Forum Discussion
Lotus99
7 years agoOrganizer
Is it possible to set your Boost Wi-Fi network name the SAME as the main Telus modem network name?
Hi, I've got the T3200M modem and just got a starter pack of Boosts. I used to have an Extender, which I did not like because it was running a different SSID (I was told it's not a good idea to use the same SSID for it as the main router's for conflict reasons), so as I moved from one part of the house to the other, I'd have to manually disconnect from the main router's wifi network, and connect to the Extender's.
When I got the Booster Starter Pack, I was told their main benefit is the mesh network they create, and that I'd basically end up with a stronger signal for my main network name all over the house, and would no longer see two SSID's. I figured it would be seamless going from one part of the house to the other, and always have a strong signal. I thought that's the whole concept with these repeaters, etc.
Except when I set them up, I see they still have their own unique SSID and password... I expected them to pick up the main router's network name and password, so I'm no better off than before!
I see that I can change their SSID and password:
But I'm wondering whether it's ok to do so, or may cause issues, like I was told with the Extender? I'm surprised it's not explicitly stated in the guide that you can or cannot do so...
Anyone know if I can, and whether it would cause any issues / conflict with the main router broadcasting the same SSID?
22 Replies
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- Bigboy98Friendly Neighbour
Hi there, so i wanted to do a similar thing such as you but unfortunately the tech agents told me it will not turn into a mesh system when you use the T3200M modem alongside the Boosts. You will continue to have 2 different wifi's in a sense. I eventually managed to get 4 Boosts, so i guess i will just disable the wifi on the modem and just use the Boost in that area. I totally get why you would want to have the Modem also act as part of a mesh network since it saves you money and what not.
I read that there is a new white modem that allows you to do what you are saying.
I MIGHT keep that modem wifi on and disable 5Ghz. Many smart devices (like plugs, switches) fail to connect to SmartSteering wifi, so that wifi will just act as a individual band just for those devices i guess.
- Lotus99Organizer
Hi, two questions:
ONE: I never got around to playing with things, like I had wanted to. At this point, I'm thinking of just getting another Boost for the area of the house that the Modem currently covers, but when I called, they said it's $130 for one more! I got a pair on promo 6 months ago for maybe $50, so that was ok. But I can't justify $130 for just one more...
Any ideas how to get one more Boost at a cheaper price? Are they for sale anywhere else? Craigslist?
TWO: Lodaka / Anyone else: Do you know what brand and model the white "Wi Fi hub" is? Can't find any data on it, unlike the router.
- Lotus99Organizer
I'm guessing it's not this one, which is the closest looking Actiontec product? I doubt Telus would have them change the casing for them, as they didn't for any of their other products - they just rebranded them.
https://www.actiontec.com/products/home-networking/wireless-extenders/web7100/
Or this one, which looks totally different:
https://www.actiontec.com/products/wifi-routers-gateways/vdsl/t4200m/
- rcRockstar
Telus recommend different ssid for the boost network. The reason behind this recommendation is to avoid issues with "handoff" when a mobile device moves between locations in your house.
- NFtoBC
Community Power User
Yes, you can, but if you have any TV connected to your Wi-Fi, they may not work if connected to the Boost units. In my experience, you would be better to add another Boost unit near your T3200M, and run a mesh network independent of the T3200M Wi-Fi if you have wireless TV.
- Lotus99Organizer
That would be good news. To be clear, if my T3200M network name is MAIN let's say, I can change the network name on my two Boost packs to MAIN also, with the same password, without causing any interference / conflict by both broadcasting?
Re: you comment if I "have a TV connected to WiFi", do you mean if I have Optik TV? (I don't BTW.)
Right now my TV is connected to my T3200M via an ethernet cable. But if I was to run it off WiFi, why would it matter? If the above setup doesn't cause conflict for any other device connecting wirelessly?
- NFtoBC
Community Power User
Lotus99 wrote:Right now my TV is connected to my T3200M via an ethernet cable. But if I was to run it off WiFi, why would it matter? If the above setup doesn't cause conflict for any other device connecting wirelessly?
To my knowledge, and experience, the Boost devices do not have multicast technology, needed for Optik over Wi-Fi. Thus, if one's OptiK receiver were to connect to the Boost device, rather than the main router, then you will encounter problems with the Optik Signal.
That would be good news. To be clear, if my T3200M network name is MAIN let's say, I can change the network name on my two Boost packs to MAIN also, with the same password, without causing any interference / conflict by both broadcasting?
Yes. This is actually the only option with Telus' most recent router.
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