Set up Nokia Beacon 1 as wired extender

[ss2000]

I am using Starhub because of Starhub TV.

I have a Linksys AC2600 (SKU EA8100-AH) router in the sitting room. I have a Nokia Beacon 1 in each of the 3 bedrooms (a, b, c).

Beacon a’s WAN port is connected to the Linksys router via a Ethernet Cat5e cable that I have laid in the house. This creates a Nokia LAN, separate from the Linksys LAN. So I now have 2 networks and 2 SSIDs (ignoring the 2.4 n 5Ghz bands for now).

Beacons b and c are connected wirelessly as access points with Beacon a and they use the Nokia SSID.

I hope to get some help here. My main aim is to have a single SSID as I roam around the house. Before I consider changing everything to a mesh system with new equipment, I’d like to know if it is possible at all to set the same SSID with my current Linksys-Nokia set up so that I don’t need to manually connect to different SSID as I roam around the house?

Is it as simple as just changing the SSID on the Nokia Beacon to the same SSID as the one in the Linksys router? I read somewhere that although I can make the same SSID, they are still two different networks and I still have to manually disconnect and connect to the correct SSID as I roam around.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ss2000]

Thanks. I did think of using Beacon a as the main router and keep way the Linksys router. I was hoping to avoid this.

I’ll try setting the Nokia Beacon to use the same SSID as the main router’s.

 

[ss2000]

I’m thinking of replacing the 3 Nokia Beacons with the Linksys AC1200 MAX Range Extender. They should work with my Linksys AC2600 main router.

I’ll set them up as wired access points since I have Ethernet cables in all three rooms. I’ve got the instructions from Linksys website to do that.

But what is unclear to me is whether by setting up these range extenders as wired backhaul access points, will I be able to use the same SSID as the main router and the handoff will be seamless when I roam around the house?

I know by default the SSID of the extender will end with _ext but I have an option to change that in the settings. But will I be able to get a seamless handoff if I change the SSID to the same one as the main router?

I would like to know this for sure before I buy the extenders.

 

[86technie]

I’m thinking of replacing the 3 Nokia Beacons with the Linksys AC1200 MAX Range Extender. They should work with my Linksys AC2600 main router.

I’ll set them up as wired access points since I have Ethernet cables in all three rooms. I’ve got the instructions from Linksys website to do that.

But what is unclear to me is whether by setting up these range extenders as wired backhaul access points, will I be able to use the same SSID as the main router and the handoff will be seamless when I roam around the house?

I know by default the SSID of the extender will end with _ext but I have an option to change that in the settings. But will I be able to get a seamless handoff if I change the SSID to the same one as the main router?

I would like to know this for sure before I buy the extenders.

Despite I know what you are planning to do.
Firstly I rather you just get three Linksys AC2600 from Carousell.
The Linksys EA8100 doesn't cost a lot second hand maybe around $20.

But after you buy have to reset the router since not all sellers reset their router before selling them.
So for the two Linksys router you can set in Wireless repeater mode.
Unfornuately for repeater you have to create a seperate SSID.

Why can't use the main SSID is very simple so at least you know that in that area.
The device will be connected to that repeater for optimal signal.
If you want to only use the main router and it's SSID you can consider get a TP-Link range extender.

FYI that Linksys AC1200 MAX Range Extender locally is not able to buy anymore. Since Linksys nowadays move to their Velop products.
PS don't use the Nokia beacon is a very poor performing mesh router, it's speed is very terrible.

 

[ss2000]

You are right that I couldn’t find the AC1200 extender easily. But there’s a shop in Sim Lim that has last 3 pieces for $29 each. It’s like a godsend signal asking me to get them .

I’ve since found a discussion on the pros and cons of single vs separate SSIDs. Very useful.

In a nutshell, wireless clients will connect to the strongest signal, in theory. However, if you walk around the house connected, the client will stay on its original connection until the signal is so weak it doesn’t work. Only when the network has “failed” will the client look for a new connection, see the stronger signal, and reconnect.

