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[bmax1985]

I have a DAP-2695 which per the spec sheet is capable of 'band steering'.  The manual makes no mention of this.

Based on my research, band steering will automatically push a 5GHz capable device to the 5GHz radio after it connects.

I have both radios enabled, I can connect to each individually (if I change one of the SSID's).  With both SSID's set identical and no authentication of any kind, all of my devices connect and stay at 2.4 GHz.

Does band steering only happen if the 2.4 Ghz becomes saturated?

I called support and the guy was quite clueless.  I had to explain to him what band steering was.

Here's the article about it on D-Link's site:  http://www.dlink.com/uk/en/technology/band-steering

[FurryNutz]

Link>Welcome!

• What Hardware version is your router? Look at sticker under router.
• Link>What Firmware version is currently loaded? Found on the routers web page under status.
• What region are you located?

I recommend that you might change the SSIDS between the two radios to be different, at least as test.

I presume that the steering and connections are dependent upon if the wireless devices is both 2.4 and 5Ghz supporting.

This "Band Steering" is new to me as well. 

[bmax1985]

Hardware version:  A1
Firmware:  1.00
Region is USA

Based on the D-Link support page there are no downloads for the product.  It doesn't even have a selector for hardware version so I assume A1 is all there is at this time.

If I set a different SSID for the 5GHz band I can in fact connect so I'm sure that it's not a compatibility issue with the radio.  Perhaps a compatibility issue with 'band steering' but support has been little help.  Their last response was:

'It is enabled automatically if or when the SSID of both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz is set the same.'

I of course have tried it with SSID set to the same and different at this point.

[FurryNutz]

Well I think this model is a newer model so it's new to the world. I'll ask and see if I can get some info about it from D-Link.

 

[bmax1985]

Thanks.  That's what I figured.  Unfortunately I'll be deploying it to a customers site and the band steering functionality was the cardinal selling point.

Otherwise I'm impressed with the unit.  Ordering one for home too.

[FurryNutz]

Kewl, I'll post if I hear if I get some info.

Let us know how it works for you...

[FurryNutz]

Ok, got some info, unfortunately, that link you posted to the UK site references the DWL-2690.
"Band steering is supported in D-Link’s DWL-2690 (hardware version B1) as well as future 802.11ac business wireless access points. It is enabled automatically if or when the SSID of both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz is set the same."

The DAP-2695 here in the NA region I've been told does not support BS.

Sorry about that. 

There maybe newer future DAP models coming out in the NA region that may support BS.

[bmax1985]

The product page for the DAP-2695 says that it also has band steering:

” With band steering, the DAP-2695 detects whether or not the wireless client is dual-band capable, and if it is, it will push the client to connect to the less congested 5 GHz network. It does this by actively blocking the client’s attempts to associate with the 2.4 GHz network. Band steering can ensure clients on the 5 GHz band can achieve their maximum performance without being bottle-necked by legacy 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g clients. This way, you can make the most of Wireless N technology and at the same time ensure backwards compatibility with existing legacy equipment.”

http://www.dlink.com/mk/mk/business-solutions/wireless/access-points/access-points/dap-2695-wireless-ac1750-simultaneous-dualband-poe-access-point

[bmax1985]

That's the page that I get if I navigate to the product from dlink.com so I have to believe that it's for my region.  Otherwise, false statements on the product page.....

[FurryNutz]

Ok, that link if for an EU region model. Yes the Specs say BS. It's not false advertising for that region.

If you look at the NA region spec:
http://www.dlink.com/us/en/business-solutions/wireless/access-points/access-points/dap-2695-wireless-ac1750-simultaneous-dualband-poe-access-point

The specs here do not have BS listed. If the specs or features don't list it, then we can presume that it's not supported.

I presume this maybe do to a regional thing with D-Link and or being here in the NA region, specifically the U.S.A., DAP  or Wireless Mfrs are bound to some FCC guild lines and policy unlike our friends across the pond in the EU region where FCC rules don't' exist. BS may or may not be allowed, used or hasn't been approved at some level or there maybe some legal or licensing condition on why the NA DAP-2695 model doesn't have or support BS at this time. We don't know why or will never gain this info.  

If you are still wondering about this, I would phone contact D-Link support or sales and inquire about this with them. They should be able to answer your questions before making a purchase.

From what I was told there maybe future BS supporting DAPs released in the NA region. What and When was not stated as I'm usually not given that info. Talking to someone at D-Link might gain more info.

Let us know what they say.

The product page for the DAP-2695 says that it also has band steering:

” With band steering, the DAP-2695 detects whether or not the wireless client is dual-band capable, and if it is, it will push the client to connect to the less congested 5 GHz network. It does this by actively blocking the client’s attempts to associate with the 2.4 GHz network. Band steering can ensure clients on the 5 GHz band can achieve their maximum performance without being bottle-necked by legacy 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g clients. This way, you can make the most of Wireless N technology and at the same time ensure backwards compatibility with existing legacy equipment.”

http://www.dlink.com/mk/mk/business-solutions/wireless/access-points/access-points/dap-2695-wireless-ac1750-simultaneous-dualband-poe-access-point

[bmax1985]

Fair enough.  Too bad the site I got directed to is for the wrong region.  Very disapointing but I guess we'll make do.  That's why the Cisco is so much more $.

Thanks for the help.  More than I got from support.

[FurryNutz]

Don't give up on D-Link, there maybe some more product in the future.

Come back if you need help or more info.

Good Luck.

[bmax1985]

Just wanted to post some additional info since it's getting some attention here.  In searching for a way to purchase the version with band steering (another region), I've found at least three US retailers advertising it with band steering.

Seems I'm not the only one confused.  Any chance that it's going to happen with a future firmware update?

[FurryNutz]

Ya, e-tailers well post anything to get people to buy things, even when it's not officially supported.

Getting a non-US region unit may work however when it comes time for support here in the NA region, you may and probably will run into D-Link support telling you that they can't support a non NA region unit here in the NA region. There are boundaries between D-Link regions and support.

From what I was told there maybe future BS supporting DAPs released in the NA region. What and When was not stated as I'm usually not given that info. Talking to someone at D-Link might gain more info. They could possibly add it to a FW release if they deem it approved or what ever they need to do to get it implemented here. I have seen other features added to routers that didn't have the feature before. Adding it in FW later on is viable. Will be in D-Link hands to do that when and if they do.

[bmax1985]

Figured that about support...  Fortunately they don't fail often and I've never been one for wasting time fixing equipment more than a couple years old when it comes to technology.

I'm part of a worldwide company so I'm trying to figure out what regions can buy that unit with BS.  Looks like Macedonia is the page that I found.  Any idea if there's a particular SKU that indicates what region the device is for so I could tell my purchasing department what to get?