your network and it is assigning the wrong IP to your phone.I had this happen when I plugged a VOIP phone box into my network and it had a DHCP server running in it. You can troubleshoot this quickly by shutting down one device at a time in your network and reconnecting with your phone every time you do so. When you shut down the device that is the "rouge DHCP server" your phone will no longer get that IP address and it probably won't connect either. I hope this helps. Tell me what you find when you do this please. I may make a video on this problem as it is a real pain and for most people a very hard problem to sort out. Thank you for watching, commenting and the kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@JoeHawk77]

You hit it exactly right! I found my VOIP adapter was where the long cat5 cable was plugged into heading to the AP. Removed the cable from the adapter and plugged directly into my main router. Vwala the ip addresses fall into formation when connected to both the main router and the AP. Thanks for your help, I was pulling out what little hair I have left.

[@richardlloydusa]

"The rouge DHCP server" strikes again. This is one of those problems I solved on the phone when I was a network "specialist" for an IT support company. Glad my experience helped you sort it out. Thank you for watching, commenting and the valuable feedback. I appreciate it greatly. All the best. 👍😀

[@brettbecker8087]

on the second router (AP) is the Hard connection in the WAN port or one of the LAN ports?

[@fikretcolak6507]

Thank you very much, it is very well planned and documented video. I have received all the answers that I was looking for. I have watched bunch of other videos showing all the shortcuts but doesn’t mention the distinction of two different ssid’s and the purpose. Especially, don’t even mention about clients do not switch over to highest signal strength. Thank you again, subscribed. All the best from İzmir, Turkey.

[@NoWayJoseNJ]

Richard I finally found a thorough channel. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@snakesnarroz]

Great video. IMO, the best way to get wifi throughout your house (on every floor, in every corner) is with moca enabled devices. If one doesnt know what moca is, please google it. It uses your existing coax already wired in your house. Yes this wont help someone if no coax in the house, but most homes already have it. The reliability is rock solid, speeds are super fast, and dead spots are a thing of the past, as well as those extenders that just don't work. Yes you need to buy moca enabled equipment as well to make it happen, but hands down its the best in my opinion.

[@richardlloydusa]

I will look into this technology. Thank you for watching, commenting and the valuable feedback and support. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@amr2fxg]

Just perfect!! The first to explain it all.. Valueable information!! Thanks a lot!

[@simonbosch4300]

I do agree with your explanation and your advice to have different SSID for each router but for the sake of argument, it is not that critical for many who do not even bother too much to know what router they are connnected to so long as they are CONNECTED and it does not affect them of what they are doing unless they are downloading/uploading large file or playing high performance online game and they can notice the drop in the speed. This is the fact. In short, it is transparent to them if they can get what they want without noticing much of a hassle. I have in fact tried both and it works fine for me even with large overlapped of the two routers with the SAME SSID especially for handphone/cellphone where it will always looking for a stronger signal of the available Connectable SSIDs that it can be accessed (with the right password). Having said this, I do agree with you that it is advisable to have different SSID for each router for the reasons that you have mentioned.

[@richardlloydusa]

Thank you for watching, commenting, the valuable feedback and the kind words. I appreciate it greatly. I am happy to know I could help. All the best.👍😀

[@steviexup]

Great video. Explains a lot in simple English. Excellent 👍🏼 I have a summerhouse/man cave at the bottom of my garden. The main router WiFi doesn’t reach down there so I have run a long Ethernet cable from the main router to the Sky Q Minibox in the SH. I now have Sky TV inside and internet access. I also have Sonos speakers that sometimes I like to link with the speakers in the house so am i right in saying that 2 routers with the SAME SSID is the way to go? Phones and tablets will stay connected when walking from the house to the SH and with all the speakers on the same SSID I can control them all from my phone/tablet. I’m thinking that if the SH speakers were connected to one SSID and the house speakers are connected to a different SSID I can’t control them all from one device at the same time. Your thoughts please? Steve

[@richardlloydusa]

In this case the same SSID will not probably not be an issue as the two networks are so far separated. Try it and see if it works for you, you never know the two devices may be able to communicate with each other. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@enriquegaray1]

Great explanation of the way WiFi coverage works when using various routers. Thanks.

