In home networks with a wireless router (for example FRITZ!Box) and one or more wireless repeaters (for example FRITZ!Repeater), the Wi-Fi networks of individual devices overlap. If a smartphone, tablet, or other wireless device in such an environment automatically switches from a wireless network with a weak signal to one with a stronger signal, this is referred to as "wireless roaming".

The roaming behavior is not influenced by the router or the repeater. Instead, the wireless device itself makes the decision to change the wireless network as soon as the signal strength and transmitting power fall below a limit specified by the manufacturer.

When a device switches to a different Wi-Fi network, network and data connections (for example VoIP calls, video streams, or downloads) are briefly interrupted. The duration of the interruption caused when wireless roaming occurs can be reduced to a minimum if routers and repeaters use identical Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs), network keys, and wireless channels. In contrast to wireless roaming, starting with FRITZ!OS 7.10 the FRITZ!Box can use Mesh Wi-Fi steering to seamlessly steer current wireless devices to the optimal Wi-Fi network.

Not all wireless devices support wireless roaming. Information on the range of functions of other wireless devices can be obtained from the respective manufacturer.

Note:All FRITZ!WLAN Sticks support wireless roaming.