How to Configure Fast Roaming with OpenWrt

What is Fast Roaming?

Fast Roaming allows a client to move from one Wi-Fi coverage area to another with less interruption. IEEE 802.11r and 802.11k are designed to make wireless roaming more seamless.

A roaming system needs:

• All APs configured with the same SSID, encryption, and password. Channels may be the same or different.
• All APs on the same LAN and able to communicate with one another.

Advantages:

• Each AP uses Ethernet backhaul to the same router or switch, so roaming does not reduce the backhaul speed.
• The connection speed in each AP area usually suffers less loss.

Disadvantages:

• The cost is higher, and running Ethernet to every router can be inconvenient.

Requirements

• At least two routers running a recent OpenWrt release. OpenWrt-based firmware such as PandoraBox or firmware supporting IEEE 802.11r and 802.11k may also work; this guide uses OpenWrt.
• The OpenWrt firmware must have the full wpad package installed.

 Details

Install wpad over SSH:

1 2 3

opkg update opkg remove wpad-mini opkg install wpad

Or use LuCI: System → Software.

Configure Fast Roaming

Example topology:

After installing wpad, open Network > Wireless, select the wireless network that should roam, and open Wireless Security. The 802.11r option should now be available. Configure it as shown in the screenshot.