My house is not very big (HDB executive apartment) but it has many walls. When I’m connected to the living room router and I move to the furthest bedroom, I still get 1-2 bars of signal from the living room router. It’s poor but not poor enough for my phone to switch over to the very strong signal from the Nokia Beacon in my bedroom. My phone is satisfied to stay with 1-2 bars .

So even I set the Nokia Beacon to the same SSID and password, my phone is not going to switch over to the Nokia AP as long as the living room signal is still there. And if the living signal finally fails, my phone will automatically look for a strong signal and it will auto connect to my Nokia SSID even if it’s a different SSID (as long as I’ve connected to it once before and my phone remembers the network).

That’s what I understand from the Quora discussion I found. Somone suggested tuning down the transmission power of network to 50% to shorten the reach. I’m trying this solution. If the signal is weak enough as I roam around, then I might get the ‘seamless handoff’ I’m dreaming off.

By the way, the Nokia Beacon speed is decent enough for my use. Download: 186mbps. Upload: 135mbps.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[ss2000]

bridge mode = ap mode

https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/hc/en-us/articles/4421210042263-Overview-of-networking-modes
https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/h...g-mode-configurations-DHCP-static-PPoE-bridge

Thanks a lot for the links! I’ve been searching but didn’t find these. Very useful.

I believe my setup is already in the Bridge mode, based on the topology diagram in the first link. The root Beacon is connected to the Linksys router via WAN port on the Beacon. The other two Beacons are connected to the root Beacon wirelessly.
I’m wondering if I could connect the three beacons as range extenders?

 

[86technie]

Thanks a lot for the links! I’ve been searching but didn’t find these. Very useful.

I believe my setup is already in the Bridge mode, based on the topology diagram in the first link. The root Beacon is connected to the Linksys router via WAN port on the Beacon. The other two Beacons are connected to the root Beacon wirelessly.
I’m wondering if I could connect the three beacons as range extenders?

Is can but Nokia beacons are very poor performers.
Unless yours is Nokia Beacon 2 is better.
I still suggest get Linksys EA8100 use these as extenders will be better.

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks a lot for the links! I’ve been searching but didn’t find these. Very useful.

I believe my setup is already in the Bridge mode, based on the topology diagram in the first link. The root Beacon is connected to the Linksys router via WAN port on the Beacon. The other two Beacons are connected to the root Beacon wirelessly.
I’m wondering if I could connect the three beacons as range extenders?

You can not run your main Nokia Beacon 1 in repeater mode as per Nokia documentation (only router mode and bridge/AP mode).
https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/hc/en-us/articles/4421210042263-Overview-of-networking-modes
As for the other two Nokia Beacon 1 mesh nodes using wireless backhaul, they are already running in kind of repeater mode (but better than repeater mode in terms of roaming).

In simple term (not 1005 right technically speaking but you get the idea):
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Ethernet Backhaul = AP (bridge) mode with better roaming
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Wireless Backhaul = wireless repeater mode with better roaming (kind of single network instead of two network).

 

[ss2000]

Is can but Nokia beacons are very poor performers.
Unless yours is Nokia Beacon 2 is better.
I still suggest get Linksys EA8100 use these as extenders will be better.

I’m keen to get the 3 Linksys AC1200 range extenders since they are going for $29 a piece. BNIB. Since they are extenders the set up should be easier than getting routers. And they are also Linksys so no compatibility issues.

But having understood that every wireless hotspot will create a new network with a new SSID, I’m also hesitating to get the extenders. I read about wireless LAN controller but it’s an overkill for my house. So I’m still thinking.

 

[ss2000]

You can not run your main Nokia Beacon 1 in repeater mode as per Nokia documentation (only router mode and bridge/AP mode).
https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/hc/en-us/articles/4421210042263-Overview-of-networking-modes
As for the other two Nokia Beacon 1 mesh nodes using wireless backhaul, they are already running in kind of repeater mode (but better than repeater mode in terms of roaming).

