EAP650-Desktop, Mesh Uplink, ETH0 Can not be configured at ALL, Really?
So I found the EAP650-Desktop, looked like the perfect solution to a problem I had, 4 port Switch that could be wirelessly up linked, and I could set the 4 Ports to a particular VLAN.
Turns out apparently that is NOT the case, only 3 of the 4 ports can be configured, ETH0 is essentially assumed to ALWAYS be an up link, with ZERO ability to configure the PVID/VLAN on it, Really?
Is this really intended behavior? Why would that port be arbitrarily limited since the unit can be Up linked via Mesh, It would make since if it were wired as an up link.
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Thanks for posting here.
Yes, the ETH0 port is fixed as the uplink port, and there are several reasons for this design:
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Simplification of Network Topology: Fixing one port as the uplink port simplifies the network topology, making network configuration and management more intuitive and straightforward. Users do not need to perform complex configurations on each port; they only need to connect the ETH0 port to the upper-level network device.
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Performance Optimization: Fixing the ETH0 port as the uplink port can optimize network performance. In a Mesh network, data traffic is primarily transmitted wirelessly, while wired connections are typically used to connect to more stable network infrastructure. This ensures the stability and speed of data transmission.
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Cost and Resource Management: In a Mesh network, each node needs to handle the forwarding and processing of wireless signals. If all ports were used as downlink ports, it could lead to uneven resource allocation, affecting overall network performance. Fixing one port as the uplink port can more effectively distribute processing capabilities.
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Troubleshooting and Maintenance: When network issues arise, fixing the uplink port can simplify the troubleshooting process. Users can more easily identify and resolve problems because the network topology is clearer.
Based on your description, EAP650-desktop may not be the best fit for you. You may consider switching to a device that better fits your scenario.
Alternatively, you could add an unmanaged 5-port switch to your network, such as TL-SG105.
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I believe the ETH0 port behavior is by design. There must be a way to initially configure the AP and that guarantees access.
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@jra11500 the unit is able to be configured by wirelessly being adopted. For one. Which is actually how I adopted the unit in the first place.
But once adopted it should be able to be configured, especially if wirelessly up linked, heck they can put a warning on it that says you may be unable to uplink this device via wired once configured or something, I mean even then you can just reset the device.
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I agree with you that the ETH0 port should be configurable. I'm still searching for something I read a while back on the subject of the native VLAN 1 being required on at least 1 port. If I find it, I will post it here. Meanwhile, one of the Tp-Link moderators can perhaps explain the reasoning behind the ETH0 design.
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@jra11500 Putting my Linux hat on, which these run.
Once wirelessly meshed that wireless interface should be the only thing needing VLAN 1 at a minimum.
I'm sure at this point it is unlikely for this to change on this model, but hopefully they think about it in the next Wi-Fi 7 version of this type of device.
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@Napsterbater Turns out as well, the EAP650-Desktop can not even "detect" clients on its ports and can not even show port status. The client I have on one of its ports shows as connected to the Swtich Port of the AP the Desktop unit is uplinked to.
They should have saved time with the useless RJ11 FXS port, which seemingly is not even useable with an Omada controller and polished this unit.
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Thanks for posting here.
Yes, the ETH0 port is fixed as the uplink port, and there are several reasons for this design:
-
Simplification of Network Topology: Fixing one port as the uplink port simplifies the network topology, making network configuration and management more intuitive and straightforward. Users do not need to perform complex configurations on each port; they only need to connect the ETH0 port to the upper-level network device.
-
Performance Optimization: Fixing the ETH0 port as the uplink port can optimize network performance. In a Mesh network, data traffic is primarily transmitted wirelessly, while wired connections are typically used to connect to more stable network infrastructure. This ensures the stability and speed of data transmission.
-
Cost and Resource Management: In a Mesh network, each node needs to handle the forwarding and processing of wireless signals. If all ports were used as downlink ports, it could lead to uneven resource allocation, affecting overall network performance. Fixing one port as the uplink port can more effectively distribute processing capabilities.
-
Troubleshooting and Maintenance: When network issues arise, fixing the uplink port can simplify the troubleshooting process. Users can more easily identify and resolve problems because the network topology is clearer.
Based on your description, EAP650-desktop may not be the best fit for you. You may consider switching to a device that better fits your scenario.
Alternatively, you could add an unmanaged 5-port switch to your network, such as TL-SG105.
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1. Except when using this device with a wireless up link.. it's essentially a useless port depending on the configuration of the network, such as if someone follows best practices and the native default VLAN is not used for clients And only used for management of switches and network devices.
2. This one doesn't even make sense at all. Especially considering any use case for this unit is providing multiple network ports in a location where you can't get a wire to uplink it... Sure, wire is great but if you can't get it to the location, this device could provide four ports, but due to this limitation, now it's only three.
3. Yet again, this is a very silly argument and makes no sense, at all.....
4. And yet again makes a zero sense when you're trying to use this device with a wireless mesh... Why can this device even be wirelessly meshed you're if all of your answers are that essentially, it should always be wired.....
Very poor responses in my opinion.
And here's something, if you want to hide configuring that port behind an Advanced options feature or something and a warning that says reconfiguring this port is not advised because misconfiguring this port could require a factory reset.... Or something to that effect.. problem solved.
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