Resolving Device Handover Issues When Moving Between Mesh Nodes

Walking around your home with a phone, tablet, or laptop should mean seamless Wi-Fi as you move between mesh nodes, but sometimes you experience handover issues—dropped connections, slow switches, or sticking to a weak signal. This can disrupt video calls, gaming, or streaming, especially in larger homes. With my extensive IT experience, I’ve helped many users tackle this problem, and I’m here to provide clear, step-by-step instructions to resolve device handover issues on your mesh Wi-Fi system, ensuring smooth transitions wherever you go.

Mesh networks use multiple nodes to create a unified Wi-Fi blanket, with devices ideally switching (or “handing over”) to the strongest node as you move. Handover problems often stem from signal overlap, firmware glitches, or device settings. Let’s walk through the fixes together.

Why Handover Issues Occur

Device handover can fail due to:

Signal overlap: Nodes too close together can confuse devices, causing them to cling to a weaker signal.
Band mismatch: Devices may stick to the 2.4 GHz band when 5 GHz is stronger nearby.
Firmware bugs: Outdated or incompatible firmware can disrupt seamless switching.
Device behavior: Some devices prioritize connection stability over signal strength.

Understanding these causes helps us apply the right solutions. Here’s how to proceed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Handover Issues

Follow these steps to ensure smooth transitions between mesh nodes. Each step is designed to be easy to follow, even for those new to Wi-Fi troubleshooting.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Start by confirming where and when handover fails.

Test movement: Walk slowly between rooms with your device (e.g., phone) streaming a video or on a call, noting where the connection drops or lags.
Check the app: Open your mesh app (e.g., Eero, TP-Link Deco) and see which nodes cover those areas. Look for signal strength indicators.
Note symptoms: Record if the device sticks to one node (e.g., weak signal) or drops entirely.

Step 2: Adjust Node Placement

Proper spacing prevents signal overlap or gaps.

Check distances: Ensure nodes are 15-30 feet apart, depending on walls and obstacles. Too close can cause confusion; too far can create dead zones.
Relocate if needed: Move a node to reduce overlap (e.g., shift one away from a shared wall) or fill a gap (e.g., add to a hallway).
Test again: Walk the same path with your device to see if handover improves.

Step 3: Enable Band Steering

Encourage devices to switch to the best band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

Access settings: In the mesh app, go to “Wi-Fi Settings” or “Advanced Settings” and look for “Band Steering” or “Smart Connect.”
Turn it on: Enable this feature to let the system automatically push devices to the stronger band (e.g., 5 GHz when closer to a node).
Retest: Move between nodes while streaming to check if the device switches bands smoothly.

Step 4: Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause handover glitches.

Check for updates: Open the mesh app and go to “Settings” or “Device Management” to look for firmware updates for the router and nodes.
Install updates: Follow the prompts to download and apply the update (takes 5-10 minutes). Avoid unplugging during this process.
Restart: Reboot the system after updating and wait 2-3 minutes.
Test handover: Walk between nodes to confirm improved switching.

Step 5: Forget and Reconnect Devices

Clearing old network data can resolve sticky connections.

Forget the network: On your device, go to Wi-Fi settings, select your mesh network, and choose “Forget” or “Remove.”
Reconnect: Rejoin the network by entering the password (find it in the mesh app if needed).
Move and test: Walk between nodes while using the device to see if it hands over better.

Step 6: Adjust Device Wi-Fi Settings

Some devices need manual tweaks.

Disable auto-join: On the device, check Wi-Fi settings and turn off “Auto-Join” or “Prefer Known Networks” if available, forcing it to seek the best signal.
Set band preference: If the device allows (e.g., advanced laptop settings), prioritize 5 GHz when near nodes.
Retest: Move around and monitor connection stability.

Step 7: Reduce Interference

Interference can disrupt handover decisions.

Identify sources: Move cordless phones, microwaves, or Bluetooth devices away from nodes or your path.
Change channels: In the mesh app, manually set the 5 GHz channel to a less crowded one (e.g., 36 or 149) to reduce interference.
Test again: Walk the route to ensure smoother transitions.

Step 8: Monitor and Seek Help if Needed

Ensure long-term reliability and escalate if necessary.

Daily check: Use your device across rooms daily to confirm consistent handover.
Review logs: If the app offers a connection log, check for repeated drop points.
Contact support: If issues persist, reach out to your mesh provider with details of your setup and steps tried.

Preventing Future Handover Problems

Regular updates: Check firmware monthly to avoid bugs.
Reassess placement: Adjust node positions if furniture or walls change.
Limit devices: Reduce the number of connected devices during peak movement to ease network load.

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For a deeper dive into managing mesh networks, including fixing handover issues, explore my book, Wi-Fi Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Mesh Networks. It offers practical tips in plain language to optimize your Wi-Fi. Get your copy on Amazon today and move freely with confidence! Buy now on Amazon