Beamforming - thoughts?

[Jong]

So I'm trying beamforming again with 4950. Too early to say if it still causes problems or not. But, in my situation - 1 AC87 Router, 1 AC87 AP, with strong signal throughout I'm wondering if it is even a good idea.

Early indications are that it causes the weaker AP/router to hang onto clients more because of beamforning cleverness. The weaker AP is still weaker than the nearer one, but not weak enough for the client to switch.

I can see it might be really useful in a single Router situation where you are trying to extend range or get the most out of marginal situations, but is a good idea when coverage is good?

 

[thiggins]

Beamforming provides the most benefit under moderate signal levels. It doesn't really help at low signal levels. I'm surprised it is helping clients to stay associated longer.

 

[Jong]

It is early days, but it does seem that way so far. A lot of this location has moderate coverage from both router and AP. It is only at the extremes where one really drops out. In moderate to poor areas without BF, devices tended to settle where you'd expect them too - on the strongest signal. Now if they get associated with a weaker, but OK signal (say after a reboot), they seem to stay there..