However, he is on 6.1.1.48


Having used 2700s as WAPs for many years, without problems, there has to be something fundamentally wrong with the set up.

In reply to a post by MHC:

However, he is on 6.1.1.48

So can you turn off DHCP on that?

Yes, text from one running here:

System Information
Model: BT2700HGV
Hardware Version: 2701-100589-005
Firmware Version: 6.1.1.48.1-enh.tm
MAC address:
Key Code:
First Use Date: Not Set
Current Date & Time: Not Set
Time Since Last Boot: 10 days 16:11:46
System Password: Custom: ******
Manufacturer: 2Wire, Inc.

And

DHCP Configuration
++button++ DHCP Server Enabled
Unchecking will stop the DHCP server from assigning IP addresses to LAN DHCP clients.
DHCP Network Range If you change the IP address range, you must renew the DHCP lease for all devices on the network.
192.168.1.0 / 255.255.255.0 (default)
172.16.0.0 / 255.255.0.0
10.0.0.0 / 255.255.0.0
Configure manually

There is a button - missing in the quoted text, and that is OFF/Unchecked.

In reply to a post by MHC:

there has to be something fundamentally wrong with the set up.

agreed

Going back, I have used various firmware versions in 2700's including those from 5.xx series and the latest in 2701s without any major issues. I could pull one of mine out now, and install an alternate and have it up and running in 2 minutes.

There could possibly be issues with leases not being released, or the Host (router A) seeing the device trying to access twice as it does not realise it is no longer connected to itself.

Bobfat is ok via wired. Is the release of the lease only affected via WIFI?

In reply to a post by Bobfat:

[SNIP]
It works, but roaming between router A and B gives me endless issues.

Roaming between WiFi access points is an "enterprise" leave feature. The basic problem is that as you move a device from away from the first access point towards the second access point the device won't of it's own accord switch to using the second access point until the signal from the first access point actually fails. As such you can be right next to the second access point but still be connected to the first access point getting a slow connection. People who report it works invariably have actual dead spots in coverage so it "appears" to work.

What happens in an "enterprise" system is that the access points are talking to one another. As you move into the range of access point two, the access point determines that device is moving away from it, it informs device to prepare to switch to a new access point. The device then requests list of nearby access points, and then moves to the to best access point based on report from the access point. This all happens seamlessly and the technical standard that this is known by is called IEEE 802.11k.

This sort of setup will cost you significantly more £££ than sticking two ordinary access points on the network even if they have the same SSID and password. I am also unaware of any system that works with access points from different vendors. They are invariable single vendor solutions

There are however 802.11k WiFi systems being targeted at the home user. For example BT's Whole Home WiFi is one such system. Currently on a Black Friday deal with £50 off, but it's still £100 for two access points. Though these are AC capable points and do band steering as well. That is if your device is 5GHz capable they will flip you over to that if you are connected at 2.4GHz to free up the 2.4GHz spectrum.

The sort of system you have put together is fine as long as you don't expect to be able to seamlessly roam between the access points. Note that a 802.11k system will require that you disable any WiFi in the router you have.

The only other comment I would make is that resist all temptations to use anything other than Cat5e or better still Cat6 cable to link the access points together if you can possibly can. Using Homeplug and WiFi is going to be another source of problems, so lift heaven and earth to get that ethernet cable in place. There are flat ethernet cables that can make the job easier.

In reply to a post by jabuzzard:

What happens in an "enterprise" system is that the access points are talking to one another. As you move into the range of access point two, the access point determines that device is moving away from it, it informs device to prepare to switch to a new access point. The device then requests list of nearby access points, and then moves to the to best access point based on report from the access point. This all happens seamlessly and the technical standard that this is known by is called IEEE 802.11k.

For this to work, does the device also have to support 802.11k?

Yes it does. Android support is patchy, but iOS and Windows support is good. Note there is a related standard 802.11r which does fast authentication, which can help as some (possibly most) of the enterprise solutions will force a move by doing a deauth on a device with a weak signal if an alternative access point can see it with a better signal and it does not suport 802.11k. This is however not seamless like 802.11k, there will be a momentary break in connectivity.

Regardless two ordinary access points with the same SSID and password does not make a good roaming solution. If you want enterprise features you need to buy enterprise devices and potentially pay enterprise prices. Though the BT Whole Home product looks a good bet to me on the Black Friday deal at the moment. Not that I have any direct experience with it personally, certainly cheaper than the solutions I have previously installed.

Most of the new Mesh WiFi products (e.g Google Home. BT Whole Home WiFi) support roaming between WiFi access points.

We've installed three BT Whole Home WiFi with ethernet back haul in our house which has until now been a problem for WiFi. I'm very impressed with it and the roaming between base stations works very well - enterprise level.

NB - the BT system does not include a router and you should either turn WiFi off on your router or give it a different ID unless it really can mesh with the BT system. My Ubiquiti ER-X router has no WiFi...