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 wrote
@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.
Thank you very much for the confirmation. This has helped my thinking.
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I realised I have more questions, sorry about that -
- Is there any plan to support 802.11r on EasyMesh in the future?
- Can one control which wifi-channels the EasyMesh satellites use, or is that all automatic?
- If it is all automatic, is it going to be different, ideally non-overlapping channels, or ....?
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MikeOxlong wrote
I realised I have more questions, sorry about that -
- Is there any plan to support 802.11r on EasyMesh in the future?
Kevin: Sorry. I cannot provide a definite answer to this question. However, I understand that the roaming experience depends on both the router/AP and the client devices. The router/AP can suggest roaming even without 802.11r, but the client devices ultimately decide whether to roam. For fast roaming (802.11r) to work, both the router/AP and the client devices must support it.
MikeOxlong wrote
2. Can one control which wifi-channels the EasyMesh satellites use, or is that all automatic
Kevin: It's automatic.
MikeOxlong wrote
3. If it is all automatic, is it going to be different, ideally non-overlapping channels, or ....?
Kevin: EasyMesh will select the most optimal channel automatically to minimize interference and enhance roaming performance.
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@Kevin_Z Thank you for the information!
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Hello
Thank you for getting community feedback on this feature, this open-ness to input is very much appreciated!
I would like to report the same issue with EasyMesh implementation wrt hidden SSIDs as was reported by @CollateralDmg in his posts #118, #119, #121.
In that, when wired up via ethernet backhaul, my satellite router TP-Link AX53 doesn't replicate the main router hide ssid settings, which is also an identical (down to the h/w revision) AX53.
In my case, the devices would connect to the satellite router's broadcasted SSID first even when in perfect proximity to the main router, and consequently get much lower link speeds and signal strength. This gives very poor internet speeds, completely defeating the purpose of a easy-"mesh"
It would be really helpful if tplink could fix up the easymesh implementation, so that the satellite routers honour the main router's SSID broadcast settings, be it hidden or shown, the current way is far from ideal and doesn't help the roaming devices at all.
I regrettably had to switch back to the older way of having the main and satellite routers connected to the ISP router, and each with it's own hidden SSID, this way I'd atleast get full link speeds when in close proximity to each, even if the roaming ends up suffering in the end.
Also, having the satellites broadcast a hidden ssid defeats the purpose from a privacy standpoint.
I really wish this could get taken up at the appropriate level, as a fix would be huge in getting my easymesh implementation finally underway.
Best Regards
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Could you please provide a detailed network layout showing how the AX53s are connected, along with their locations and distances?
Are there specific devices that prefer to connect to the satellite SSID, or do most behave the same? If so, which devices are they?
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Thank you for replying !
The network map is quite simple actually, it consists of the Main Router (TP-Link AX53), and a Satellite Router (also a TP-Link AX53) connected to the Main Router via ethernet cable, configured in Wired Backhaul EasyMesh configuration. They are at a distance of about 8 feet from each other measured along the ethernet cable joining them both.
The problem is, the Satellite Router does not seem to honor the Main Router's SSID hidden setting when in an easymesh configuration, aka even with its Main Router's SSID hidden, the Satellite router's SSID (which is the same as that of the main router because easymesh) always broadcasts.
Hence even when the device is sitting right next (0 m away) to the Main Router (with non-broadcasted Hidden SSID) and also in range of the weaker signal from the Satellite Router(with broadcasted Visible SSID) , devices wanting in on the network ignore the Main Router and link to the weaker Satelite Router.
As mentioned in my previous post, my issue is the exact same as that reported by @CollateralDmg in his posts #118, #119, #121.
> Are there specific devices that prefer to connect to the satellite SSID, or do most behave the same?
No, every device in range of weaker satellite broadcasted SSID connects to it only, and that is my main issue with this in that I get worse (link and internet) speeds off the easymesh config.
If this could be fixed it would be monumental for me, as I could finally have seamless roaming as promised by EasyMesh, coupled with the privacy afforded by the hidden SSID were this feature to be working correctly.
Thank you again, for taking notice of my post, hope this helps solve the issue!
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Thank you very much for your confirmation.
I checked back with CollateralDmg's previous feedback and understand the situation better.
I want to confirm again if those devices have ever connected to the hidden SSID of the main AX53 before. If they never connected to that hidden SSID before, and you tried to connect to it for the first time, was there any error message to stop you from connecting to it? From CollateralDmg's description, he said: 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. Is your case the same?
If the SSID on the main AX53 is broadcasted, will roaming work properly when walking around?
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Thank you for getting back.
> I want to confirm again if those devices have ever connected to the hidden SSID of the main AX53 before
Yes, the devices are very much familiar with the hidden SSID of the main AX53 router. Since, before EasyMesh-ing them, I had both routers connected to the ISP, broadcasting an SSID with the same name so that I could extend coverage to the furthest corners of my house. So the devices already had the information regarding the hidden SSID from main router fed into them (when both the routers had hidden SSIDs with the same name configured).
Of course, after EasyMesh support dropped, I put the router further away in satellite mode, to make the roaming more seamless (wired backhaul to the main router via ethernet, satellite no longer connected to the ISP). Which would also replicate the wifi SSID settings between the two routers as per the premise of EasyMesh(name password etc).
This however, backfired as illustrated in my post # 136 - ("Hence even when the device is sitting right next (0 m away) to the Main Router (with non-broadcasted Hidden SSID) and also in range of the weaker signal from the Satellite Router(with broadcasted Visible SSID) , devices wanting in on the network ignore the Main Router and link to the weaker Satelite Router."), the same as what CollateralDmg had also mentioned in his posts.
> If the SSID on the main AX53 is broadcasted, will roaming work properly when walking around?
Yes, however, you'd realise this makes the Hidden SSID option on the main router worthless, as the satellite router's SSID is broadcast regardless of the main router's settings.
This makes it a privacy concern for me since I don't want the SSIDs to be broadcast at all, hence prompting my fall back to the arrangement before EasyMesh, as mentioned in the 1st paragraph of this reply and also in my post #134 - (I regrettably had to switch back to the older way of having the main and satellite routers connected to the ISP, and each with it's own hidden SSID, this way I'd atleast get full link speeds when in close proximity to each, even if the roaming ends up suffering in the end.)
Basically, the advertised "EasyMesh" feature of "guides devices to roam to the best connection " does not work in TP-Link AX53, with the Hidden SSID option enabled, as the devices prioritise the weaker connection from the non-hidden SSID of the satellite whenever in range, completely ignoring the much better connection afforded by the Main Router (Hidden SSID) closer by.
Best Regards
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Thank you very much for your detailed explanation.
To assist and figure it out efficiently, I've forwarded your case to the TP-Link support engineers who will contact you with your registered email address later. Please pay attention to your email box for follow-up.
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