Knowledge Base What is EasyMesh and how does it work with TP-Link routers and extenders?
You may have heard that TP-Link embraces an updated EasyMesh protocol that allows building a multiple-AP mesh network with certified products from various vendors. It also breaks new ground in the network deployment compared with the previous Mesh standard. In this article, we will talk about what is EasyMesh and how it works with TP-Link routers and extenders.
What is EasyMesh?
EasyMesh is a standard certification launched by the Wi-Fi Alliance, which brings a standards-based approach to multiple AP networks. This kind of Mesh allows devices from multiple vendors to be onboard, configured, and able to communicate with each other to form Mesh Wi-Fi. This brings flexibility, enabling devices from different vendors to work together to increase capacity and effective throughput by forming a smart and adaptable network. Refer to What is EasyMesh to find more details.
TP-Link is committed to the development of EasyMesh products and has launched a series of Wi-Fi routers and range extenders that are compatible with EasyMesh (Full Product List). You can choose a Wi-Fi router with range extenders to form Mesh Wi-Fi, or several Wi-Fi routers to set up the Mesh Wi-Fi. Theoretically, TP-Link EasyMesh will work with any EasyMesh-certified products thanks to the standardized EasyMesh technology. However, EasyMesh networking methods can vary based on the manufacturers, we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.
As for the management, unified management via the TP-Link Tether app or web UI is available for TP-Link EasyMesh-compatible devices. The main router will work as the management center. You can set and modify the wireless settings such as network name, password, and advanced features like Access Control and QoS on the router. The router will then synchronize with your extension devices. However, unified management is not guaranteed for devices from other vendors.
Setup Video for TP-Link EasyMesh Devices
What is Wireless Backhaul in EasyMesh?
Wireless Backhaul in an EasyMesh network makes it possible to wirelessly connect two EasyMesh products including TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers and Range Extenders together to build a seamless Wi-Fi network, this benefits both extended Wi-Fi coverage and Wi-Fi network stability.
How does EasyMesh Wireless Backhaul work?
Router - Router Networking
Mesh Wireless Backhaul between Routers
Yes, you hear it right. In an EasyMesh network, now you could define a router as the main router, and easily add a satellite router to boost the Wi-Fi coverage.
EasyMesh enables automatic synchronization of wireless network settings across all the EasyMesh nodes in the network and saves your time of manually setting up wireless SSID and password on a satellite device(s).
How to add a router to an EasyMesh network as a satellite device
Note:
1. It is recommended to connect no more than 3 mesh nodes (2 satellite devices) in a single chain for better wireless performance.
2. A firmware update may be required for some models to support Router - Router Networking.
Router – RE Networking
Mesh Wireless Backhaul between TP-Link Router and Range Extender
The brand-new mesh solution also allows you to add Range Extender as the satellite device which is wirelessly connected to the main router and builds a seamless Wi-Fi network. How to add an extender to an EasyMesh network as a satellite device
What is Ethernet Backhaul in EasyMesh?
In EasyMesh, Ethernet backhaul refers to the use of Ethernet cables to connect multiple mesh nodes in a mesh Wi-Fi network. In a typical mesh Wi-Fi network, multiple mesh nodes are placed throughout a home or office to provide a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal in every corner. These mesh nodes communicate with each other to create a single, unified Wi-Fi network. This allows devices to seamlessly roam between mesh nodes without experiencing any drops in the Wi-Fi connection.
Ethernet backhaul in EasyMesh takes this concept a step further by using Ethernet cables to connect the mesh nodes, instead of relying solely on wireless connections. By using Ethernet backhaul, the mesh nodes can communicate with each other at faster speeds and with lower latency, compared to using wireless connections, thus you can ensure a more robust and reliable connection between the nodes, resulting in better overall Wi-Fi performance throughout the entire network.
How to Build an Ethernet Backhaul Using Two EasyMesh Routers
Please note that only some EasyMesh routers support EasyMesh Backhaul for now, you could refer to this thread for the specific information:
EasyMesh Routers Support Building a EasyMesh Network via Ethernet Backhaul NOW
EasyMesh Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What TP-Link product will support EasyMesh?
Visit here to check all TP-Link EasyMesh Compatible devices.
Please be aware that certain models will require firmware updates to support EasyMesh, you could pay attention to the subsequent firmware releases on the TP-Link official website.
Q2. Can I use TP-Link EasyMesh products together with TP-Link OneMesh™ or Deco Mesh products?
Yes and No. Wi-Fi EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh™, and Deco Mesh are three different mesh Wi-Fi solutions provided by TP-Link. You cannot build a mesh network by mixing TP-Link OneMesh™ routers/extenders with Deco Mesh, but you can build up a mesh system with TP-Link EasyMesh and OneMesh™ devices. In another word, you can still build up a mesh network if you have an EasyMesh router and a Onemesh range extender.
