Range extenders or adding a second router to your Canary’s location are a great way to boost your wireless connection to reduce dead zones. Canary will work with range extenders but there are certain things to keep in mind when using them.
Bridge mode
You will want to set your new access point to work in bridge mode. Bridge mode also know as modem only mode will only take the incoming traffic and send it to the primary router without actually redirecting it to the Canary cloud. Not using bridge mode on your access point can result in an inconsistent Canary experience and it may create a Double NAT scenario. Double NAT occurs when you have two routers with their own Wi-Fi networks, which results in communication issues between the two devices.
Note: If you need assistance with modifying these settings, please contact your router’s manufacturer or ISP.
Keep settings consistent
Consistent settings across your devices will allow for a smoother experience. It is a general rule of thumb when adding a range extender that you purchase from the same manufacturer as your router for consistency purposes.
WPA2 security
We recommend WPA2 security across all routers and extenders since this is the most secure authentication method.
Check your SSID Names
In some situations, you may prefer to use same wireless network name (SSID) on the extender as the main router at your location. Generally, performance with doing so can vary and it may require advanced network setup to ensure that the Canary always chooses the best signal. If you use the same SSID names for your extender and are encountering connectivity issues try changing the SSID to its own unique network name.
Check for wireless interference
Wireless interference can cause problems when using range extenders. If you believe you are encountering interference from physical barriers or other electronic devices you can try one of the following suggestions.
- Centrally re-position your modem in your home to be closer to the extender.
- Remove any barriers reducing signal strength.
- If possible, connect the range extender to a wired connection.
Note: For more information on wireless interference, visit this article.