MLO Smart Mesh Backhaul Not working NWA130BE

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jj38100
jj38100 Posts: 15 image  Freshman Member
First Comment Fourth Anniversary
in Wireless

I'm using the latest firmware (V7.30(ACIL.2)), this is on brand new purchased NWA130BEs for another site (Non ProPack in this site, this isn't a requirement ??), I can't seem to get MLO between the Smart Mesh backhaul working. MLO is working fine for a client.

It also appears I can't force the Uplink on 6ghz in general, like if I change the Uplink setting to use 6ghz on the Downlink AP the Downlink AP won't ever connect.

I currently have everything set back up as default, all channels selected for MLO, the downlink AP will connect on 2.4ghz, then choose 5ghz.

I don't remember this being a root issue on my main site, but FYI All SSIDs that are on the 5ghz/6ghz channels only use WPA3. Radio Mode for 5ghz/6ghz is forced to 802.11be

Also, the APs are like 10 feet from each other during testing. Am I missing anything?

Accepted Solution

  • Zyxel_Tina
    Zyxel_Tina Posts: 632 image  Zyxel Employee
    Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Security Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Switch 100 Answers 500 Comments
    Answer ✓

    Hi @jj38100,

    The issue you're encountering is a known issue with 6 GHz uplink operation when APs are configured in Repeater mode. With firmware V7.30(ACIL.2), the 6 GHz band doesn't function as expected for wireless mesh uplinks.

    The fix will be included in the next firmware release this month.

    As a temporary workaround, please avoid configuring Repeater APs to use 6 GHz only for uplinks (this causes mesh connection failure). Alternatively, you may downgrade to V7.20(3) for continued use.

    We appreciate your understanding!

    Zyxel Tina

All Replies

  • jj38100
    jj38100 Posts: 15 image  Freshman Member
    First Comment Fourth Anniversary

    As an update, I enabled the 802.11be radio no the 2.4ghz and MLO is working on 2.4ghz+5ghz but not 6ghz. I changed the Uplink channels to exclude 2.4ghz and it only connections on 5ghz…. sigh, not sure what's up, why is SmartMesh refusing to use the 6ghz band at all???

  • Zyxel_Tina
    Zyxel_Tina Posts: 632 image  Zyxel Employee
    Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Security Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Switch 100 Answers 500 Comments
    Answer ✓

    Hi @jj38100,

    The issue you're encountering is a known issue with 6 GHz uplink operation when APs are configured in Repeater mode. With firmware V7.30(ACIL.2), the 6 GHz band doesn't function as expected for wireless mesh uplinks.

    The fix will be included in the next firmware release this month.

    As a temporary workaround, please avoid configuring Repeater APs to use 6 GHz only for uplinks (this causes mesh connection failure). Alternatively, you may downgrade to V7.20(3) for continued use.

    We appreciate your understanding!

    Zyxel Tina

  • jj38100
    jj38100 Posts: 15 image  Freshman Member
    First Comment Fourth Anniversary

    Thank you! I thought I was going crazy. Not sure if down revving is a good idea, 7.30 also fixed some bugs I had at my other site..

    Hopefully the next version doesn't have any other bugs I'll hit

  • jj38100
    jj38100 Posts: 15 image  Freshman Member
    First Comment Fourth Anniversary

    I guess I should ask, is there a way to get the firmware early?

  • Zyxel_Tina
    Zyxel_Tina Posts: 632 image  Zyxel Employee
    Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Security Zyxel Certified Network Administrator - Switch 100 Answers 500 Comments

    Hi @jj38100,

    The next firmware version is currently in the final stage of testing and is expected to release the week after next (week of Feb 23). If downgrading to v7.20(3) is not suitable for you, we recommend the temporarily workaround I mentioned earlier: avoid setting Repeater APs to use 6 GHz only for uplinks—configure 2.4G, 5G, or Auto instead.

    image.png

    Thank you for your understanding!

    Zyxel Tina

  • jj38100
    jj38100 Posts: 15 image  Freshman Member
    First Comment Fourth Anniversary

    That's fine. Downgrading I tested and sure enough multiple issues around key handshake, drops, radio reboots, and everything.

    5ghz is fine for now, 2.4ghz is dedicated to legacy/IoT devices.

    Hopefully the next version resolves most of these issues, it seems like since launch Wifi 7, the 6ghz band, and MLO has had a lot of issues.

    Thanks again

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