AP Selection Issues with Older Galaxy Devices in a High-Density Env

[edusccc333]

We are using 8 Cisco C9105AXI-K access points to provide Wi-Fi for approximately 150 students in a single space. A single SSID was created to cover the entire area, and there are no physical obstacles in the space. Most students use tablet PCs, and while iPads generally have no issues, we observed that some older Galaxy Note devices (not the latest models) connect to a distant AP instead of the nearest one, resulting in slower internet speeds.

To address this, we created a unique SSID for each AP, and the issue was resolved temporarily.

1. Could this problem occur when multiple users are streaming videos in a fixed seating arrangement in the same space?
2. Is creating separate SSIDs for each AP the best solution for this scenario, or is there a better way to optimize the network?

This is our first time deploying access points, so please understand if my question is not perfectly clear. Thank you!

[Haydn Andrews]

Its the clients decision on which AP to connect to and associate to.

When you say you have 8 APs in a single space how big of an area are we talking. Generally with that high density I would recommend directional antennas.

That being said you will most likely need to have an RF profile that limits the cell sizes of each AP to the area you actually want. A wireless survey should have determined that

[Leo Laohoo]

Upgrade the firmware of the wireless clients. 

If the firmware has never been upgraded, the WiFi firmware could be the issue.

[Rich R]

You don't mention the software version but strong possibility you're hitting https://bst.cloudapps.cisco.com/bugsearch/bug/CSCwn27877 which causes the 5GHz radio to get stuck.
Make sure the software is up to date as per TAC recommended link below and reboot the APs on a daily basis until there is a fix for this (none yet).  Shut/no shut of the 5GHz radio on the AP will also resolve the issue without a full reboot.

> Is creating separate SSIDs for each AP the best solution for this scenario
No - single SSID is still the better option but as Haydn says tuning the RF profile (power and data rates primarily) to ensure minimal overlap between cells will ensure clients stick to the closest AP generally.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-7/b_wireless_high_client_density_design_guide.html
https://www.ciscolive.com/c/dam/r/ciscolive/global-event/docs/2024/pdf/BRKEWN-2087.pdf