Is it possible to set your Boost Wi-Fi network name the SAME as the main Telus modem network name?

[Lotus99]

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:

https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/my-wifi-on-boost#change_your_boost_wi-fi_network_name_an...

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?

[NFtoBC]

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.

[Lotus99]

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?

[Lotus99]

PS  So why do they "explain how to disable the Wi-Fi network running in the background of your Boost Wi-Fi network through your Wi-Fi modem"?  They don't actually say what the issue is they're trying to fix...

Nor do they clearly just say that the main gateway conflicts with the Boost network.  Why else would they provide these instructions then?

https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/troubleshoot-boost-wifi-actiontec-t3200m

[NFtoBC]

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@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?

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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?

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Yes. This is actually the only option with Telus' most recent router.

[Lotus99]

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@NFtoBC wrote:

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@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?

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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?

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Yes. This is actually the only option with Telus' most recent router.

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@NFtoBC wrote:

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@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?

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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?

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Yes. This is actually the only option with Telus' most recent router.

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Thanks for clarifying.  So the first issue you mentioned, as I suspected, is a non-issue for me because I don't have Optik TV.

The second issue though, I don't think you're correct.  First of all, if it's the only option, as you claim (that the Boost network name and password must be the same as the Gateway's) then why isn't it mentioned in a single piece of literature / their website / in the app?  Especially considering it's supposed to be a DIY solution by the user!  How would we know???

Secondly, that's not what happens by default, which makes point 1 even more important.  That's the whole reason for my post in fact...  My Boost packs, once I set them up, started broadcasting a totally different SSID, and the app asked me to connect my phone to them by scanning the barcode on the back, which contained the new SSID and password to them.

Third, if that was true and it didn't cause a conflict, then why would Telus as part of the Boost Troubleshooting guide ask you to Disable the Gateway's network?  LOL.

https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/troubleshoot-boost-wifi-actiontec-t3200m

You CAN later change the network name and password to match the Gateway's on the Boost packs, which is what I did anyway since as you can see, half the answers here say Yes, it causes conflict, and half say No.

It seems to be working ok, so I'm going to conclude for now it does not cause any conflict, and it would be stupid to call this a "mesh" solution, if it requires you to keep two different SSID's.

It's just really crappy and conflicting instructions on Telus' part for what would be a simple line in the guide / app to tell users what to do and what NOT to do.  Hope they're listening.

[rc]

Agree that telus could do a better job explaining the issues surrounding having the actiontec router and the boost devices sharing the same ssid. 

The boost devices form a mesh network but the actiontec router does not participate in the mesh. The resulting network functions  like a old fashioned wifi network with two access points sharing a ssid.  Depending on the type of devices connecting to the network and the locations of the access  points you may not experience any issues, but not gain the benefits that come from the mesh. 

[Lotus99]

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@rc wrote:

Agree that telus could do a better job explaining the issues surrounding having the actiontec router and the boost devices sharing the same ssid. 

The boost devices form a mesh network but the actiontec router does not participate in the mesh. The resulting network functions  like a old fashioned wifi network with two access points sharing a ssid.  Depending on the type of devices connecting to the network and the locations of the access  points you may not experience any issues, but not gain the benefits that come from the mesh. 

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Interesting... So with two networks being broadcast under the same SSID, I don't know which one I'm connected to because both have the same name... Right?  They're only like 70 feet apart from each other.

Is there a way to test to see if I'm having issues using the same SSID with Boost and the Gateway?  What about this?  As I go from one part of the house to the other (where the Gateway's signal is weak, but Boost is strong), what would happen is I'd get one bar of signal on the Gateway's network.  Not enough for the phone to drop it, but quite weak.  Then I'd manually grab the old Extender's.

So now, if I do the same and the mesh is NOT working, if I'm connected to the Gateway's network and go to that part of the house, the signal would still get weaker, right?  But if it doesn't, maybe then the mesh IS working...

I could even test it by turning off the Boost first, to make sure I'm definitely connected to the Gateway.  Then go to that part of the house, see what my signal is like, turn on the Boost, and if the wifi signal improves, then Voila!

Thoughts on this master testing plan?  😃

[rc]

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.

[Lotus99]

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@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.

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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?

[rc]

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]

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?

[superdaddyco]

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.

[superdaddyco]

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.

[Lotus99]

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@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.

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That's a good point sadly, and I hope you're wrong.  🙂

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@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.

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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.   🙂

[Lodaka]

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.

[Lotus99]

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@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.

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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! 

https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/all-my-devices-cannot-connect-to-the-internet-telus-wi-f...

How did you manage to get it?  What issues did you have that allowed them to switch out the T3200M for that?

=================================

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...

[Lodaka]

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.

[rc]

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.  

[Bigboy98]

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.

[Lotus99]

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.