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. I'm glad and very happy to know that I could help you. Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@sjsphotog]

Great video. thanks. So do you recommend we turn on "Connect Automatically" button in our laptops to get the optimal scenario as you showed? I have 2 routers each with 2 connections (one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz connection). so in my scenario I have these 4 possible connection points (Note these are fictitious names): ROUTER24 = Office Router on 2.4 GHz Signal ROUTER5 = Office Router on 5 GHz Signal AP24 - Living Room Access Point on 2.4 GHz signal AP5 - Living Room Access Point on 5.0 GHz signal this way I can choose from any of the 4. usually 2.4 is fine for general internet needs and 5.0 is best for music and movie streaming and FAST up/download needs. If yo have them set to auto connect, will they? My house isnt that big (1400 sq ft) but wanted to have better wifi coverage in my kitchen as before I added the A/P the kitchen always had the worst signal as its the furthest point away from my office where I had the onlu rputer at the time. Now I have 2 points so it should be better.

[@NO-END]

I have same setup with Fios router and Fios extender. The extender clones 2.4 and 5G SSID automatically from router which is fine because I use different broadcast channels for all SSID to reduce interference so no need to have 4 SSID I only have 2. ROUTER24 = Living Room Router and Bedroom Extender ROUTER5G = Living Room Router and Bedroom Extender But the Orbi mesh router uses SON which I hate for two reasons. One because I always use 5G band and don't want to connect to 2.4 band unless someone has older 802.11b,g, or first draft of n device. Two because most times broadcast will be the same across all devices with SON. Having 4 SSID is better than SON IMO but there is a way to split the SSID on an Orbi. With changing broadcast channels on routers overlapping is not a problem unless both routers are way too close to one another.

[@iampatel0289]

use one as DHCP and rest as repeater/ap. this video is using old tech. i have lots of locations where coverage literary overlap with 50%+ signals. all new mobiles and tablets smart switch in network loop. they connect to 80% network from 50%. they don't need to disconnect/reconnect like video say in overlap part.

[@kastnova99]

Richard, do you have any videos showing how to use/connect a second router as a wifi range extender? While doing so is the second router physically connected to the first vis ethernet or wireless connected to the first router?

[@richardlloydusa]

You can do it either way, physically connected or through WIFI though I always would recommend the hardwired solution as it is superior. My videos that show how to connect two routers either way (Cable or WIFI) essentially turn the joining routers into access points. Here are all those videos: goo.gl/VvKk5a Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@Hat_n]

Great video! Demonstrated really well and easy to understand thanks Richard

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. Comments like this make my DAY! 😁️ I'm glad to know I could help you and that you got value from my work here. I made this video to help people just like you. Thank you for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. Subscribe, Click The Bell and stay tuned! All the best.👍😀

[@elig1184]

Hi Richard, can you please think about posting a video on how to set up VPN designated router plugged into ISP modem/router, yet providing VPN service with Internet access? I think this topic might be of great interest to many of us, and especially that we all rely on the internet with many transactions and streaming.

[@allwyndcosta6575]

Hi Richard, excellent video. Explained in a very simple manner for easy understanding. In my home, my main router supplied by the service provider is a regular router. This router has been hardwire connected to 4 other routers ( repeaters) which are of the MESH type. I have right now a common SSID for all the routers. I have the following two problems: A) Signal break and reconnection when I move from one Router zone to the next. B) I cannot configure my Wifi Printer as it indicates multiple number of connection available with the same SSID. This is not supported by the printer. I presume issue B) will be resolved if I have separate SSIDs for all 5 Wifi units (1 regular and 4 Mesh type). Please confirm. As regards issue A, will I be able to avoid the signal breaks if I replace my carrier normal Wifi with a Mesh type Wifi. Please advice. Many thanks in advance.

[@richardlloydusa]

Mesh routers are supposed to handle this stuff for you automatically. Which type of mesh routers are you using? Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@simohammy]

This was really helpful, thank you. This is exactly the challenge I am facing! One question though - can you link two identical WAPs to create a mesh with the same SSID?

[@peerfalkenberg9989]

I love your videos, they’re great. I have heard that clients are not selecting network using same methods. Eg iPhone also prioritize on preferred network or often used - is that correct? Looking forward to you review mesh network !!

[@ToTa-HaToTa]

Hi Mr. Richard Your explanation was amazing I really like it and I like all your vids on this channel god bless you keep it up. Basil from Palestine ✌

[@JenniferDeJonghe]

Thank you for this! If you have two places further apart - like a house and then a cabin in two different towns - can I assume it is fine to use same SSID and password on routers very far apart? I assume so because you'd obviously have a big "zone of no connection"....

[@mikeclark1326]

Great video. But you could actually see which router you are connected to. Just look at the signal strength

[@thomasyackiel192]

Great explanation. After watching video, it is obvious there is no reason to have the SSIDs the same. With the newer mesh routers, using the same SSID is preferred.

