wlan client multiple radio ssid display & selection

[lcaruso]

assuming two ssids on both radios, such as

dot11 radio0

ssid Private

ssid Public

dot11 radio1

ssid Private

ssid Public

does a given client--which is capable--automatically display/select the 5Ghz radio over the 2.4Ghz?

Specifically, when the 5Ghz-capable-client lists available networks, does it only display the ssids from the 5Ghz radio, or are ssids from both radios typically displayed by such a client?

Thanks.

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

does a given client--which is capable--automatically display/select the 5Ghz radio over the 2.4Ghz?

Depends on the settings of your Wireless NIC.  I've seen several wireless NICs which allows you to specify which radio is preferred.  By default, the WNIC chooses the best signal available.

Specifically, when the 5Ghz-capable-client lists available networks, does it only display the ssids from the 5Ghz radio, or are ssids from both radios typically displayed by such a client?

No.  It will display the SSID which has the strongest signals first.  If a SSID is broadcasted by both "a" and "b" radio, the WNIC will display only ONE SSID.

[lcaruso]

Thanks much. To summarize client behavior, with identical ssids on radio0 and radio1, a client will be capable of displaying

client capability     2.4Ghz Only     Both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz     5Ghz Only

Radio0 ssid          yes                  yes                                   no

Radio1 ssid          no                    yes                                   yes

but may be configured or choose not to display 2.4Ghz when capable of 5Ghz. Does that concur with your statement then?