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 Wi-Fi network with a weak signal to one with a stronger signal, this is referred to as "Wi-Fi roaming".

The roaming behavior is not influenced by the router or the repeater. Instead, the wireless device itself makes the decision to change the Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi roaming occurs can be reduced to a minimum if routers and repeaters use identical Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs), network keys, and Wi-Fi channels. In contrast to Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi roaming. Refer to the respective manufacturer for information on the range of functions of other wireless devices.

Note:All FRITZ!WLAN Sticks support Wi-Fi roaming.