In simple term (not 1005 right technically speaking but you get the idea):
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Ethernet Backhaul = AP (bridge) mode with better roaming
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Wireless Backhaul = wireless repeater mode with better roaming (kind of single network instead of two network).

I can’t have all 3 beacons running in bridge/AP mode with Linksys as the main router? Is it because different brands?

 

[xiaofan]

I can’t have all 3 beacons running in bridge/AP mode with Linksys as the main router? Is it because different brands?

You can run Nokia Beacon 1 mesh in AP mode, but not in range extender mode, which means one of the Nokia Beacon 1 needs to have Ethernet connection to your main router (Linksys EA8100).
https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/hc/en-us/articles/4421210042263-Overview-of-networking-modes

You have to set up the main node in AP mode, by default it will run in router mode, results in Double NAT.
https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/h...g-mode-configurations-DHCP-static-PPoE-bridge
What is Double NAT? I suspect you are running in Double NAT mode, it may not affect your normal browsing and streaming activities though.
https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-double-NAT-and-why-is-it-bad

 

[xiaofan]

I’m keen to get the 3 Linksys AC1200 range extenders since they are going for $29 a piece. BNIB. Since they are extenders the set up should be easier than getting routers. And they are also Linksys so no compatibility issues.

But having understood that every wireless hotspot will create a new network with a new SSID, I’m also hesitating to get the extenders. I read about wireless LAN controller but it’s an overkill for my house. So I’m still thinking.

Totally no point buying the Linksys AC1200 range extender as you will be worse off than the current Nokia Beacon 1 setup.

You can just change the Linksys EA8100 to use the same SSID and Password as the Nokia Beacon 1. It may well work for you. Please read the answer from AMAT (Post #2). I agree with him that you can just get another Nokia Beacon 1 and then disable WiFi of the Linksys EA8100. It is very cheap anyway (S$20 to S$25 BNIB from Carousell).

It is correct that Nokia Beacon 1 is not good, but since you have already got three units, just utilize them.

You can of course upgrade to better mesh solution by given up the existing Linksys and three units of Nokia Beacon 1. The mesh solution recommendation will depend on your budget. You may want to post your floor plan with the details of the locations of ONT and current location of the Linksys EA8100 and Nokia Beacon 1 units. Maybe a cheap two nodes solution can already cover your flat, if your floor plan is not too difficult.

 

[ss2000]

Totally no point buying the Linksys AC1200 range extender as you will be worse off than the current Nokia Beacon 1 setup.

You can just change the Linksys EA8100 to use the same SSID and Password as the Nokia Beacon 1. It may well work for you. Please read the answer from AMAT (Post #2). I agree with him that you can just get another Nokia Beacon 1 and then disable WiFi of the Linksys EA8100. It is very cheap anyway (S$20 to S$25 BNIB from Carousell).

It is correct that Nokia Beacon 1 is not good, but since you have already got three units, just utilize them.

You can of course upgrade to better mesh solution by given up the existing Linksys and three units of Nokia Beacon 1. The mesh solution recommendation will depend on your budget. You may want to post your floor plan with the details of the locations of ONT and current location of the Linksys EA8100 and Nokia Beacon 1 units. Maybe a cheap two nodes solution can already cover your flat, if your floor plan is not too difficult.

Ok I hear you. I’ll drop the idea of the AC1200.

I just checked again the Nokia Beacon 1 settings. It does look like it was set to Router mode. It was set up by Starhub people as it came with Starhub fibre broadband plan together with the Linksys AC2600 EA8100-AH router.

Everything is working fine: speeds are ok, connection is ok, whether I use the Linksys network or the Beacon network. My Starhub TV in the living room is using the Linksys 5Ghz network; my three bedrooms Starhub TV are using the Beacon 5Ghz network (I disabled the 2.4Ghz band, don’t really need it).

