MV Wireless Issues

[jumbojake]

I have multiple MV cameras deployed, the majority of which are directly cabled to a switch and work fine. A few others are utilizing the wireless profile option, and are powered with a local PoE injector. These cameras constantly drop off for seemingly no reason whatsoever.

I have a primary + 2 backup SSIDs and the cameras have all 3 of them setup in their wireless profile. Typically I've just been able to remotely reboot the closest WAP to the camera or physically unplug/plug to get it back online, but it's getting tiresome. 

Has anyone dealt with a similar issue and is there a fix?

[Ryan_Miles]

I've run several MVs wirelessly only for years here at home. What model MVs? And what APs are you using? Meraki? Not that it should really matter. Also, running latest stable firmware?

How about the SSID config? What security mode is being used? PSK, 802.1X, etc.? How about RF related settings? Min bitrate, load balancing, 2.4 and 5 GHz enabled?

Are other devices connected to these same APs? Are they having issues?

Also, you mentioned either rebooting AP or unplugging? You mean unplugging AP or Camera? Just looking for clarity on which side (AP or client/MV) is being rebooted? Line of thought being is the Camera reboot the fix or the AP reboot.

My setup - I have nearly every model MV running here on wireless. Two wired APs, two mesh repeaters (MR56s and MR44s). I've used PSK, 802.1X, WPA2, WPA3, and now doing MAB with Access Manager. Connectivity is always fine.

[jumbojake]

My main problem camera is a MV13 which is wireless connected to a CW9166I AP. Firmwares are up to date.

The SSID is hidden with PSK security mode (both backup SSIDs as well) RF settings are basic indoor profile.

Other devices can connect to the AP but that's rare, it's mainly for the MV13 to connect to. I've been locally unplugging the camera or remotely rebooting the AP its connected to in order to reestablish video feed from the camera.

[Ryan_Miles]

I don't ever use the hide SSID function. Not sure if MVs have any issue with that.

If I were troubleshooting this I'd start trying things one by one to narrow down which if any make a difference.

- disable SSID hiding

- disable client load balancing

- enable band steering

- set SSID to WPA2 only

- enable 802.11ax

If you go the clients page, drill down on the wireless MAC of the MV13, and check the timeline tab is it roaming to other APs? And if yes, are those successful roams? Is it roaming to other APs that are configured for the correct VLAN? Any DHCP errors? Is the Camera SSID VLAN configured on all AP switchports, trunks, etc?

[jumbojake]

I will try all of these suggestions to see if the intermittent disconnecting ceases. I cannot begin to thank you enough for the insight you've provided.

[jumbojake · Accepted solution]

The solution here was to set the camera's SSID on designated access points closest to their respective cameras. The cameras were being steered away during heightened traffic and would have bad roaming events that caused the drop in video feed. After only setting certain access points to broadcast the SSID, we haven't had any drops in video for 3 weeks now. 

[Robnie]

Hi Jumbojake,

we are having the same issue. We are trying to connect an MV23X camera via Wifi, but it loses the connection all the time after 10-20 mins. I do not understand the accepted solution. Does it mean creating a SSID for the camera and applying it only to the closest AP?

Thanks

Regards