Mesh Point Network

An access point can be configured to be a part of a mesh network. In a mesh network, nodes in the network can communicate with each other, and each node can maintain more than one path to its peers. Mesh networking enables users to access broadband applications anywhere by providing robust, reliable, and redundant connectivity to all the members of the network. When one of the nodes in a mesh network becomes unavailable, the other nodes in the network can still communicate with each other directly or through intermediate nodes.

Mesh provides efficient routing and path changes in infrastructure and mobility modes by proactively maintaining a table of alternative paths to mesh point root APs. Alternative paths allow root APs the flexibility to change paths immediately when a better path becomes available. This proactive approach allows a mesh AP to make intelligent path decisions in a dynamically changing RF environment.

Consider the following about a mesh network:

• The Mesh APs use wireless beacons to advertise their capabilities. Mesh APs connect to each other using the information in the beacons. A single mesh point is supported on multiple radios for a single AP.
• Mesh points forward all traffic into the wired network through mesh point root APs. A root AP is an AP connected to the wired network. Mesh points find the optimum path to a mesh point root AP.
• With Monitor Primary Port Link enabled, if a root AP loses connection to the backhaul, the non-root APs scan for a new root AP and the original root performs service as a non-root AP. When the original root AP restores connectivity, it resumes the role of root AP. Through the use of Automatic Channel Selection (ACS), the optimum path is restored.
• The path between any two APs is one hop. The path to a mesh point root can consist of multiple hops. In a mesh point network, APs automatically determine the best path to each mesh point root AP. A single hop path is not necessarily better than a path with multiple hops.
• A mesh network is self-healing. The network reforms when an AP fails, preventing a single point of failure.
• Both bridged WLAN services and tunneled WLAN services are supported.

Note

Do not rename an AP after it is added to a mesh network. Renaming the device affects the display of the reported statistics.

To create a mesh network:

1. Configure a Mesh Point Network.
2. Create a device group and configuration Profile for the root AP and a second device group and configuration Profile for the non-root APs.
3. From the device group configuration Profile:
   • Specify the Mesh Point Network.
   • Specify Advanced configuration Profile settings.
   • Specify the Mesh Device Settings.
   

   Note

   The access points are limited to one mesh point. Multiple radios can be configured for a single mesh point.

Note

Mesh Point is supported on ExtremeWireless AP39xx, Wi-Fi 6 AP models. The mesh network must contain only AP39xx access points or only Wi-Fi 6 access points. You cannot combine the AP39xx platform with the Wi-Fi 6 access point platforms in a single mesh network.

Initially, configure non-root APs over wired Ethernet, connected to the Management Port. After adding an AP to a non-root mesh device group, the AP will reboot and then it will be a member of the group without the Ethernet network. (It is highly recommended to disconnect the Management Ethernet port at this time.) If you need to modify the configuration of a non-root AP after deploying in a mesh network, reconnect the AP through the Management Ethernet port and verify mesh point configuration. When a non-root AP is incorrectly configured in a mesh network, it can become stranded. To recover a stranded AP, reconnect to the Management Port through the wired Ethernet.

Note

Mesh device settings are supported at the Profile level or configured as an override for a specific AP.