Roaming and Roaming Problems

As mentioned in the article How Wi-Fi Works, devices will automatically switch between different access points and different networks in order to provide the best and fastest connection. This function is known as roaming. This article will go more in-depth about how roaming works, what problems you may experience and what they look like, and different devices that commonly have roaming issues. 

How Roaming Works 

If you are in an environment with multiple networks or access points, your device is receiving signals from all of those networks and access points. Most devices will automatically select and connect to the network or access point with the highest signal strength. Signal strength is the quality of a signal from a certain access point, and may vary based on distance, interference, and the number of people connected to a certain access point. 

When you move from place to place, your physical distance from the access point you are connected to changes. You may become closer to another access point or lose the signal from the access point you are connected to. When the signal from a new access point becomes stronger than the signal from the one that you are connected to, your device should automatically drop the connection from the old access point and connect to the new one. It is common to notice a short interruption in your internet connection during this time. 

Since MVNU has many different Wireless Access Points (492 on the main campus alone) your device will roam frequently as you move around campus. If the roaming function on your device is working correctly, this should not cause any major connection errors or delays. However, there are several issues that may occur if your device’s roaming function is not working correctly. 

Common Roaming Problems and Fixes 

This section will cover common issues with roaming, how they appear, and the easiest way to fix them. For a more in-depth explanation of these issues, see Roaming Problems. 

Aggressive Roaming 

• WiFi is switching too frequently between access points 

• More common in Apple devices 

• Device may appear to be dropping connection or switching networks every few minutes when on campus 

• You will probably experience this issue only on campus, not at home 

Solutions to Aggressive Roaming 

• Aggressive Roaming is a configurable setting and can be turned off 

• If assistance is needed, please contact Signal Team at (contact info) 

Sticky Connections 

• WiFi does not switch often enough between access points 

• May be losing signal in certain buildings or areas of campus, even when they have adequate WiFi coverage 

• May be experiencing “dead zones” where other people or devices aren’t 

Solutions to Sticky Connections 

• If this is an occasional issue, turning your WiFi off and then back on will force your device to connect to a closer access point, 

• If you experience this issue frequently, it may be a problem with your WiFi settings or with your device. Please contact Signal Team at (contact info) for assistance. 

Network Switching 

• You have multiple “remembered” networks and your device is switching between them automatically. 

• If you are using a website such as Moodle, you may see error messages such as “network change detected” 

Solutions to Network Switching 

• Forget guest- the MVNU-guest network has significantly lower speeds and will not provide a faster connection. All other networks such as MVNU-employee or MVNU-devices should be forgotten as well.