[@richardlloydusa]

Correct. Mesh routers work in tandem with each other and hand off the client to the next router efficiently but regular routers can not do that. Thank you so much for commenting and watching. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Richard, signal strength and therefore quality and speed of connection is not just related to distance, obstacles etc. it is also influenced by interference from other transmitting devices - I think the range of an AP will decrease with a second AP nearby - despite the fact they are likely to use different channels.

[@richardlloydusa]

WIFI and radio signals are very malleable. They are subject to constant change especially at the end of the range. They are likely to use different channels, I agree but there is nothing inside most routers to stop them from using the same channel. BTW most people don't know this but there is such a thing as too much signal strength too. I am contemplating doing a WIFI optimization video in the future. Weaving the variables involved and the technical details that are important into a video will be a challenge to say the least. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@renaldas72]

Great video, thank you very much! I got one question: can I connect two Wi-Fi Range Extenders (TL-WA855RE) to my Router with different SSID's? Thank you

[@nasharunsan1145]

great explaination, but what if the person is not tech-savvy and he doesn't know the different between 2 router & 2 different SSID? he just use the weak connection until it disconnect and connect to the better wifi connection? but between that time it just lost some productivity time due to it. Do you have any solution for that? thank you.

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. The solution is a mesh network here's a link to one highly rated system on Amazon(paid): amzn.to/3OjaeYH or this one on Amazon(paid): amzn.to/3OxBfrR Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀 (Affiliate links. Helps me on KZbin and does not cost you any extra if you use them)

[@ProfessorQuality]

Richard, you look in great shape. Congrats and thanks for the great content!

[@richardlloydusa]

You are most welcome. Thank you so much the very kind words, for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@ulfarorarson3885]

Thank you so much for this explanation .. so i guess, that seamless wifi connection on the 9 floors company i work for , is basically ... you grab a point, and stick to it until it loses the connection... then instantly grab connection to the next one ... so there will ALLWAYS be that one small gap ? ..... im having issues in my 2 story house ... gunna give this a shot ..! thanx!

[@wowfury11]

hello richard i had an old modem and made it work as an access poiint but idk if i should really change the channel of the access point ( old router ) should i make it different than the main routers channel ? thanks :)

[@alroydirks4748]

Thank you. Can one connect a Hauwei B315 router to a Mikrotik router. The Mikrotik router is used for the internet. I want to use the Hauwei B315 as a WiFi extender. Thank you.

[@vijaykurup2002]

Thanks for visual explanation on this Topic... However how does it matter if I have 2 different SSID on both example? as far as concern all my wireless clients has those SSID and Password saved. The movement going from dead zone to another router in the first example still handshake to another SSID (which makes more comfortable to know that my client has now connected another router) ans same for the 2nd example where I can manually choose either of better signal SSID/router. Hope it make sense

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. If it works for you that's great! Go with it. I'm glad and very happy to know that I could help you. Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@shadwilliams5455]

Does the connection mgr also let you see other available devices such as printers so that you can choose which to print to?

[@doublemd]

Your videos always pop up when i want to learn something new about my router, Liked and subbed I was wondering, Whats the difference between having two routers ( or 1 router with extender ) both with same ssid And a mesh network ? Are they both the same concept, or is there a benefit to having a mesh network like being able to connect to the strongest signal ?

[@farhankhatri4937]

Hey Richard!! That was a lovely and very informative video!! Wish I had found your channel earlier!! I have a question tho. I have a router at my home and a wifi extender of tp link Tl-WA850RE and it has an ACCESS POINT operation mode in it. Now i was using it in its default mode i.e RANGE EXTENDER operation mode wirelessly and it was working fine. But it slowly kept getting worse and now gives slow speed. So I wanted to change it to AP operation mode. Now I took an 30 meter ethernet cable and plugged one end in the lan port of my router and plugged another end into the wifi extender and turned the extender's operation mode to ACCESS POINT mode. My question is WILL IT NOW WORK AS A WIFI EXTENDER OR AS A WIFI REPEATER? WILL THE BANDWIDTH BE AFFECTED IF I CONNECT TO THAT AP? WILL I GET SLOW INTERNET IF CONNECTED TO THAT AP?

[@abbasch302]

Hi. Thank you Richard. Your videos helped me a lot. Specially the one where you explained how to connect 3 routers. I have a question though. I've 500 meters area to cover in 1 direction. I connected 5 routers in daisy chain. I want to use same SSID. Workers will connect to any of router but if they go out of range they automatically connect to my other router without entering password. Is it possible?

[@iLLa_SkriLLa]

Wish i wouldve seen this 1yr ago. I have the same setup as the last, 2 dif ssids. I had too much overlap. In the small apt. The better router picked up more devices but, its farther and lead to drops.

