New Release EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller
Kevin_Z wrote
Exciting news!
We're thrilled to announce the rollout of new official firmware rolling out for multiple routers, including the BE, AX, and AC series, which introduces EasyMesh in AP Mode as a Controller. We invite you to upgrade and install this latest firmware version to try it out.
This Article Applies to:
Model & Hardware & Firmware Update Date Archer BE11000 Pro(US)_V1.6_1.1.0 Build 20240730 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer BE700 Pro(US)_V1.6_1.1.0 Build 20240730 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer BE550 Pro_V1&V1.6_1.1.0 Build 20240730 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer BE3600_V1_1.1.0 Build 20240729 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer BE230_V1&V1.6_1.1.0 Build 20240729 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer AX55(EN)_V1_1.3.3 Build 20240628 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer AX55(US/CA/TW)_V1_1.3.2 Build 20240325 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer C80_V2.20/V2.26_1.14.0 Build 240617 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer C6_V4_1.14.0 Build 240617 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer C86_V1_1.14.0 Build 240617 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024 Archer A8_V2.20/V2.26_1.14.0 Build 240617 and newer versions Sep 2, 2024
Moderator Note:
1. The availability of EasyMesh in AP Mode may vary by region even for the same model. Please check your local website for more information.
2. The above list might not include all models and hardware versions. It is recommended to keep watching the firmware releases for your router, as all the newly supported features will be listed in the patch notes if/when it is added to your version.
User Scenarios:
Some users would prefer to, or are limited by their devices to, have their main modem router acting as the gateway and DHCP server in the network, which requires using the TP-Link Wi-Fi router in AP (Access Point) Mode to avoid the double-NAT issue. However, they also wish to utilize the EasyMesh feature of the TP-Link Wi-Fi router to create a mesh network with other EasyMesh routers or extenders.
The topology is roughly as follows:
Or as this one:
Note: In this topo, both the EasyMesh Wi-Fi router and the satellite router/extender must support EasyMesh Ethernet Backhaul.
Comment below if you have any feedback or run into any issues — we’re here to help.
Related Articles:
[Wi-Fi Routers] AP Mode supports EasyMesh
o @Kevin_Z
CSKA wrote
That's an outstanding upgrade! Thank you for sharing the information with us.
I see on both topology described, one of the APs is acting as primary and the other needs to be connected with ethernet or wireless backhaul to it.What about the scenario where both APs are connected to the gateway switch ports, are you consider to include it as supported:
@CSKA Thank you very much for asking. Very good topo.
I can confirm that EasyMesh in AP Mode supports this topology. I will update my thread to include this typical scenario.
Please note that you only need to configure one of the EasyMesh routers in AP Mode; the other can connect via EasyMesh. Once the configuration is complete, you can connect both routers to the gateway/modem using Ethernet cables.