I have thought of AMAT’s suggestion of buying one more Beacon to replace the Linksys router then I’ll have a complete Nokia network. It’s certainly cheaper than replacing all the equipment with a mesh like Asus or TPLink whicwould cost me about $500.

But I was hoping to use the 3 Beacons as extenders to the Linksys and share the same SSID to get a seamless handoff. I wanted to be sure I am really out of options first.

So it’s down to either:
1) get an additional Beacon to replace the Linksys router
2) get a whole new mesh system.

I wanted to try standardising the SSID. Either change the Beacon SSID to the Linksys one or the other way. But they are still 2 networks right? Which means to say that the client (eg my iPhone) may not switch to the stronger AP automatically? As I mentioned earlier, I read on Quora that if the signal is still there, the client won’t switch to the stronger AP even if you are standing next to the stronger AP.

If I standardise the SSIDs throughout the house and I can achieve the seamless handoff then I basically will keep the set up as it is. I won’t change it until the broadband contract expires.

My main purpose is to get seamless handoff when roaming in the house with this Linksys+Nokia set up. I have no issue with speed; just the handoff.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ap17...9052.jpg?rlkey=sj8k4keyt9d4z6b38cfwbdaj0&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ap17...9052.jpg?rlkey=sj8k4keyt9d4z6b38cfwbdaj0&dl=0

 

[xiaofan]

Ok I hear you. I’ll drop the idea of the AC1200.

I just checked again the Nokia Beacon 1 settings. It does look like it was set to Router mode. It was set up by Starhub people as it came with Starhub fibre broadband plan together with the Linksys AC2600 EA8100-AH router.

Everything is working fine: speeds are ok, connection is ok, whether I use the Linksys network or the Beacon network. My Starhub TV in the living room is using the Linksys 5Ghz network; my three bedrooms Starhub TV are using the Beacon 5Ghz network (I disabled the 2.4Ghz band, don’t really need it).

I have thought of AMAT’s suggestion of buying one more Beacon to replace the Linksys router then I’ll have a complete Nokia network. It’s certainly cheaper than replacing all the equipment with a mesh like Asus or TPLink whicwould cost me about $500.

But I was hoping to use the 3 Beacons as extenders to the Linksys and share the same SSID to get a seamless handoff. I wanted to be sure I am really out of options first.

So it’s down to either:
1) get an additional Beacon to replace the Linksys router
2) get a whole new mesh system.

I wanted to try standardising the SSID. Either change the Beacon SSID to the Linksys one or the other way. But they are still 2 networks right? Which means to say that the client (eg my iPhone) may not switch to the stronger AP automatically? As I mentioned earlier, I read on Quora that if the signal is still there, the client won’t switch to the stronger AP even if you are standing next to the stronger AP.

If I standardise the SSIDs throughout the house and I can achieve the seamless handoff then I basically will keep the set up as it is. I won’t change it until the broadband contract expires.

My main purpose is to get seamless handoff when roaming in the house with this Linksys+Nokia set up. I have no issue with speed; just the handoff.

As mentioned in the reply by AMAT, it may well work by just using the same SSID. Try it. It is very much depending on the devices you have as well.

If it does not work well for your device, then just get a new Beacon 1 for S$20 to S$25.

As for Asus mesh solution, you do not really need S$500.

Example: TUF-AX4200 at S$249, 2 x RT-AX55 at S$75 = S$150, total S$399.
Example: 4 x RT-AX55 at S$75 = S$300

TP-Link Archer AX72 can be another option as well. It has very good coverage.
2-nodes -- S$80 x 2 = S$160
3-nodes -- S$80 x 2 = S$240

 

[ss2000]

As mentioned in the reply by AMAT, it may well work by just using the same SSID. Try it. It is very much depending on the devices you have as well.

If it does not work well for your device, then just get a new Beacon 1 for S$20 to S$25.

As for Asus mesh solution, you do not really need S$500.

