Copyright © 2021 DASAN Zhone Solutions Document Number: 830-04383-01
4. Setting Up Your MESH Network
The first MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX is the MESH
controller. This procedure assumes that the SSID and the
Wi-Fi Key have been configured to match on all
MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX devices. If the SSID and
Wi-Fi keys for all the MESH devices do not match, follow
the instructions in Configuring SSID and Wi-Fi Key.
a. Connect the MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX acting as
controller to any unused Ethernet port on your home
gateway using CAT5E or CAT6 UTP cable; this will
become the MESH controller automatically.
b. Power on the rest of the available
MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX devices.
c. Place each MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX in a
strategic location where the signal from the main
gateway is still strong enough – For maximum
performance the MESH LED should remain SOLID
GREEN. If the LED remains AMBER this is an
indication that MESH link is still ACCEPTABLE, but
signal level is either stronger than it needs to be or not
strong enough to reach maximum performance. An
ACCEPTABLE MESH link is still capable of delivering
user bandwidth in the order of 200Mbps.
d. As a rule of thumb, start by placing the
MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX halfway between the
main home gateway and the location that needs better
Wi-Fi coverage. While doing so, make sure that the
MESH LED remains solid as this is an indication that
the MESH connection with the Master has been
established.
When the full MESH network is operating properly, All
MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX devices will have its
MESH LED solid GREEN or solid AMBER. A solid
RED MESH LED indicates that the MESH link quality
is too low. While the LED is solid, even if its RED, the
MESH link is active. A solid RED MESH LED is still
good for internet browsing, email, etc. but Realtime
applications like voice and video might suffer from low
performance.
For a single MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX (when no
remote agents are used) one device solution the
indication of proper operation will have the power LED
solid white and the MESH LED blinking.
e. To connect to the Wi-Fi MESH network, use the Wi-Fi
SSID and Password information located in the bottom
label on your MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX device
acting as controller.
If you want to change the SSID for the MESH Network log into
the controller unit and change the 5GHz Wi-Fi SSID and
Password, this configuration will be propagated automatically to
2.4GHz and all remote MESH devices.
For instructions on how to change the SSID and Password refer
to Configuring SSID and Wi-Fi Key.
NOTE: When building your MESH network consider that the
MR-2100AC-XX/W1615MR-XX acting as remote agent(s) can
also utilize a wired or a wireless backhaul connection. Wired
connectivity, if available, should always be the preferred
method since it maximizes the performance of the Network as a
whole.
