Firmware 1.35 Update: Mesh Wireless Bridge Configuration Now Available via Firewall

Zyxel_Lynn

Mesh Wireless Bridge isn't a new feature for Zyxel access points—but with firmware version 1.35, you can now configure and manage wireless bridge settings directly from the firewall’s AP Controller interface, making it easier to deploy wireless bridging without needing separate tools or platforms.

What Is Mesh Wireless Bridge?

Mesh wireless bridging is a variation of Smart Mesh, allowing Zyxel APs to wirelessly link and extend network connectivity in areas where physical cabling isn't practical. This is especially useful for:

• Warehouses and large campuses
• Temporary event setups
• Historical buildings with limited cabling options

Supported Models

While many uOS-based (H-Series) firewalls support AP Controller features, not all models support mesh wireless bridge configuration.

Supported:

WiFi 7

• WBE660S
• WBE530
• WBE510D
• WBE630S

WiFi 6E

• WAX620D-6E
• WAX640S-6E

WiFi 6

• WAX610D
• WAX630S
• WAX650S
• WAX655E

Not Supported :

• WAX510D

• WAX300H

• WAC500H

Always verify model compatibility before deploying a wireless bridge configuration.

How to Configure Mesh Wireless Bridge via Firewall

Step 1: Enable Smart Mesh

Mesh Wireless Bridge depends on Smart Mesh, so start by enabling it:

1. Go to AP Controller > AP Settings
2. Select each AP involved and enable Smart Mesh

Step 2: Configure Wireless Bridge on the Desired AP

1. Choose the AP where you want to establish the wireless bridge (typically the one-hop AP)
2. Enable Wireless Bridge
3. Define the VLAN list to be bridged
   • This ensures only authorized VLANs are transmitted over the wireless link

Step 3: Customize AP Port Settings (Optional)

• Go to the Custom Port Settings section within AP configuration
• Review or edit the allowed VLAN IDs
• These VLANs will be permitted to traverse the bridge

Step 4: Monitor and Manage

At the bottom of the AP Settings page:

• View an overview of all configured wireless bridge links
• Use the Edit button to reconfigure individual bridge settings

Summary

Feature	Benefit
Wireless bridge from firewall	Easier deployment via centralized configuration
Smart Mesh foundation	Reliable wireless backbone without added cabling
VLAN control per bridge	Secure and segmented wireless connectivity
Integrated visibility	Monitor and manage bridge settings from AP page

This update simplifies wireless bridge deployment—especially in mesh-enabled environments—by bringing the configuration directly into the firewall interface. It's another step forward in delivering unified, scalable network management with Zyxel's H-Series firewalls.