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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Update:
I found Faq #13 addresses the secondary question on IoT and GuestNetwork
https://www.tp-link.com/au/support/faq/3529/
- it is not (yet) designed to be supported by SatelliteRouter
The Primary issue is still outstanding : EasyMESH:SatelliteRouter is not honoring HIDE SSID setting
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CollateralDmg wrote
@Kevin_Z and TP-Link team
I was doing some testing on my EasyMesh setup with the HideSSID option
Here's a cut and paste of the findings from the Reddit Post ( https://www.reddit.com/r/TpLink/comments/13jt0xh/comment/lpz1cgn/ )
Setup : AX72Pro (Main) ---> AX72 (Satellite).
Both devices have current & up-to-date firmware
Main issue : Enabling HIDE of the PrimaryNetworkSSID is a badly implemented.
a) The SSID will only be hidden on the Main Router
b) It will cause Wifi devices will only connect to SatelliteRouter unless it's completely out of range.
b) The EasyMesh feature of "easy hand-offs" are virtually compromised.
Are these considered Bugs or "Working as Designed" ?
Thank you.
@CollateralDmg Could you confirm whether the AX72 Pro and AX72 are connected via Ethernet cable or wirelessly?
Are you saying that Wi-Fi devices switch to the satellite router even after being connected to the main router's hidden network?
Our engineering team has confirmed that the hidden network settings for EasyMesh will be optimized in future updates.
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Thanks for responding @Kevin_Z
Replies below :
1. AX72 Pro and AX72 are connected via Ethernet cable (Wired Backhaul)
2. Are you saying that Wi-Fi devices switch to the satellite router even after being connected to the main router's hidden network?
= No ; if it's connected to the [MainRouter/HiddenSSID] first, the device wouldn't jump to the [SatelliteRouter/BroadcastedSSID] for no reason.
NOTE 1: I didn't do comprehensive testings to see when it would jump from HiddenSSID to BroadcastedSSID ; due to NOTE 2.
Maybe that's a testing the Tp-Link QA team can attempt.
The major problem is : even when the device is 0.0m away from the [MainRouter/HiddenSSID] and also within range of the weaker signal from the [SatelliteRouter/BroadcastedSSID] , devices which are looking for a new connection will ignore the MainRouter and link to the weaker SateliteRouter.
+ these devices will -not- automatically switch to the much stronger MainRouter signal
- until the device fully loses contact with the SateliteRouter.
In short ; the "EasyMesh" feature of "Effective service prioritization and Quality of Service (QoS) support: Capability to prioritize low latency applications when needed and guides devices to roam to the best connection and avoid interference" is not available with HideSSID.
NOTE 2 : I've disabled the HideSSID feature for now since it doesn't work ; hopefully there's a firmware to allow EasyMesh to work with HideSSID.
Thank you!
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Thank you very much for all the detailed information.
I've reported this issue to the QA team and hope they will optimize EasyMesh in upcoming updates soon.
As a workaround for the best EasyMesh experience, please disable the hidden network on the main device.
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I wish to connect at least 4 wireless APs, with an ethernet backhaul, preferably all of them in AP mode, into a mesh network. I thought that using Archer AX.. routers would be possible, but apparently
- Not all of them support EasyMesh
- Of those, not all of them support ethernet backhaul
- Of those not all of them support easymesh in AP mode.
I have read conflicting information on this webpage and the forums about whether or not such a setup is possible, all mesh devices in AP mode, including the controller, connected via ethernet, with a separate device acting as main router (no double NAT).
I also read conflicting info about the number of devices that can be connected.
Also I wonder if one can use the ethernet ports as regular ethernet ports on the APs when they are in EasyMesh satellite mode, or are they wireless-only in this case?
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Could you please specify which information you found to be conflicting? We will look into updating it.
outline a network layout showing how you plan to connect all four EasyMesh devices, and we can provide more precise suggestions. When configured in AP Mode, you can still connect wired clients to the Ethernet ports of the AP, as described in this thread:
EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller
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Kevin_Z wrote
Could you please specify which information you found to be conflicting? We will look into updating it.
outline a network layout showing how you plan to connect all four EasyMesh devices, and we can provide more precise suggestions. When configured in AP Mode, you can still connect wired clients to the Ethernet ports of the AP, as described in this thread:
EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller
Hi, thank you for the quick reply!
Conflicting - well, already in the linked page it says "The availability of EasyMesh in AP Mode may vary by region even for the same model. Please check your local website for more information."
Also when I check the Archer AX55, some pages say it is EasyMesh compatible, and that it supports being a mesh controller in AP mode. But when I go to the products page and filter for EasyMesh in the options in the left menu, the AX55 is not shown.