[@richardlloydusa]

There are many considerations and variables with WIFI. I may do a follow up video on channel optimization as well as there seems to be much confusion on that important aspect of the WIFI spectrum. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@sjsphotog]

@@richardlloydusa yes please do that other video on channel optimization. I use the Wifi Analyzer app/program to see channel strength

[@RayMak]

Good explanation

[@davidpaez1217]

Thank you very much from Venezuela Richard!

[@richardlloydusa]

You are welcome! A big Howd'y from Texas. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much again for commenting, watching and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. Subscribe, Click The Bell and stay tuned! All the best.👍😀

[@rockrocks009]

Hi Richard. Thanks for the video. This is exactly what I was looking for. Is there any way to connect based on the strength? Like in Hotels or multi floor offices?

[@richardlloydusa]

It's possible, but that requires a mesh network to have it switch automatically. The WIFI standard does not have the ability to determine and switch to the strongest signal. Thank you for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@Txbby33]

Hi I have a question. I have 1 tplink re350 range extender set up as an access point from my isp's fiber modem via straight connection. The access point is on the 3rd floor the main one is on the 2nd. Everytime I go up on the 3rd floor after my 2nd drops. It always says no internet connection or limited connectivity regardless of device type then connects after a few minutes. They have different SSID'S can you help me with this I'm anxious to know how to solve this. Reason for getting an access point is that my 3rd floor is a deadzone. Liked and subscribed

[@jamescullins2709]

A followup on my last comment. When the 3 routers are connected it is with CAT5 cables this would give each router full speed via the CAT5 back to the switch... is the correct?

[@pjasonq]

What would you recommend if I want to handle a google voice WiFi call between two routers or access points without the call dropping during the handoff? For example I have a router in my office and a router in my garage and I'll be on a call in the office and I need to go out to my garage. The call quality always degrades and then drops before connecting to the garage WiFi.

[@richardlloydusa]

You may need a mesh network solution to handle this situation. Even if you used the same SSID and password and overlapped the zones. There would still have to be a drop of one router to the next router. Google has a reliable mesh solution but do your research and see what you come up with. Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@pjasonq]

@@richardlloydusa I was also considering the Ubiquiti access points. I've been hearing a lot of good things about them and it'll also be a good learning experience to set one up as I always have customers asking about good WiFi setups in their office.

[@jamieedwards7041]

In the setup you're describing are the two routers both functioning as routers? Or is one of them functioning as a main router and one of them functioning as an access point?

[@COLDoCLINCHER37]

Awesome video really helpful. But I'm wanting to build a home application with 5 routers, but each routet is limited to 10 maximum available connections and after a 10th user connects, the client devices begin connecting to the other routers next in line. So I don't necessarily need automatic switching, just want to know if this Is possible to have the client devices connect and choose the router with lowest number of connections, within one given SSID.

[@richardlloydusa]

I'm not sure why you're limited to 10 connections per router unless you're DHCP only is assigning 50 IP addresses. It can dole 250+ IP addresses. As far as SSID's and connection priority that is managed by the actual WIFI card in your computer and generally it connects to the first device that responds and that is not necessarily the same device every time, or the closest or the least busy unfortunately. That is the nature of legacy WIFI. Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@stevencastro2856]

Thank you, great video! But I have one question if you don’t mind. I live in a 3 story home that has pre wired Ethernet outlets on each level and my ISP router is on the ground level with a second router(nighthawk ac1900) that I have on the second floor and set as an AP. The AP router is direct connected to the Ethernet port and then I have my tv, gaming console etc. all hardwired to the AP router. My ISP router and AP currently do not have matching SSID. I’m only two days in but currently we connect to the AP and we have a strong Wi-Fi signal on every level of the house. I was going to change the SSID’s to match but after watching your video it seems like I may be better off leaving them with different names? Also should I have my second router set as an AP? would a bridge or having it run as it’s own network be better? I’m not very good at this so I apologize if I butchered the terminology.

[@richardlloydusa]

I usually go with, "If it's not broken don't fix it." You can experiment if you wish. I leave the routers on their default settings but again you can experiment to see which settings give you a better result. Different equipment and environments affect performance in weird ways. Thank you so much for commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@thefleaflop]

Hi Rich and thanks for the video,.. its exactly what I needed. In my case,... I have two TiVo units. Each is connected to a different router. If each router has a different SSID, the TiVo's cant seem to connect to share files. in my case, it would seem I need to have the same SSID on both routers to make the TiVo's believe they are on the same network to share files. Does this make sense, and would you agree with my assessment? Keep it up big guy!