Example: TUF-AX4200 at S$249, 2 x RT-AX55 at S$75 = S$150, total S$399.
Example: 4 x RT-AX55 at S$75 = S$300

TP-Link Archer AX72 can be another option as well. It has very good coverage.
2-nodes -- S$80 x 2 = S$160
3-nodes -- S$80 x 2 = S$240

thanks for the price range! Good reference for me. I’ve copied them. will consider them when I go Sim Lim. But I’ll try the same SSID solution first.

I have been reading a lot on mesh and access point but couldn’t get a clear answer about the seamless handoff.

Is it true that for mesh system, the client will auto switch to the stronger node? and this makes the mesh system different from just having extenders which don’t automatically switch. Is this the case?

I also read somewhere that there’s this wireless LAN controller that is used in shopping malls that can do something like this seamless handoff? There’s some setting that ensures that connected wireless clients will automatically connect to the stronger node even when it is still connected to the previous node further away?

I really couldn’t figure this out.

 

[xiaofan]

thanks for the price range! Good reference for me. I’ve copied them. will consider them when I go Sim Lim. But I’ll try the same SSID solution first.

I have been reading a lot on mesh and access point but couldn’t get a clear answer about the seamless handoff.

Is it true that for mesh system, the client will auto switch to the stronger node? and this makes the mesh system different from just having extenders which don’t automatically switch. Is this the case?

I also read somewhere that there’s this wireless LAN controller that is used in shopping malls that can do something like this seamless handoff? There’s some setting that ensures that connected wireless clients will automatically connect to the stronger node even when it is still connected to the previous node further away?

I really couldn’t figure this out.

As mentioned in earlier reply:

In simple term (not 100% right technically speaking but you get the idea):
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Ethernet Backhaul = AP (bridge) mode with better roaming
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Wireless Backhaul = wireless repeater mode with better roaming (kind of single network instead of two network).

Usually mesh system will support 802.11 k/v/r (two or three out of three) and sometimes proprietary technology on top (eg: Asus AImesh, TP-Link OneMesh, Linksys Velop, Netgear Orbi, etc). Then the more modern devices will also support two or three of the 802.11 k/v/r standards.

802.11 k/v/r for Apple:
https://support.apple.com/en-sg/HT202628
802.11 k/v/r for Microsoft Windows
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/w...st-roaming-with-802-11k--802-11v--and-802-11r
802.11 k/v/r for Samsung Mobile Phones
https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/knox-platform-for-enterprise/kbas/kba-115013403768/
Asus AImesh: 802.11 k/v + proprietary technology (no 802.11r)
https://dongknows.com/asus-aimesh-setup-and-signal-handoff/
As for small enterprise grade wireless AP solution (controller + AP), I am not an expert. You can check out the Ubiquiti Unifi thread for a popular solution. Again, I beleieve that they are also using 802.11 k/v/r and then some proprietary technology on top to help on roaming. Usually they have more advanced feature compared to consumer mesh system (eg: PoE and better roaming control and better management).

Ubiquiti Unifi thread (router, controller, AP, PoE switch, etc)
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/new-ubiquiti-setup-still-a-work-in-progress.5680023/

 

[ss2000]

As mentioned in earlier reply:

In simple term (not 100% right technically speaking but you get the idea):
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Ethernet Backhaul = AP (bridge) mode with better roaming
The mesh node in Dual band mesh system using Wireless Backhaul = wireless repeater mode with better roaming (kind of single network instead of two network).

Usually mesh system will support 802.11 k/v/r (two or three out of three) and sometimes proprietary technology on top (eg: Asus AImesh, TP-Link OneMesh, Linksys Velop, Netgear Orbi, etc). Then the more modern devices will also support two or three of the 802.11 k/v/r standards.

