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WiFi mesh and Ethernet connection inquiries

WiFi mesh and Ethernet connection inquiries

M
Modded_kev
Junior Member
2
02-17-2024, 01:18 AM
#1
I'm preparing for a relocation and need some clarification: is mesh just a marketing term for wireless backhaul? If I already have Ethernet, can I simply add more Access Points with identical SSID/Password so they function like a mesh network? I think client handoff between APs is part of the WiFi standard, not just wireless backhaul. My current setup uses Gen1 Google Wi-Fi in mesh mode. Now my new location will be fully wired, and I want an Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro as a router. Can I connect my existing Wi-Fi APs to it using their AP mode? My goal is eventually switching to Wifi 7 APs, but they aren't available yet and the upfront cost is high. To be clear, I'm mixing some terms—details are below.
M
Modded_kev
02-17-2024, 01:18 AM #1

I'm preparing for a relocation and need some clarification: is mesh just a marketing term for wireless backhaul? If I already have Ethernet, can I simply add more Access Points with identical SSID/Password so they function like a mesh network? I think client handoff between APs is part of the WiFi standard, not just wireless backhaul. My current setup uses Gen1 Google Wi-Fi in mesh mode. Now my new location will be fully wired, and I want an Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro as a router. Can I connect my existing Wi-Fi APs to it using their AP mode? My goal is eventually switching to Wifi 7 APs, but they aren't available yet and the upfront cost is high. To be clear, I'm mixing some terms—details are below.

S
St4rX
Junior Member
9
02-17-2024, 01:43 AM
#2
Mesh functions as a wireless connection for backhaul, making it ideal to wire the APs if possible.
S
St4rX
02-17-2024, 01:43 AM #2

Mesh functions as a wireless connection for backhaul, making it ideal to wire the APs if possible.

E
ender59166
Junior Member
7
02-17-2024, 07:28 AM
#3
In essence, yes. It involves broadening the connectivity zone for clients to return to the central hub or controller. For SSID/Password handoff to function properly, APs must adhere to the 802.11r standard, enabling smooth transitions between access points. This setup would require management through a controller. Without support for this standard across multiple APs, devices would disconnect and reconnect repeatedly, causing significant connectivity issues.
E
ender59166
02-17-2024, 07:28 AM #3

In essence, yes. It involves broadening the connectivity zone for clients to return to the central hub or controller. For SSID/Password handoff to function properly, APs must adhere to the 802.11r standard, enabling smooth transitions between access points. This setup would require management through a controller. Without support for this standard across multiple APs, devices would disconnect and reconnect repeatedly, causing significant connectivity issues.

W
WaterLily2003
Senior Member
648
02-19-2024, 06:37 AM
#4
W
WaterLily2003
02-19-2024, 06:37 AM #4

B
BenTGreat
Senior Member
437
02-19-2024, 07:09 AM
#5
802.11k works just as well. Probably I didn’t spend enough time searching when I checked quickly.
B
BenTGreat
02-19-2024, 07:09 AM #5

802.11k works just as well. Probably I didn’t spend enough time searching when I checked quickly.