topic AP Registration in Nest Wifi

AP Registration

TripleC — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 01:49:58 GMT

How do I change the access point that a device is connected to?

I just added a new device in the basement and instead of reporting to the basement access point, it is reporting to one in the bedroom on the second floor.

Re: AP Registration

MichaelP — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 16:48:58 GMT

Hello @TripleC

Devices decide which access point (and which band – 2.4GHz or 5GHz) to connect to, and when to switch between them. Some (but not all) devices support standards that let the network give them extra information they can use to make better decisions, and Google/Nest WiFi does provide that information. Apple devices support this as well, and do a good job of switching between access points. But, only some Android and some Windows devices support this, and they can get stuck to an access point that is working, albeit not optimally. Most fixed devices (smart speakers, streaming sticks, etc.) do not support this extra information, and they are much more likely to get "stuck" to a non-optimal access point. You may be able to get stuck devices to make a better choice by disabling and re-enabling their WiFi interface (if that's possible), or just rebooting them. However, some devices are designed (poorly, in my opinion) to take shortcuts in this process, and they could end up continuing to connect to a distant access point even across reboots. This is the current state of the art in WiFi networking, unfortunately.

Re: AP Registration

EdwardT — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 21:46:13 GMT

Hi folks,

@MichaelP, thanks for the help!

@TripleC, how's it going with your Google WiFi? Still need our help?

Thanks,

Edward

Re: AP Registration

EdwardT — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:52:28 GMT

Hi TripleC,

It's me again, I wanted to check back in to see if you have other questions and concerns. Feel free to let me know if you do.

Thanks,

Edward

Re: AP Registration

EdwardT — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 16:32:40 GMT

Hi TripleC,

Just checking in to make sure that you saw our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours.

Thanks,

Edward