802.11 k/v/r for Apple:
https://support.apple.com/en-sg/HT202628
802.11 k/v/r for Microsoft Windows
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/w...st-roaming-with-802-11k--802-11v--and-802-11r
802.11 k/v/r for Samsung Mobile Phones
https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/knox-platform-for-enterprise/kbas/kba-115013403768/
Asus AImesh: 802.11 k/v + proprietary technology (no 802.11r)
https://dongknows.com/asus-aimesh-setup-and-signal-handoff/
As for small enterprise grade wireless AP solution (controller + AP), I am not an expert. You can check out the Ubiquiti Unifi thread for a popular solution. Again, I beleieve that they are also using 802.11 k/v/r and then some proprietary technology on top to help on roaming. Usually they have more advanced feature compared to consumer mesh system (eg: PoE and better roaming control and better management).

Ubiquiti Unifi thread (router, controller, AP, PoE switch, etc)
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/new-ubiquiti-setup-still-a-work-in-progress.5680023/

Ah finally I understand! Thank you very much! It’s all about the 802.11 k/v/r! That’s what the seamless handoff possible!

 

[limcc]

Unless you need the LAN port on beacon 1, why not consider using only 1 router + 1 mesh node? My test with AX86U in my 5 room flat, its able to cover the whole 120sqm area alone with up speed 8xxMbps, min 200Mbps, good enough for most internet usage.

Also, most consumer mesh router and nodes are broadcasting the same frequency channels, having more nodes/APs may actually cause the performance/signal to drop due to interferrence. add to the fact that HDB flats are bombarded with wifi signal left/right/centre from our neighbour, you may consider cutting down the nodes.

My current setup is AX6000+AX86U, all area is above 500Mbps. you can check my test here

 

[ss2000]

Unless you need the LAN port on beacon 1, why not consider using only 1 router + 1 mesh node? My test with AX86U in my 5 room flat, its able to cover the whole 120sqm area alone with up speed 8xxMbps, min 200Mbps, good enough for most internet usage.

Also, most consumer mesh router and nodes are broadcasting the same frequency channels, having more nodes/APs may actually cause the performance/signal to drop due to interferrence. add to the fact that HDB flats are bombarded with wifi signal left/right/centre from our neighbour, you may consider cutting down the nodes.

My current setup is AX6000+AX86U, all area is above 500Mbps. you can check my test here

Thanks for the suggestion! I do need a LAN port on the router for my Synology NAS. I also have Starhub TV in the three bedrooms (mine is HDB EA) and they all rely on a strong wireless signal so that there is no lag.

I used to have only one Beacon in the middle bedroom. I found the signal in the other two bedrooms to be less than full bar. So I added a Beacon to each room. And I have full bars now. And Starhub TV also ok. My kids use a lot of bandwidth with their YouTubing and other video intensive internet surfing.

I mainly want to get seamless handoff; speedwise still
ok.

 

[ss2000]

You can run Nokia Beacon 1 mesh in AP mode, but not in range extender mode, which means one of the Nokia Beacon 1 needs to have Ethernet connection to your main router (Linksys EA8100).
https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/hc/en-us/articles/4421210042263-Overview-of-networking-modes

You have to set up the main node in AP mode, by default it will run in router mode, results in Double NAT.
https://wifi-helpcenter.nokia.com/h...g-mode-configurations-DHCP-static-PPoE-bridge
What is Double NAT? I suspect you are running in Double NAT mode, it may not affect your normal browsing and streaming activities though.
https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-double-NAT-and-why-is-it-bad

I heard about Double NAT. And you are right that my Beacon 1 is set to router mode instead of bridge mode. I posted the pictures which I hope you managed to see. And you are also right that even though it is set to router mode, I’ve no problem with surfing etc. but I did notice that my phone has a 192.168.18.xx IP when connected to the Beacon and 192.168.1.xx when connected to my main Linksys router.

what will happen if I
1) change my Beacon 1 setting from router to bridge and
2) change my Linksys 5Ghz band SSID to be the same as the Beacon 1 SSID?

if can, I’m going to try this way. My wife and I are working from home and my kids need the internet for their school work, so I’m very afraid of tinkering with the network settings and cause the Wi-Fi to stop working.