Forum Discussion
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 ...
rc wrote:Sounds like a reasonable plan, but turning on the boost devices may not be enough to trigger the phone switching from the gateway to the boost.
Some devices when they see a higher powered signal will transfer the connection, some will only transfer when the signal level becomes unusable. This is the problem that mesh networks solve.
Let's see, but to your second paragraph, I think that's exactly what I'm trying to prove... If the Boost packs end up operating like a true mesh network, as Telus claims, then I would think my phone should switch, no?
Since the actiontec does not contain the proprietary mesh software that the boost devices have it will not issue the required commands telling the device to disconnect from the actiontec and connect to a specific boost device.
Lotus99,
Yes, it's a full modem / router similar to Actiontec but ensure to see my note #2 below.
Well, it's a really convoluted story but here it is. Initially, I complained to Telus why I wasn't getting the speed I was supposed to get (750) and I was getting about (250) wired. They said they would send someone to investigate and made an appointment.
In the meantime, while I was waiting for the above appointment, I had another Telus guy drop off an Optik TV box, for an unrelated matter. Our conversation kind came to my problem above and he said he's also an Internet technician and he'd would look. As it turned out, it was a cable (seriously) that was defective and he replaced and everything was great. That's when he saw my (unused) box of boosters, that I had got from some promotion some time ago -- I didn't use them because of basically the reasons that you have (that it was just another access point for me, not mesh, and my router was powerful enough for my use). He just said, Telus has this new white modem that works with these boosters now that would give me the mesh network and I can get better coverage as a result. He didn't have one but asked me to keep the (above) appointment and he would tell the guy to bring the white one... and he did.
A few notes for you:
1. It didn't appear (to me at least) that it would take a lot for them to swap out the existing modem with the new one. However, I wonder, for you, if you tell them that your boosters don't work as intended (i.e. you got the boosters to use them as part of mesh network but they are giving out different SSID at the moment) and if they have any solution for this (and that you heard about the white modem being able to do this). If it's presented as a problem, they may able to "troubleshoot" for you. (Keep in mind that after the first Telus technician, I technically didn't have any issue, but they still swapped).
2. Before you commit, please note that Actiontec T3200M is a far better "router" in terms of user / advanced settings. There aren't a lot of settings you can play around with the white one. Don't get me wrong; it does have all the typical settings (wifi SSID, pass key, parental settings, etc.), but advanced features like bridging or an option to disable "smart steering" do not exist in the white one, or at least not yet. "Smart steering" is enabled by default and cannot be disabled. The Telus technician said they "may" update the firmware down the road for additional settings, but he thought that this might have been done on purpose so people don't mess around with the "mesh" settings and what not.
Lastly, as to your question below, here is my experience with that. I did exactly what you did in my previous ... set up. It doesn't cause any issues in terms of being able to use your WIFI. However, if your connection requires continuous connection (e.g. a game where you get dropped off / disconnected if the game notices you swapping networks), then it will happen, as you move around the house while, for instance, the game is playing. Other than that, my devices usually were quick enough to change to the "working" SSID without me noticing. What happens is (at least it's my guess)... your device does not get strong enough signal and it disconnects you from the WIFI and then it immediately seeks another WIFI network and finds the one (with the same SSID) being broadcast nearby and simply connects to that one. As I said, the process was quick enough that I didn't notice anything (other than games) but your mileage may vary.
Lodaka wrote:I am not 100% certain if this is the issue but I wanted to convey my understanding of this.
From what I was told by the Telus installer, Actiontec T3200M may not support the "mesh" wifi network. However, Telus's new "Wi-Fi Hub" does. I believe its name is something like Arcadyan. I have this modem installed along with boosters and, in my experience, it natively supports the "mesh" network, i.e. one SSID for all by default.
It's the white one from this page: https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/interstitial/reset-your-wi-fi-modem
I am not sure why it says "Quebec only", as I am in BC and it was available and installed for me. The Telus installer did say that this modem was quite new. I hope this helps.
Interesting... I was going to ask if it has any ports in the back, as it looked like it was just for WiFi use, but I found a picture of it on this tech page, and it has 4 ports like the T3200M!
