Wi-Fi meshing enhances network coverage and performance by enabling seamless roaming and easy expansion through optimized configurations and the use of advanced technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and 7.

• Wi-Fi meshing extends network coverage wirelessly, offering flexibility for hard-to-reach areas, while roaming connects multiple access points for seamless transitions.
  • The webinar clarifies the difference between Wi-Fi roaming and Wi-Fi mesh, emphasizing that meshing extends networks wirelessly while roaming connects multiple access points.
  • Wi-Fi meshing extends the coverage range of a Wi-Fi network wirelessly, and Peplink supports both Wi-Fi meshing and roaming.
  • Meshing allows you to extend your Wi-Fi coverage wirelessly by connecting access points (APs) that enable seamless roaming throughout a space.
  • Wi-Fi meshing allows for flexible network coverage without the need for physical wiring, making it ideal for temporary locations or hard-to-reach areas, though it comes with certain limitations.
  • Using wired connections between access points is preferred for stability, but Wi-Fi meshing is a valuable alternative for expanding networks when wiring isn't feasible.
  • Wi-Fi meshing allows for flexible extension of wireless coverage by placing additional access points in various locations without the need for physical wiring.
• Mesh networks enhance Wi-Fi performance and connectivity, allowing seamless roaming and easier setup with Peplink products through Balance UI or Cloud InControl.
  • Mesh networks are an improved alternative to traditional repeaters and extenders, offering better performance and connectivity.
  • Mesh networks provide seamless Wi-Fi roaming and advanced layouts compared to repeaters, which create disconnections and lack flexibility.
  • Peplink products can be set up for Wi-Fi meshing either through the Balance UI or via zero-touch configuration in Cloud InControl.
  • To set up a Wi-Fi mesh network, log into your access points, create a wireless mesh under the WDS mesh tab, and assign it to a profile, ensuring you are using the correct firmware version.
  • A new mesh link information page in firmware 3.8.4 provides detailed insights on signal strengths, connection types, and throughput for better Wi-Fi management.
• Easily expand your Wi-Fi with a mesh setup by configuring a new SSID, enabling security features, and optimizing settings for seamless roaming across multiple access points.
  • To set up Wi-Fi mesh, configure a new SSID for the access points tagged as "mesh" while ensuring the main device remains isolated from the current Wi-Fi network.
  • Setting up WPA2/WPA3 security and enabling Fast Transition enhances seamless roaming between access points while creating an SSID.
  • To enable efficient wireless roaming, set a signal threshold and adjust the output power and minimum client signal strength in the Wi-Fi AP group settings.
  • Setting the signal strength to negative 71 dBm allows devices to roam seamlessly between access points, ensuring stable connections for applications like video calls.
  • Wi-Fi mesh setup allows for seamless integration of multiple access points across various sites by creating mesh IDs and assigning them to devices.
  • Wireless SSID, roaming, and mesh ID have been successfully configured and pushed to three devices, which are now online and managed through InControl.
• Easily expand Wi-Fi coverage and performance with a mesh network that optimizes connections in real-time using zero touch configuration.
  • Three access points are connected via Ethernet to a hub device, which remains plugged into the router while the others are unplugged.
  • The main access point wirelessly connects to remote access points, establishing a mesh network that allows monitoring of signal strength and throughput.
  • Wi-Fi mesh can be effortlessly set up and managed with zero touch configuration using InControl and the latest firmware by tagging devices for easy provisioning.
  • Mesh networks can simultaneously evaluate multiple connection paths, enhancing Wi-Fi coverage and performance compared to traditional repeaters and extenders.
  • The system evaluates multiple wireless paths to maintain an internet connection, choosing the most effective route based on transmit rates.
  • Mesh networking dynamically optimizes traffic paths in real-time, providing superior performance compared to static repeaters, especially in changing RF environments.
• Wi-Fi mesh networks perform better with 5 GHz for backhaul and 2.4 GHz for client connections, as each additional hop can degrade signal quality significantly.
  • Wi-Fi meshing is brand specific, and while you can use one frequency for both mesh and user access, doing so may degrade performance with more mesh hops.
  • Wi-Fi performance decreases with each additional hop, especially on 2.4 GHz, while 5 GHz can maintain over a gigabit per second despite sharing bandwidth for meshing.
  • Wi-Fi mesh networks can experience about 50% signal degradation per hop, and using 5 GHz for backhaul while broadcasting at 2.4 GHz is effective.
  • Using a 2.4 GHz channel for client connections and a 5 GHz channel for backhaul improves mesh network performance, allowing for greater coverage and reduced bottlenecks.
  • You can extend your network wirelessly by connecting devices like laptops or switches to remote access points.
  • Properly configuring spanning tree priority is essential to prevent loops when integrating Ethernet devices with a wireless mesh network.
• Wi-Fi mesh networks perform best with minimal hops, ideally using Wi-Fi 6 devices and higher frequency bands, while future improvements are expected with Wi-Fi 7.
  • Wi-Fi mesh currently supports 20, 40, and 80 megahertz but not 160 megahertz.
  • Minimizing hops in a Wi-Fi mesh network is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, as each additional hop significantly reduces throughput.
  • Mesh networks can significantly reduce throughput with each additional hop, making higher frequency bands like 5 GHz and future 6 GHz crucial for maintaining speed.
  • Wi-Fi mesh networks can support two to three hops for optimal performance, with potential capacity increases expected with Wi-Fi 7.
  • To achieve optimal Wi-Fi mesh performance, ensure compatibility by using Wi-Fi 6 devices together, as higher capacity and simultaneous communication are better supported by devices like the AX AP compared to 2x2 MIMO devices.
  • Wi-Fi mesh performance is affected by the base access point's capabilities, with limitations on rebroadcasting when using the same frequency for both mesh and rebroadcast.
• VLANs can be trunked over Wi-Fi mesh for seamless handoff, supporting multiple SSIDs, but testing is essential for switch compatibility and optimal performance with like devices.
  • VLANs can be trunked over a Wi-Fi mesh as they operate at Layer Two, allowing for seamless handoff.
  • Multiple SSIDs can be mapped to different VLANs, and while mesh works over these SSIDs, testing is needed to confirm functionality with switches.
  • Wi-Fi mesh networks can be created using Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices, but it's best to mesh like devices to avoid performance degradation.
  • Email for VLAN inquiries, and a YouTube video will be created demonstrating the meshing of two Pepwave switches and access points.
• Join the Peplink Tech Summit in Orlando from November 3rd to 6th for training on the new Ping Certified Engineer program and networking opportunities.