802.11r in a mixed client environment

[SuperM]

Hi All,

We have a dedicated SSID for Voice Picking Devices (VPD) with 802.11r enabled, totalling approximately 53 devices.

I've noticed that 2 devices are not 802.11r-compatible, as indicated by the Meraki dashboard under Capable Wi-Fi standards.

My question is, does 802.11r have any impact on VPD clients that do not support this feature other than not benefiting from 802.11r advantages? Additionally, could these clients potentially impact the network or other clients?

Thanks in advance, I appreciate it

[Brash · Accepted solution]

No, you shouldn't see any other impacts for these clients. As you said, they simply won't receive the advantages the standard has to offer.

Similarly, it should not impact the rest of your wireless clients.

[KarstenI]

As @Brash said. The AP will offer the Clients to connect with or without 802.11r. If the client supports it, it will use it. If the client doesn't support it, it will connect the "traditional" way. There is only one gotcha that is probably not relevant to your environment: Some old clients get confused by being offered two options and don't connect at all.

[SuperM]

Thank you @Brash and @KarstenI