How did you manage to get it? What issues did you have that allowed them to switch out the T3200M for that?
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Does noone know though HOW YOU CAN TEST if the T3200M broadcasting the same SSID as Boosts causes issues? We've just been talking theoretically what should work / not...
I am not 100% certain if this is the issue but I wanted to convey my understanding of this.
From what I was told by the Telus installer, Actiontec T3200M may not support the "mesh" wifi network. However, Telus's new "Wi-Fi Hub" does. I believe its name is something like Arcadyan. I have this modem installed along with boosters and, in my experience, it natively supports the "mesh" network, i.e. one SSID for all by default.
It's the white one from this page: https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/interstitial/reset-your-wi-fi-modem
I am not sure why it says "Quebec only", as I am in BC and it was available and installed for me. The Telus installer did say that this modem was quite new. I hope this helps.
superdaddyco wrote:The one main issue I see is that if you connected to the router wifi, your device will stay locked on to that even if the signal becomes weak. Since it is not part of the mesh network, there is no hand-off to the ap with a stronger signal.
That's a good point sadly, and I hope you're wrong. :-)
superdaddyco wrote:
I have the exact same question.
1. Actiontec T3200M
2. 2 pack telus boost mesh kit
Unplugged the older actiontec wifi extender since it did not share the same wifi ssid name as the main router. I have the mesh network setup with my routers original ssid name and password, but for now I have disabled the router wifi signal since no one has a definite answer about using the same ssid name and whether or not it can act like a 3rd mesh ap.
I even contacted telus support and the tech told me it's the first time he was ever asked this question. His answer was that Telus would not provide equipment that would not be incompatible with each other.........BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH!!!!! Helloooo......what about the previous wifi extenders that auto generated a similar ssid like my router one.....but added "2.4G" and "5G" with both names it created? It caused soo much confusion with some of my users at home.
For now, I am keeping my router wifi off, but it really would be a nice bonus if it is confirmed that the T3200M can act as a 3rd mesh ap.
You're right on so many levels... The worst part is that they are silent in their instructions. They could have easily said - since it's all their own equipment after all! -
A - you can have both the router and Boosts broadcasting, using the same SSID, and that they will not interfere with each other and the handoff will happen, or
B - turn off the router's radio.
It's not complicated. It's a binary situation.
It's even more ironic if they don't work with each other, because Telus calls this a "mesh network" solution. By definition, that means that you should be able to have all of it running, and the handoff is done...
Is there no one here who can actually come up with a test we can do to verify? And to tell us what to look for if they are interfering with each other?
FWIW, I've had both my router broadcasting as well as my two Boosts (which are on the main floor, where the router is, but on the opposite side of the house), and have not seen any issues. I'm pretty sure a few times when I've been upstairs (with no Boosts), I saw 2 bars of wifi out of 3 on my iPhone X, and then it all of a sudden it went to 3 bars / full signal. And I hadn't moved. If I'm not imagining that, I am hopeful that means the handoff is working. :-)
The one main issue I see is that if you connected to the router wifi, your device will stay locked on to that even if the signal becomes weak. Since it is not part of the mesh network, there is no hand-off to the ap with a stronger signal.
I have the exact same question.
1. Actiontec T3200M
2. 2 pack telus boost mesh kit
Unplugged the older actiontec wifi extender since it did not share the same wifi ssid name as the main router. I have the mesh network setup with my routers original ssid name and password, but for now I have disabled the router wifi signal since no one has a definite answer about using the same ssid name and whether or not it can act like a 3rd mesh ap.
I even contacted telus support and the tech told me it's the first time he was ever asked this question. His answer was that Telus would not provide equipment that would not be incompatible with each other.........BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH!!!!! Helloooo......what about the previous wifi extenders that auto generated a similar ssid like my router one.....but added "2.4G" and "5G" with both names it created? It caused soo much confusion with some of my users at home.
For now, I am keeping my router wifi off, but it really would be a nice bonus if it is confirmed that the T3200M can act as a 3rd mesh ap.
- I see. And if that's the case, having two networks broadcasting with the same SSID and password with signal cross coverage, what can go wrong? What issues will I experience? Is there a way for me to tell?
