Have you looked into modifying the client roaming parameters under the wireless tab on your wism/wlc (they are usually default from what I've seen in most cases). Also, you could leverage 802.11k assisted roaming to help your devices make better roaming decisions.
I haven't adjusted my client roaming parameters but have been looking into the 802.11k info more recently. Like most things, not all devices support 802.11k but it could help in your case. Another thing to look at (especially with smartphones) is the channels that your ap's are using. Are the clients not roaming because the ap is using a 5ghz channel they are unfamiliar with. I'm sure we're all aware that just because a device works in 5ghz doesn't mean it supports every 5ghz channel. Just me thinking aloud but sometimes that's the best thing :>) Craig On Tue, Nov 4, 2014 at 2:22 PM, Watters, John <[email protected]> wrote: > > > 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 > [image: UA Logo] > > > > > John Watters The University of Alabama > > Office of Information > Technology > > 205-348-3992 > > > ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE > Constituent Group discussion list can be found at > http://www.educause.edu/groups/. > > -- Craig Eyre Network Analyst IT Services Department Mount Royal University 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Calgary AB T2P 3T5 P. 403.440.5199 E. [email protected] "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." Vincent T. Lombardi" "MRU IT Services or any legitimate organization will *NEVER* ask for your password. Never email or share your password with anyone.". ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
