We have a continuing problem with clients devices which refuse to move to an AP
that provides a much better signal. For example, students entering a classroom
typically have at least one WiFi device active when they enter the room (e.g.,
their phone) and maybe more (e.g.,, tablet, laptop, etc). As has been the case
for years, the default client behavior seems to continue to be to hold on to
the original AP association until it becomes unusable, then move to the best
signal for where they currently are. I know that recent Windows machines have
settings to control how aggressive the radio is in moving to a better AP.
Surely UNIX-based machines can also do the same. We encourage our laptop users
to take advantage of a more aggressive setting. And, we use the Cisco
load-balancing stuff to also try to help.
But, we still see the problem.
Now, we are getting complaints about phones (iPhones & Android). users cannot
infinitely wander around a residence hall or Greek house without getting small
breaks in service (about 1 second or less) when they finally move from one AP
to one with a much stronger (and clearer) signal.
Does anyone know anything else we can try to encourage client devices (tablets,
laptops, and phones) to change APs more aggressively?
We are a Cisco shop using WiSM2 controllers (7.6.120.0 & 7.6.130.0) with 5,000
APs of various models (1131, 1142, 2602, 2702, and a few 3502 & 3602s).
Thanks for any help/advice you can offer.
-jcw
[UA Logo]
John Watters The University of Alabama
Office of Information Technology
205-348-3992
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