Refer to the QA below for the main differences between EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh™, and Deco Mesh.
Q3. What is the difference between EasyMesh, OneMesh™, and Deco Mesh?
From the below chart you could have a general comparison between EasyMesh vs OneMesh™ vs Deco Mesh.
|
EasyMesh |
OneMesh™ |
Deco Mesh |
---|---|---|---|
Seamless Wi-Fi Network |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Working with a different vendor* |
√ |
- |
- |
AP Seamless Steering |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Band steering (Smart Connect) |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Router - Router Wireless Backhaul |
√ |
- |
√ |
Ethernet Backhaul |
- (Planned & Supported***) |
- |
√ |
AP mode | - (Planned***) | - | √ |
Mesh Protocol Supported |
802.11k/v |
802.11k/v |
802.11k/v/r |
Management Methods |
Web UI & Tether APP |
Web UI & Tether APP |
Deco APP & Simple Web UI |
Technology |
|||
Products & Compatibility |
Check TP-Link EasyMesh products >> |
Note :
1. Working with a different vendor*
Certified EasyMesh devices can work with each other, while we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.
2. Visit this site to get the EasyMesh Certified Products from multiple vendors*: https://www.wi-fi.org/wi-fi-easymesh-certified-products (from Wi-Fi Alliance®).
3. Planned*** : Kindly note that Planned is not a guarantee, as the plan can be adjusted or changed.
Q4. Will EasyMesh support Ethernet Backhaul?
Yes. EasyMesh will allow building a mesh network via Ethernet Backhaul, and some of the EasyMesh routers have already supported it via a firmware upgrade.
Visit EasyMesh Routers Support Building an EasyMesh Network via Ethernet Backhaul NOW to get more details.
Q5. Can I use TP-Link EasyMesh devices with EasyMesh products from different manufacturers or companies? Are they compatible?
Theoretically, TP-Link EasyMesh will work with any EasyMesh-certified products due to the standardized EasyMesh technology. However, EasyMesh networking methods can vary based on the manufacturers, we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.
Visit this blog to know more about EasyMesh: What is EasyMesh?
Welcome to leave your comments below regarding EasyMesh.
Related Articles:
Early Release EasyMesh Firmware for Archer AX55
EasyMesh Routers Support Building an EasyMesh Network via Ethernet Backhaul NOW
General Questions about EasyMesh
How to Build an Ethernet Backhaul Using Two EasyMesh Routers
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@Kevin_Z The C6 V3 was not purchased long back. I ordered that on jun 2022 itself, just before the launch of V4. Anyways, thats a different story, as i was very new to even decide which one to buy, i saw few video in youtube, someone said, C6 is a good router, so i ordered.
Now, I am planning to buy a AX23 and had already purchased AX10 too. My question is, if i make AX23 as main router (after easymesh update), and than connect AX10 (on satelite mode, once update is pushed) via ethernet backhault and than connect one more C64 (Satelite mode) via ethernet backhault but from AX10 lan ports. than easymash will work on C64 as well?
AX23->AX10->C64
I can't connect C64 directly to AX23 because of underwall wiring infra and distance of each routers. Please confirm this with full surity about function (I know update is still under planned, so I may endup not getting update like C6 V3, but there is no wifi 6 model availble to buy with wifi 6 and easymesh under 100 dollers. AX20 is not stock in india from the time i am checking, may be around 3-4 months and i want future proof my new purchase, so atleast push easymesh update on wifi 6 routers too ASAP, else customers will switch to other brands, you must have lost a lot of new customers by now for sure, dont worry, i will not switch but india is a big market, FYI).
Please answer if you are comptlely sure weather all device will work as mesh network as per my setup said above and sorry if i sound rude, but you also know that its the harsh truth.
Edit: SInce i had already became so rude, let me tell you one more thing, Please add OFDMA in spec page of AX23, as TP-Link have removed wifi 6 from AX10 ( in 2.4ghz band), so i thought that TP link must have removed OFDMA from AX23, and thinking OFDMA as a deal breaker, i had purchased AX10, but later i realised that it is just a mistake from website update team.
Kevin_Z wrote
Sorry to disappoint you since there is no plan to add the support for EasyMesh on Archer A6/C6 V3.
We always recommend choosing a router based on the features that are currently offered, and not what could be.
Please also keep in mind that while our teams may provide hints on what models are to receive a feature, it is definitely not an exhaustive list, and the models supporting features are always changing, meaning that models can be both added and removed, or even just updated without warning.
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Gopal2020 wrote
@Kevin_Z The C6 V3 was not purchased long back. I ordered that on jun 2022 itself, just before the launch of V4. Anyways, thats a different story, as i was very new to even decide which one to buy, i saw few video in youtube, someone said, C6 is a good router, so i ordered.
