What is seamless roaming via 802.11k, 802.11r, and 802.11v standards?
Seamless roaming in Wi-Fi networks is a set of network protocols that ensure a smooth transition of a mobile device from one router to another without dropping the connection. Under normal conditions, when a user moves around an apartment with multiple access points or a large office, a smartphone or laptop holds onto the current signal until the very last moment. When the level drops to critical, the connection breaks, and the device begins a lengthy scan of the airwaves for a new source, resulting in frozen video calls and interrupted downloads.
To solve this problem, a whole complex of IEEE standards was developed, each performing a unique role in the switching process. Their proper configuration turns disparate access points into a single information space.
Here are the key protocols that form the basis of modern seamless roaming:
Modern Mesh systems and professional network equipment use these protocols "out of the box", providing instant network response. For the average user, this means absolute freedom of movement: you can walk from room to room during a video conference, and the other person will not even notice the signal source change. When buying equipment for a large space, it is always worth checking for support of these standards in the specifications.