How to Extend Wi-Fi Coverage and Create a Backup Connection
Share
🛠️Using Two Shelly Plus Plug S to Extend Wi-Fi Coverage and Create a Backup Connection
In the world of smart homes, Wi-Fi network stability and coverage are everything. If you have Shelly devices, such as the versatile Shelly Plus Plug S or any other Shelly Plus, Gen3 or Gen4 , you can take advantage of their advanced features to improve connectivity between devices. In this article, we'll show you how two Shelly Plus Plug S devices can work together to:
✅ Extend the Wi-Fi range.
✅ Act as a backup if your main network fails.
✅ Ensure the continuity of your automations.
📶 Did you know that one Shelly can connect to another Shelly's Wi-Fi?
Shelly Plus Plug S devices can operate in Wi-Fi client mode and can also act as an Access Point (AP) . This means that one Shelly can broadcast its own Wi-Fi network and another Shelly can connect to it, creating a smart mesh or backup network .
🔌 Scenario: Two Shelly Plus Plug S in action
Let's imagine the following:
- Shelly A is connected to your main router via Wi-Fi.
- Shelly B , located further away, has a weak or intermittent signal.
- If the main Wi-Fi network fails, Shelly B can connect to Shelly A 's AP and continue working.
🧩 Step by Step: Configure Shelly as a backup or repeater
1. Configure the Shelly A (main)
- Connect it to your usual Wi-Fi network.
- Access the device's web interface (via IP or through the Shelly app).
-
Activate the Access Point :
- Go to Internet & Security > Wi-Fi Mode .
-
Activate Access Point (AP) Mode .
- Configure the SSID and password that Shelly A will broadcast.
2. Configure the Shelly B (client)
- Temporarily move it closer to Shelly A for setup.
-
In Wi-Fi Settings , add both networks:
- Primary : your main Wi-Fi network.
- Secondary : the network broadcast by Shelly A (her AP).
- Shelly B will first connect to the main network. If this fails, it will automatically connect to Shelly A's AP network.
🧪 What benefits do you get?
- Automatic redundancy : You never lose control of the device.
- Greater range : You can cover areas with weak Wi-Fi without installing repeaters.
- No additional hardware required : You can do it with just two Shelly Plug S.
💡 Extra tip:
You can check the network each device is connected to by entering its IP address in your browser or using the Shelly app. If you test this by turning off your main router, you'll see Shelly B automatically connect to Shelly A's access point.✅ Conclusion
With just two Shelly Plus Plug S units , you can create a more robust, resilient, and flexible network for your smart home. It's a perfect solution for large houses, basements, terraces, or simply as an automatic backup in case of network outages.Would you like us to set it up for you, or do you need help? Contact us at ShellyMadrid.com !