[@W3DRM]

Richard - love your videos. Have you done any videos that describe and provide info about home/office mesh networks? Also, are there any downsides of connecting two or more routers, I.e., is throughput impacted when multiple routers are being used?

[@richardlloydusa]

I have not made a mesh network video as I do not currently own a mesh network. I may invest in that for a future video. If the WIFI is configured correctly there should be minimal impact when two or more routers are connected using a hard wire LAN connection. Understand that currently hardwired connections will faster and more reliable than WIFI. WIFI connected routers require the WIFI to be configured in an optimal way to avoid channel interference and give optimal service. I may do a video on this in the future. Mesh solutions like Google WIFI are now a viable solution for those who just want a plug and play solution here at Amazon: amzn.to/2I2hefD Or eBay: goo.gl/aGaoFH I have not tested one as of yet but it is another piece of the puzzle that I may invest in and shoot a video about. Thank you for watching, commenting and the kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@tammywilson5985]

Is it possible to have 2 wifi extenders in one house? We have one in the dining room, the router in a bedroom. We stream off Roku in the other bedroom and constantly lose signal or buffers. Was thinking I could put a wifi extender in our bedroom, would this work?

[@richardlloydusa]

Yes you can have two WIFI extenders in the same location. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@bonesivegot1]

Thanks for the great video and explanation. If you were to use the same SSID on both and there was a large overlap due to property size, would you recommend restricting the wifi signal strength to create a blindspot and force a switch over?

[@MrWookiecck]

I don't entirely agree. With older devices this might be the case, but from personal experience and reading up on some standards; latest firmware for phones (particularly Android) there are features that can be enabled/disabled to allow your devicr scan for the best network to connect to (weather same SSID or not - it distinguishes the networks on BSSID/MAC address). If your phone doe not have such a feature (outdated firmware) there are apps that can be used to allow the wifi to switch over to the best networl, such as wifi switcher

[@idabranting3834]

weather?

[@josepablouribe2770]

Richard. Thanks a lot for your videos, by far the best I've seen. I have one question: I am struggling to understand the difference to connect 2 routers via LAN-LAN connection and not LAN-WAN connection. I have applied exactly your most popular video on connection 2 routers via LAN-LAN with 2 different SSIDs, but have also found that there's also the possibility to do it with LAN-WAN connection. Is there a big difference to go with one option instead of the other one? Tks in advance!

[@temp06j723-pmeighttq]

LAN-LAN is simplest & reliable with DHCP handled by Primary router. LAN-WAN allows for a different Subnetting with different/independent DHCP handling for restriction/isolation purposes. take note that LAN-WAN can also be it's BridgeModeAP where Primary Router 'controls' this Secondary router.

[@samfebu]

Hi Richard, your video always very helpful. Is it possible conneting 2 routers over Wi-Fi?, Without using ethernet cable

[@richardlloydusa]

You are most welcome. Yes it is possible. I have videos showing how to do that here: goo.gl/ZmntvD Thank you for watching, commenting and the kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@DeUndefined1]

I have my dsl modem router going to my room on 1 side and I have a range extender on the other side. But I don't know if i have the same ssid because the ip address is still the same but now i can access the extenders ip settings anywhere around my house.

[@Ramovis]

Does this also apply for mesh networks?

[@dark30welderwelding11]

Great basic video ! Poor man’s mesh :) Keep in mind this only applies consumer grade systems with no WiFi controller. Commercial systems with multiple AP’s and an actual WiFi controller will watch the client signal strength and actually move the client over to the next AP automatically.

[@pabloalfaro7609]

Great video, very well explained! Thanks for putting this up!

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. I'm glad and very happy to know that I could help you. Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@slivnik]

So is the whole premise of WDS basically flawed then? As I understand WDS, it requires all the APs to share the same SSID and channel. I have 4 wireless routers in a WDS configuration and it doesn't work well. My APs support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation, there is no way to set up wired backhaul for the 3 remote APs and my clients are too old to support fast roaming. Is there any way to configure my network for seamless handover between APs e.g. when making video calls and moving around the house? I can replace my routers/APs or buy more of them but I can't replace the clients. Seems to me that Apple, as usual, with WDS over-promised and under-delivered

[@richardlloydusa]