This is already confusing to me, because if I search for features for a model by model number, it might turn out that an article states it has a feature, but it might turn out that feature is not available for the variant I can buy at my location. Hence why I am asking here.
You say "When configured in AP Mode, you can still connect wired clients to the Ethernet ports of the AP", does this also apply when the device is in AP mode AND set to be an EasyMesh satellite?
Thank you for the offer for suggestions. I drew a quick sketch of a possible setup. Note, that the exact number and type of clients is just an illustration. The main router is ISP-supplied and shall not be changed, but for this reason all wifi APs shall run in AP mode. There is ethernet backhaul (but the potential of adding further APs with wireless backhaul is interesting). Each of the wireless APs have potentially wired device connections. I'd like to realize roaming for the wireless clients (blue). It doesn't really need to be EasyMesh (or mesh for that matter), as long as the handover is smooth (e.g. 802.11/v/k/r). I just thought EasyMesh may be the simplest / most cost-effective solution using TP-Link devices. So the question is, what should the red "Wifi AP" devices be from your product catalog?
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MikeOxlong wrote
Hi, thank you for the quick reply!
Conflicting - well, already in the linked page it says "The availability of EasyMesh in AP Mode may vary by region even for the same model. Please check your local website for more information."
Also when I check the Archer AX55, some pages say it is EasyMesh compatible, and that it supports being a mesh controller in AP mode. But when I go to the products page and filter for EasyMesh in the options in the left menu, the AX55 is not shown.
This is already confusing to me, because if I search for features for a model by model number, it might turn out that an article states it has a feature, but it might turn out that feature is not available for the variant I can buy at my location. Hence why I am asking here.
Thank you very much for your clarification. I understand now. I will pass this feedback to the local website admins and ask them to review the EasyMesh device list. I can confirm that the Archer AX55 V1 supports EasyMesh in AP Mode. You can also verify this by checking the firmware release notes below:
https://www.tp-link.com/de/support/download/archer-ax55/v1/#Firmware
MikeOxlong wrote
You say "When configured in AP Mode, you can still connect wired clients to the Ethernet ports of the AP", does this also apply when the device is in AP mode AND set to be an EasyMesh satellite?
Thank you for the offer for suggestions. I drew a quick sketch of a possible setup. Note, that the exact number and type of clients is just an illustration. The main router is ISP-supplied and shall not be changed, but for this reason all wifi APs shall run in AP mode. There is ethernet backhaul (but the potential of adding further APs with wireless backhaul is interesting). Each of the wireless APs have potentially wired device connections. I'd like to realize roaming for the wireless clients (blue). It doesn't really need to be EasyMesh (or mesh for that matter), as long as the handover is smooth (e.g. 802.11/v/k/r). I just thought EasyMesh may be the simplest / most cost-effective solution using TP-Link devices. So the question is, what should the red "Wifi AP" devices be from your product catalog?
In your network, you only need to configure one of the four Wi-Fi APs in AP Mode to act as the EasyMesh controller. The other three Wi-Fi APs can then join the EasyMesh network, as I described in a similar topology:
For the EasyMesh models, you will need to select one from the list in this thread, as you require a Wi-Fi AP that supports Ethernet Backhaul and can function as an EasyMesh controller in AP Mode:
EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller
If you have other inquiries, please feel free to let me know.
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Thank you for the response.
If I understand correctly, I need just 1 device from that list (the controller), e.g. AX55; and I can pair that with other devices, as long as those support easymesh and ethernet backhaul (e.g. AX72 Pro). [Tho as I indicated elsewhere on this forum, I'd be happiest if AP mode mesh control were enabled on the AX72 Pro as well ;) ]
The setup where the clients are not wired into the controller, but rather all 4 are wired into a common switch, in the same network, should not be an issue then?
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MikeOxlong wrote
Thank you for the response.
If I understand correctly, I need just 1 device from that list (the controller), e.g. AX55; and I can pair that with other devices, as long as those support easymesh and ethernet backhaul (e.g. AX72 Pro). [Tho as I indicated elsewhere on this forum, I'd be happiest if AP mode mesh control were enabled on the AX72 Pro as well ;) ]
@MikeOxlong This is correct. You only need the main Wi-Fi AP support EasyMesh in AP Mode and work as the controller. Others are required to support EasyMesh Ethernet Backhaul in your topo.
MikeOxlong wrote
The setup where the clients are not wired into the controller, but rather all 4 are wired into a common switch, in the same network, should not be an issue then?
This is also correct. All of the four can be wired into the switch.
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