Can I deploy Smart Mesh repeater AP without connecting it to Ethernet first?

Zyxel_Bella

When deploying a new AP as a Smart Mesh repeater, you may wonder whether the AP must first be connected to the network via Ethernet to obtain its Nebula configuration before moving it to its final deployment location.

For a new AP or an AP running the factory-default configuration, this additional wired deployment step is not required.

Deployment

If your Nebula site already has an online Root AP with Smart Mesh enabled, you can deploy the new repeater AP directly at its intended location.

1. Install the new or factory-default AP at the desired location and power it on using a PoE injector/switch or power adapter.
2. Add the AP to the same Nebula site where the Root AP is already online.
3. The AP will automatically discover the available Root AP and establish a Smart Mesh connection.
4. Once the mesh connection is established, the repeater AP can connect to Nebula and receive its configuration through the wireless uplink.

This allows you to deploy a Smart Mesh repeater directly at its intended location without first connecting it to an Ethernet network to obtain the Nebula configuration.

If the AP is not new and is no longer running the factory-default configuration, reset the AP to factory default before using this deployment method.

After the factory reset, power on the AP at the intended deployment location and add it to the Nebula site. The AP can then discover the existing Root AP and establish the Smart Mesh connection automatically.

Note: Make sure the repeater AP is installed within sufficient wireless coverage of the Root AP so that the wireless uplink can be established successfully.

MORE INFORMATION

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/28204/nebula-how-to-extend-wireless-coverage-by-configure-smart-mesh