Can this use the same SSID as my existing router? So i won't have to change networks on devices when the signal gets weak as I move away from the main router.

Question

jeff · Accepted Answer

You could be would not recommend it. As far as changing networks almost every wireless device has the option to connect to a more desired/stronger network so to speak, I would just be sure that is turned on on your devices and let them and the network decide which one is best, Just because you have 5 bars of Wireless on one network does not necessarily mean you will have better performance/speed than on one that gives you only 3 bars. those 5 bars may only be broadcasting in the 2.4Ghz band and only give you XX MB speed or not providing any network connection just SSID where the other could be faster and better. Always let your device(s) decide is the best option 17 year I.T tech A+/N+/S+ certified

Answered by jeff 10 years ago

17 year I.T tech A+/N+/S+ certified

Answer

Yes you can. I use the EX7000 extender and the R8000 router for my network. The two devices use the same SSID for the 2.4 GHz band (XXXX) and the same SSID for the 5 GHz band (XXXX 5G). There is one password for both bands on both devices. Neither device transmits the SSID on either band. My tablets and phones are set to automatically connect to the 5 GHz band while my TVs and Blurays are set to connect to the 2.4 GHz band. I have not had any problems with this setup.

If I move around the house and the signal gets weak enough to disconnect, the mobile device simply connects to the stronger signal. If the signal is not weak enough to disconnect, but I want to connect to a stronger signal, then I have to disconnect manually and let the mobile device choose the stronger one. These scenarios do not occur to me very often.

LarryWC2015 · Answer

No. Because it is dual band it will create two new SSID. By default it will append your existing (Comcast for example) HOME-7149 and create HOME-7149_2GEXT and a HOME-7149_5GEXT. 5ghz devices should be re-connected to the MUCH faster new interface.

Answered by LarryWC2015 10 years ago

BSAUL · Answer

I had to do this a lot in the past with Comcast, but after connected this range extender I have not had to do switch.

Lewis · Answer

Yes. You can use same name in your network. I use same names for 2.4Ghz and 5.0 Ghz.

MMManor · Answer

It will use your current SSID and you can use your same password - however - it will create one or two more that have different "names" because they are actually different. I log in only to the extender no matter where in the house I am so I do not have to change networks.

Answered by MMManor 9 years ago

Barrycuda · Answer

Yes, it uses the same SSID, but with an -EXT extension on the end.
It will allow you to use the signal directly from your wireless router, or switch to the Nighthawk's -EXT SSID.

gz2313 · Answer

The short answer is no. You'll have to manually change to "(SSID)-ext", or trust your device to switch. There is a Ubiquiti product that will seamlessly carry the same signal to any length, but they're expensive, and tricky to install.

Answered by gz2313 9 years ago

takeastareskitch · Answer

Short answer No. I don't believe that any extender offers that feature. The extender acts as and creates its own network with its own password. I think you could name it the same or similar to your existing SSID, and have the same password. But even if you do that, the network will still show up as its own network in your wifi settings, because it is its own network. In my experience, my devices seem to connect to the closer/better signal as I move throughout my house. I believe there is a specific setting for that on android devices that will always search for and connect to the better signal of your saved networks. Hope that that helps.

Answered by takeastareskitch 10 years ago

Mikeo2 · Answer

you will need new SSIDs to connect with the range extender.

“Can this use the same SSID as my existing router? So i won't have to change networks on devices when the signal gets weak as I move away from the main router.”

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