@TJE333  Is it causing a problem? Interference? Or some device jumps from the strongest signal to the weakest one? Or just doesn't switch when it moves? If this is happening, I advise you to change change it, now if it's not causing problems I don't see the reason to change it, but I recommend that you look for a better solution for yourself as a Mesh kit, or a kit that has OneMesh, the performance is much better .

@Andrsouzaaa 

It doesn't seem to be causing problems, but I would like to know what the recommended setup should be in this case.

Router is on the second floor, so I need a signal boost on 3 and 1.

thanks

@TJE333 that way it is correct the repeaters are connected to the router, there is no other type of connection for this type of case.What I recommend is you buy a Mesh kit so that the network performance is better.

@Andrsouzaaa 

Thanks, I don't know anything about Mesh kits--is there something you'd recommend for my situation (router on 2 need a signal boost on 1 and 3)?

--Tom

@TJE333 Is your kit all TP-LINK? if it is, check if they support OneMesh technology look for OneMesh on Google and you will find it, or tell me what the model of all and verge of hardware... This information is possible to see under the router and behind the repeaters.

@Andrsouzaaa 

Thanks again for your reply!

Modem is the hardware supplied by my cable company (Spectrum), but the 2 range extenders are both TP-link RE 300s.

I saw this comparison of Mesh vs. Range Extenders on the TP-Link site

https://www.tp-link.com/us/mesh/ai-driven-mesh/

--under AI-Roaming: Always Learning

and the image shows that the REs have separate names ("RE1" and "RE2") on different floors. Same setup as mine, but the names are the same here (both "_EXT"). That was my original question--just hoping they will still auto-select for the best connection as I move around (as shown in the graphic)!

@TJE333 Now answer me what version of your repeaters? V1 , V2 , V3, V4 and so on, look at this and then you'll know if they support Mesh technology.... If so, buy a router that supports technology and Create this mesh network. If you choose this, I believe you will have to disable the wi-fi of this modem that your operator installed, but in compensation you will have a network with a unique name without this (_EXT, _EXT 2 for example.) thing, and your devices they will always be changing to the best signal without you even noticing.

@Andrsouzaaa 

They both say VN1.

Appreciate your suggestions, but I'm really just trying to understand if my current setup will automatcially switch between REs as I move around if they both have the same name--exactly as shown below, execpt highlighted REs are both named home-EXT.

thx

@TJE333 well in this case you'll have to do the test, unfortunately I don't know a way that happens other than by Mesh , but do the test, I hope it works, if you need I'll be here.

@Andrsouzaaa 

I haven't actually noticed a problem, was just trying to make sure I set it up corrctly so it could work the way its shown in that image.