Now, I am planning to buy a AX23 and had already purchased AX10 too. My question is, if i make AX23 as main router (after easymesh update), and than connect AX10 (on satelite mode, once update is pushed) via ethernet backhault and than connect one more C64 (Satelite mode) via ethernet backhault but from AX10 lan ports. than easymash will work on C64 as well?
AX23->AX10->C64
If all three routers in the above topology support EasyMesh Ethernet backhaul, you can connect them like that to build a mesh network. But I want to point out and remind you once again that neither AX23 nor AX10 supports EasyMesh at the moment. Again, as stated in the EasyMesh Product List, "The EasyMesh firmware update for products marked "Planned" is not a guarantee. The compatible device list will be updated regularly, and TP-Link reserves the right to modify this page at any time without notifying the user."
If you do need to build a mesh network, why not choose Deco mesh? All the Deco models can support the network layout as you require.
Gopal2020 wrote
I can't connect C64 directly to AX23 because of underwall wiring infra and distance of each routers. Please confirm this with full surity about function (I know update is still under planned, so I may endup not getting update like C6 V3, but there is no wifi 6 model availble to buy with wifi 6 and easymesh under 100 dollers. AX20 is not stock in india from the time i am checking, may be around 3-4 months and i want future proof my new purchase, so atleast push easymesh update on wifi 6 routers too ASAP, else customers will switch to other brands, you must have lost a lot of new customers by now for sure, dont worry, i will not switch but india is a big market, FYI).
Please answer if you are comptlely sure weather all device will work as mesh network as per my setup said above and sorry if i sound rude, but you also know that its the harsh truth.
Edit: SInce i had already became so rude, let me tell you one more thing, Please add OFDMA in spec page of AX23, as TP-Link have removed wifi 6 from AX10 ( in 2.4ghz band), so i thought that TP link must have removed OFDMA from AX23, and thinking OFDMA as a deal breaker, i had purchased AX10, but later i realised that it is just a mistake from website update team.
Thank you very much for your feedback and suggestions. We have brought up all your opinions to the decision-makers and hope we will get more models support EasyMesh asap.
Regarding the OFDMA, we will also feedback to the website admins to consider and see if we can add it to the specifications page.
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@Kevin_Z when will the AX73 be supported for EasyMesh? been waiting for a while now.
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AnyaSkywalker wrote
Would you be able to set AX55 or AX73 as satellite router but thru wired connection?
@AnyaSkywalker Only the models listed in my post here currently support EasyMesh Ethernet Backhaul. AX55 and AX73 are not on the list, which means that they cannot connect to the main EasyMesh router via a wired connection to build up the mesh network.
But please don't worry, there will be more models supporting EasyMesh Ethernet Backhaul soon. Please keep an eye on the router web GUI for any new firmware updates, and that will be noted in the release notes. You may also subscribe to the above thread and I will keep updating it to include more once there are more routers that support EasyMesh Ethernet Backhaul.
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im pretty sure we waiting half a year without a single new model added with support the easy mash.
im still waiting to use my ax1500 but its still at planned..
Kevin_Z wrote
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@naye666 Actually, one may say EasyMesh its a big mess right now. I have found a Polish TP-Link document (link) which includes a list of routers and extenders which have already received EasyMesh (first table) and which should receive it by the end of Q2 2023 (second table). At the same time TP-Link's webpage for EasyMesh system still enlists many of the devices from the above-linked list as "EasyMesh planned". For instance, I have AX72, on EasyMesh webpage it's labeled "planned", on it's own webpage advertising AX72 there is "EasyMesh" mentioned as an available feature. Too bad, It works - but I believe still only in router mode, not in AP mode. If found another document showing we have to wait for EasyMesh in a AP mode (link) - see below.
I had to change an internet provider, who delivers its own router (practically not-managable). I was not able to switch off DHCP in the internet provider's router. It forced me to degrade my AX72 from main to satellite device in AP mode. Unfortunaltely, I have noticed it caused a side effect - my AX72 and RE700X extender EasyMesh gone away. I have EasyMesh option in RE700X, but not in AX72 anymore.
I hope it is a matter of time, when all at least AX devices get EasyMesh allowing to group and connect devices no matter if in router or AP mode, using ethernet backhaul, so to say a common scenario where there is a main router connected via eth to satellite working in AP mode plus at least two-three wifi extenders.
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I can't find definitive source on whether the RE505X supports EasyMesh, can anyone confirm?
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Here is the EasyMesh compatibility list: TP-Link EasyMesh Devices
RE505X is listed above but marked as "PLANNED", so I suppose it doesn't support it at this moment but will do in the future.
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