Any help or insights into how Geodrops handles a wifi network with extenders. This means there are multiple endpoints with the same Wi-Fi name, typically a device connects to the strongest one…
I had modest connectivity with my drops over the past while, so I recently set out to improve the outdoor reception and adjust things.
Ive come to realize it seems Geodrops isn’t connecting to the strongest available, it seems to be going to the main access point.
I’ve essentially taken my extensions to nearly beside the installed Geodrops and it doesn’t seem to connect to it. It’s hard to track and tell given how quickly and sporadically it connects.
One of my devices 336MJF, Wi-Fi isn’t bad, but seems to be connecting to 7c:10:c9…… vs it would go to 24:4b:fe….
Having to battery reset to try and force a reconnect is so impactful on the soil, etc.
24 wifi strength
7c Wi-Fi strength (matches what the device reports)
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Hi @Redwhale ,
Thanks for the detailed write‑up and screenshots, this is really helpful context. I shared your post with @homedigy-lawrence, our CEO and Engineering Lead, and here’s his guidance regarding Wi‑Fi extenders.
At this time, using extenders is not officially supported in our testing. However, if you are using one, it is important that the extender and main Wi‑Fi access point do not share the same network name (SSID). The Wi‑Fi standard (802.11) does not specify how a device chooses between two access points that use the same name, so GeoDrops may connect unpredictably.
The recommended approach is to follow the Extender manufacturer’s setup instructions and assign a different network name for the extender. Doing so will let you force GeoDrops to connect to the extender rather than to your original router access point, which should give you a more stable experience.
We appreciate you bringing this up and sharing your results. Please let us know if you try this and still run into issues.
Best regards,
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
Hi @Redwhale ,
Thanks again for the detail you shared earlier. I want to clarify my note from before: Wi‑Fi extenders are supported with GeoDrops.
If you are using one, the key setup point is to give the extender a different network name (SSID) from your main router. When both use the same name, devices do not always connect to the closest access point, which can cause the behavior you described. Assigning a unique SSID ensures you can direct GeoDrops to connect to the extender instead of the main router.
While GeoDrops fully supports working through extenders (and many folks in the GeoDrops Insider testing program used the product with extenders), we are not able to provide tech support for extender configuration itself, since that depends on the manufacturer’s setup. Following their recommended setup steps is the best way to avoid issues.
I hope this clears things up, and thank you again for sharing your experience. It helps us refine our guidance for everyone.
Best regards,
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
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Hi Stanley,
I appreciate Geodrops doesn’t handle the setup at this time, I would assert it would be something to consider however. The proposed Wi-Fi setup I would argue is not the ideal setup, nor is it the recommended setup from the major Wi-Fi/Router providers.
It would be great to have a way to force/request Geodrops to connect/be available for reprogramming without pulling the battery.
If I was able to force the Geodrops to stay connected for any amount of time I could forcefully bind the device to the Access Point. Only way I can see is to pull the battery….
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Hi @Redwhale ,
We’re working on an FAQ section that should help, and it should be out. The engineering team is working to get the next release out, hence would be slow for the FAQ to be approved before getting back to you. We haven’t forgotten about this.
Just wanted to let you know so that you’re not left in the dark.
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
Hi @Redwhale ,
My apologies for the late response. I’m not sure you’re still having problems with this, but we have published this FAQ as an update. In general, and I think this is usually documented by WiFi routers and access points, but they should have different names so that you know which access points you’re connected to.
Hope this helps,
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
Hi Stanley,
I seem to be having a moment, I am struggling to find the update you are mentioning. Any further help you can offer on exactly where to find it, or what was updated?
Regards,
Dan
Hi @Redwhale ,
Not sure why it’s not linking properly. This FAQ section should address the weak WiFi signal scenario.
Q: Why does my GeoDrops show a weak Wi‑Fi signal? Is something wrong?
A weak Wi‑Fi signal is common for outdoor smart devices, such as smart cameras or sensors. As long as your GeoDrops stays online and updates data regularly, there’s no need to worry. Relocation is only needed if GeoDrops Cloud reports slow connections or if the device shows up offline frequently.
Please let me know if this helps,
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
Hi @Redwhale ,
Did the excerpt help? Just checking in before we close off this thread.
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
Hi,
If I am honest I did not find the FAQ helpful. For example Google AI recommends the opposite which to me is consistent with what I’ve found in research:
>> If you are using a Mesh Wi-Fi system (which often uses multiple APs and a main router), these devices are designed with advanced, standardized roaming protocols (like 802.11k/r/v) to ensure seamless, reliable roaming with the same SSID. In that case, the same SSID is the correct and preferred configuration.
Dan
Hi Dan,
Just so you know. Wifi Extenders and Wifi Mesh network are two completely different things, and vastly different price points.
Extenders are cheap add-ons, and requires significant software engineering work for us to connect to the strongest signal. This unfortunately is not something we can add near term given our engineering resource is heavily devoted to AI (machine-learning) right now.
Mesh networks are more expensive, and are typically marketed and sold with the word “Mesh” in the product name itself to distinguish itself from traditional cheap Wireless Routers. Amazon.com : mesh wireless routers
If you use a Mesh network, our GeoDrops Droplet devices will automatically connect to the strongest Mesh Access Point, sine this is part of the wireless standard.
You can often buy a Wifi Router plus Extender all for under $100 when it’s on sale. But to buy a Wifi Mesh network with two Access Points, it’s usually twice the pice at $200 or so.
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence,
What ultimately probably would have helped me most was the ability to update/change/reset the Wifi without having to remove the batteries, aka dig up the device and relocate it.
The device has a “find me” feature that you can try and wake it up at a certain date/time, a similar feature that allows one to update the device.
For me digging up the device, resetting it, trying to get a rock-free new location without disturbing the soil too much, waiting 2~ weeks to settle down is quite impactful
From there I could ensure optimal setup and work with the existing Wifi capabilities.
Dan
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Hi @Redwhale ,
Thank you for your suggestion about improving the WiFi reconnection process. We agree that easier network transitions would make the experience smoother.
This feature is not on the active roadmap yet, but it is planned for internal review next year. We will share an estimated timeline once that review is complete.
Thank you for your patience and for helping us improve the product.
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
Hi @Redwhale ,
Just wanted to see if you got everything you need on this thread before we close it.
Thanks,
Stanley
Marketing PM
Team GeoDrops
Yes, lets close this off now. Thanks.
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