You can mickey mouse a solution but it will not be seamless as the old WIFI standards were not meant for roaming from one AP to another. There are now many "mesh" network solutions available to solve these problems for you and they are fairly inexpensive. Here's an example @ Amazon amzn.to/3sm2Rq2 (Affiliate Link). No this is a high end solution. I am sure your legacy devices do not require WIFI 6 so a lower tech mesh network like the Google Mesh @ Amazon amzn.to/3rs43ce (Affiliate Link) $69.00 so you have many options here but for $69 reliable solution, I would say a cheap mesh is your best option. Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@GRBtutorials]

Still, this doesn’t solve my problem: I have to manually switch between my router and the extender because the overlap spans the entire house. The router connection in the bottom floor is very slow, but the extender connection is good, and viceversa in any other room. A solution to this problem would be installing a custom firmware in two routers, and make a script that checks the signal strength, and if it’s lower than the other router, it disconnects the client so that it then connects to the other one. Unfortunately, I don’t have routers that are compatible with OpenWRT or similar. Guess I’ll need to buy two cheap compatible routers/APs (and run Ethernet cable through the walls).

[@richardlloydusa]

A mesh network solution, though more expensive, may be a better solution. I always consider time and frustration as part of the cost of a solution. Google has a mesh router (which I may buy to test) but it is highly rated here at Amazon: amzn.to/2I2hefD Or eBay: goo.gl/aGaoFH the system can be used as a single point or as many as you wish. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@samsh0-q3a]

Reduce the transmit power of the router. Removing an antennae helps too - you'll have to account for a deadspot though unless you're using 2 routers where you can fine tune it.

[@chamor0401]

Richard great video very helpful. Subscribed!

[@joewest1972]

Suppose I'm just a little bit too slow I'm trying to understand but with the two different ssids wouldn't I have to manually log on to Sparky three if I crossed into that zone and vice versa everything else that I've been looking at about hooking up two routers since I have to log on this has confused me perhaps you can help explain that

[@richardlloydusa]

There's two ways it can happen. If you don't have over lapping WIFI zones, when you step out of one zone and into the other WIFI zone, your WIFI device will disconnect from the previous zone and connect to the next available zone that's available (If you have connected to it before regardless of it's SSID name) This is the best situation but rarely ever happens. There's always some over lap if not a great amount of overlap. WIFI devices are not really programmed to roam. They're programmed to hold on to a connection as long as possible and only disconnect if they can no longer communicate reliably. The assumption being there is only one reliable connection available. So when you're in a WIFI zone with overlap from the last zone your WIFI client connected to, it wants to stay connected to the original WIFI connection regardless of what the available options are locally. So if you name the SSID for both zones the same you NEVER know which one the WIFI client will connect to and is connected to unless you look at the connection and see that the signal is really weak and then you have to manually switch it anyway. So by using different SSID's on your routers like, back porch, garage or upstairs for instance, you always know which one it's connected and you can easily chose the connection you want if it does not connect to it automatically. Here's another bonus about different SSID's you don't have to give the YouTubing, Streaming, High bandwidth hogs in your house (don't know who these people would be 😁️? ) access to WIFI zones you don't want them using simply by not giving them the WIFI password to those routers! Another bonus is that they will wonder beyond the range of the available WIFI Zone. LOL Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@DeepikaAditya]

Don't know if technology has changed since you made this video. My android phone seems to automatically shift wifi routers on same ssid when one gets weaker than other in the overlap zone edge when I turn on the select best network available option in the Wifi settings

[@virginiamontes6974]

Thanks that was helpful. My son was asking why I had 2 routers with different names and passwords. I’m not a tech person but I’m working from home now and my laptop was lagging a lot, I bought a deco tp link and set it up as best as I could. With different name and password. One question when you say the devices will connect to the closest router, is that an automatic connection? Or u still have to choose the most closest and plug in the password? Thanks!

[@richardlloydusa]

They will connect to the first router that responds, that is not necessarily the closest or the fastest router but with a mesh system like the Deco it should all be automatic without issue. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@markchandler001]

What about if I have two routers that are the same model provided by the same internet company. The only difference is the passwords. Both will work singularly without any configuration just as long as I'm using the correct password for each router. Does that simplify things if I want to use one to extend the WIFI signal strength?

[@richardlloydusa]

If it works for you then go for it. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@MRrwmac]

Richard, 1- You say two separate routers. But is it the same for a main router and another router connected over an ethernet cable but setup as an access point (AP)? 2- Is there a way for our clients to pick up the strongest signal (from either the main or other router (or AP) so we don’t get constant buffering (such as on KZbin videos)? Thank you for a very well explained video!

[@hailongngo]

Thank you for your detailed video!

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome and thank you so much for commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@davidbrick626]

Great explanation. So if instead of two different routers, I have one router and one extender, there necessarily has to be an overlap -- because the extender has to be receiving the carrier from the router -- so therefore I should not use the same SSID in this scenario, yes?

