Smart Mesh, wireelss bridge, or other setup

SirWeazel

I currently have 2 NWA50AX access points. I have 1 upstairs (I'll call this 1U) and 1 downstairs (1D). These are both hardwired into a network switch. I want to extend the wireless to a location i can not run cable to (outside garage building I'll call 1G). The garage has about the same signal strength and distance to both hard wired access points. Ideally I want 1G to be able to switch automatically as needed to either 1U or 1D in case of power issues,reboots,or firmware updates. Is this a good case for smart mesh or would another configuration be needed (maybe a wireless bridge config). I would want to make sure the hardwired connections are utilized on the 1U and 1D access points. Reading about other mesh technologies, i wasn't sure what would happen, and i'm afraid 1U and 1D would mesh together, and the wired backbone would only be used on 1 of the 2 access points. Thanks in advance for the help. My plan is to get another NWA50AX for this. I currently utilize another brand device as a wireless bridge to extend the network to the garage into a switch (but not any SSIDs) and then i just use ethernet off the switch in the garage. But this isn't very flexible and I ideally want this 3rd location to have the same SSID as elsewhere. If better i can designate 1U or 1D as the main connection if needed.

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @SirWeazel,

No, 1U and 1D won't mesh together since they are wired/connected with cable. The newly added AP, 1G, will connect to 1U or 1D via wireless, a smart mesh repeater, and broadcast the same SSID. If you want to set another SSID configuration, please feel free to check Nebula AP FAQ.

Nebula FAQ - Zyxel Community

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @SirWeazel ,

Normally, the repeater AP will choose its root AP with the best signal strength, the default behavior. You can also set up a root AP forcibly. In your scenario, I think using the default behavior is good.

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @SirWeazel,

No, 1U and 1D won't mesh together since they are wired/connected with cable. The newly added AP, 1G, will connect to 1U or 1D via wireless, a smart mesh repeater, and broadcast the same SSID. If you want to set another SSID configuration, please feel free to check Nebula AP FAQ.

Nebula FAQ - Zyxel Community

SirWeazel

Thank you. The next day after asking my question i dug into the docs and some other forums posts a little more. I think i have a better understanding now. I'll be trying it out shortly.

Do i have to designate a root AP, or will the newly added AP pick the one with the best signal strength. I thought i saw somewhere you can designate a 1 root AP, but you don't have to? Is that correct?

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @SirWeazel ,

Normally, the repeater AP will choose its root AP with the best signal strength, the default behavior. You can also set up a root AP forcibly. In your scenario, I think using the default behavior is good.