Cannot get reliable WDS connection between multiple standalone NWA50AX

Zyxel_Nami

Hello @d_p

We have reviewed the diagnostic information for all four devices and observed that AP 1 and AP 2 remain a stable connection, AP 3 appears to be connected to AP 4, while AP 4 does not have any connection records. And because AP 4 doesn't have an uplink, AP 3 cannot establish a connection.

As a next step, we recommend conducting a test with AP 3 and AP 4: make AP 3 the root AP and AP 4 the repeater AP, and then reverse the roles. Please observe the behavior of these two devices and let us know if they are able to establish a WDS connection.

Answer to your question in the private message: "One additional strange thing: the WDS connection shown on the dashboard and Monitor > Wireless > WDS Link info page shows a MAC address that is completely different from the ones specified on the back of the APs. Is that because I used 2.4 GHz for the WDS connection?" ⇒ Each device has a range of MAC addresses corresponding to its LAN and WLAN interfaces, in addition to the MAC address printed on the back. This could explain the difference you're noticing. For more details, please refer to the following FAQs:

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/18868/how-can-i-identify-the-vap-and-lan-port-address

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/18878/why-does-the-mac-address-detected-by-the-network-tool-differ-from-the-aps

d_p

Do you mean removing AP1 and AP2 and switching out AP1 with AP3 and then AP4? Or should I make AP3 an additional Root AP while keeping AP1?

One more hint: Is it maybe a problem that I used 2.4GHz for WDS?

Zyxel_Nami

Dear @d_p

There's no need to remove AP 1 and AP 2. You can configure a separate WDS profile for AP 3 and AP 4.

As for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the choice depends on your specific environment. Both bands should work, but we recommend testing AP 3 and AP 4 on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to see which performs better in your setting.

Please note that the distance could be a factor affecting the ability to establish a stable WDS connection. If AP 3 and AP 4 are able to establish a WDS connection, please provide us with a screenshot showing the "Signal Strength" value as below.