[@richardlloydusa]

Yes, exactly. I would avoid it if they overlap. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@seamanjive]

Great vid...I'm struggling with repeaters across the house usinvvghe same ssid....

[@mediocritycentral]

don't use repeaters..they cut your bandwidth.. use wired range extenders instead (you can use your old routers instead)

[@hoonycr500]

Hi Richard, thanks for posting this, very informative and i have done exactly as your video as i left my 2 routers as default SSID. i have a question although its not related to this topic directly. perhaps a future video topic maybe what's a good router to use that has the following functions - Parental controls (limit children's activity by both hours or content) - can see what sites are being visited at the router level (some kind of website address activity log) is a netgear nighthawk one to consider? apologies if this is covered on another of your video (which i will look for now)

[@richardlloydusa]

I don't use those features but most routers at this point have them as well as a logging feature on some. I will need to research this further. Please check the manufacturers website or call support for further information. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@hoonycr500]

@@richardlloydusa, many thanks for your reply much appreciated. i see your a MX Bike fan too (saw you video on KX250) i have a 1985 CR500RF i restored

[@lordcatpotato]

Thank You sir, very good explanation !

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. I'm glad and very happy to know that I could help you. Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@ricomeierringrose2794]

What do you do if you to routers because of bad WiFi coverage. But you also need them to have the same ssid. So you don’t need to switch your connection manually to stream to chrome cast?

[@manojpattanaik4754]

I prefer having same SSID in signal overlap case, so that whenever I found my device is getting weak signal, I will just switch off and on the WIFI and it will choose the closest access point. In case of different SSID, I need to choose the specific SSID which need more steps then just switching off and on the WIFI.

[@arthur_soares]

Hi Richard! I am Brazilian! I am using a Huawei Ax3 Pro as the main router and a TP-LINK Archer C6 in access point mode connected to the AX3 via a network cable. I only enable the 5ghz network on the two routers, and they have different channels, AX3 (147) and C6 (48), they are all at 40mhz and I don't notice interference. They have the same SSID and password. Lately my TP link makes wifi disappear and come back. Could you help me understand what's going on? Does the problem happen because the brands are different?

[@richardlloydusa]

I would check for a firmware update on the C6. If it's available update the firmware and that will probably make it more stable. If there is no update do a factory reset and configure the router again. It sometimes makes a difference. Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@kalpshah9745]

I have two story house and main router is connected on Top floor and AP(secondary, DHCP disabled) router is connected to the ground floor. (1) When I keep two different SSID with overlap coverage--- let say I started facetime call at top floor and started walking towards ground floor,phone beeping me "reconnecting massages" when signal are getting weaker, and reconnect when little more optimum level reaches for secondary router . (2) When I keep SSIDs same for both routers my transition always went smoother without loosing call for a seconds.......So unlike author of this video who likes two different SSID , I like same name for both SSIDs. Even in my office with more than 100 employees , they use same SSIDs for all routers (more than 10) so once you get connected you stay connected throught the office time, all your Iphone X do is smooth transition to stronger signals without letting you know . Little more jelly on your penute butter sandwich: Now smart routers are coming with Merge SSIDs options. So as author said router just lets you in as client , it does not care about the signal strentgh but now onwards your router compare signal strentgh and switched you from 2.4 ghz to 5 ghz automatically if you have option enable. Now over here contradictory situation is waht I used for my router. Instead merges SSIDs , I connected my work laptop to 5 GHz band and other devices on 2.4 ghz so my wok laptops gets more bandwidths, as work is worship.

[@richardlloydusa]

Every office I have worked in had a mesh solution using the same SSID so I would believe your office would be the same. WIFI at home is evolving and mesh technology is migrating there too. But the majority of legacy and older EIFI routers do not have that technology. I may do an update video in the future to supplement this one with the changing technology landscape Thank for the PB sandwich. All the best.

[@tomc8449]

Hi Thanks a lot for this great Tuts, Please I need some assistance, I am trying to setup a nano station M5 Ap with a TP-LINK router but i can't get the internet to be recognized by the system. Any Assistance? Thanaks

[@barrysullivan1804]

keep same ssid's and just use Netgear WiFi analytics..it will show both WiFi signals and you can figure out which your connects too. Just turn off/on WiFi to connect to the nearest

[@jamescullins2709]

My son has two sons, could he have 3 routers each son would have a router, their name. Can it be set up so it would only connect to their on router Dad could connect to all three routers. The routers would be close to the computer, they have no CAT5 cables run through the walls. Thank you very good stuff.

[@grahamh7041]

thanks: a superb and very helpful presentation

[@reimono]

explained wonderfully, thank you

[@skragamuffin]

hi great video well explained one question keeping on the line of sparky and sparky3 if i had a nas drive and cctv cameras connected to sparky all via ethernet cable would i still be able to access these on sparky3

[@sjsphotog]

obviosuly if the NAS is hardwired its only going to connect to the router or AP its actually connected to since you are taking wifi out of the equation. Most NAS's only have 1 ethernet port not 2.

[@Richarmed88]

@@sjsphotog I am wondering the same thing, did you find a solution to this ? I have a 4tb hdd connected to a second router and can usually access it from devices connected via the to same router router but Ideally I would like to be able to access it from a pc connected via Ethernet to my primary modem/router

[@TheSir2005]

Not sure what the point is of this. Same SSID or not the outcome is the same, weak signal at some point while you could have better. Thats why better practice is to have the same SSID with the same settings and lower the power output to decrease overlap.

[@richardlloydusa]

Thank you for watching, commenting, the valuable feedback. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@Chamorristaxd]

does it change the subnetwork when you change the AP? does it keep the ip and so?

[@johnkirkland6917]

As a noob at wifi and home networking i found the video a good explanation. But, now it confused me on what im trying to achieve. Tri-level house wanting wifi in basement etc. I can connect to my Nighthawk in most areas, but signal gets weak. I want to walk to any point of the home with full signal strength without having to "Switch" from one "Sparky" to another. Yes i understood the part about overlapping and being able to see which router im on, but therein lies the problem...i dont care, lol..i simply want full signal anywhere in my house, without having to look, think or anything...i want it to be totally auto...I was told access points would achieve this but according to this video, it will not. ?

[@richardlloydusa]

I suggest investing in a mesh network system like this at Amazon(paid): amzn.to/3SjL9z9 This will solve all the issues you are concerned about automatically. Thank you so much for commenting, watching and the very kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@hdmalith82]

I was trying to do ip : mac binding in a similar 2 router setup. (different ssids) Is it possible? I can bind in the router. But access point assigns a different ip.

[@parker4551]

Great explanation.

[@adityahsaputra8020]

2 SSID with same name 1 SSID on 1 router and 1 repeater/extender (roaming)

[@richardlloydusa]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@marlonmendoza3686]

Hi sir, let me ask regarding the 2 router if should be same ssid #? Bcos few days ago i set one router extra to next room but if i going to 2nd room the connection weak, same in the 1st room? Should be same ssid # both router to get a strong connection sir?

[@richardlloydusa]

I don't recommend using the same SSID on both routers and what is happening in your case seems to further my suggestion to just use two different SSID's. Thank you so much for watching, commenting and the very kind and words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@marlonmendoza3686]

@@richardlloydusa thank you so much sir

[@richardlloydusa]

You're most welcome. Thanks again! 👍😀

[@marlonmendoza3686]

Subscribes done..

[@richardlloydusa]

Thank you so much for subscribing to my channel. All the best.👍😀

[@peterbrown8889]

can u confirm the password set up plz in regards to the 2nd ssid if do it that way , you dont explain about that part if have 2 on the 1 ssid (does the password for your devices carry staright over) ? , or if have two router on separate ssids how does the password managment work , thx again

[@captainjack3787]

Great explanation, thanks..

[@JasonHayesParkingGuy]

Great info, you definitely answered my questions

[@vatevor]

how do I make my devices all connect to the same NAS server if all the devices are connected to different SSIDs?

[@alexsantander]

On my flat I have Router and an extender with the same SSID. but in the app I can see which devices are connected to... so I can distribute perfectly Alexa's TVs... and so..

[@sroRAGE]

I HAVE 3 ROUTERS and one extender with SAME SSID and my devices always connect to the one wiht strongest signal if the siganl gets weaker when I move away it take 5 secs to connect to the other ruter that is closer so idk what you are blubering about

[@tokajiport758]

If I'm on a video call from my tablet as I cross from sparky to sparky3 will my call drop? If so, how do you set up a network to seamlessly roam between access points?

[@richardlloydusa]

I can't really say if it will or not. Some video software can take it some can't and some tablets switch very quickly as well. Give it a shot and see what happens. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@chrispistocco]

Great explanation!!!!!

[@richardlloydusa]

Thank you for watching, commenting and the kind words. I appreciate it greatly. All the best.👍😀

[@chrispistocco]

@@richardlloydusa How about a video on using a second router to set up a separate network for say..IOT items or Camera's??????