Knowledge Base What is EasyMesh and how does it work with TP-Link routers and extenders?
You may have heard that TP-Link embraces an updated EasyMesh protocol that allows building a multiple-AP mesh network with certified products from various vendors. It also breaks new ground in the network deployment compared with the previous Mesh standard. In this article, we will talk about what is EasyMesh and how it works with TP-Link routers and extenders.
What is EasyMesh?
EasyMesh is a standard certification launched by the Wi-Fi Alliance, which brings a standards-based approach to multiple AP networks. This kind of Mesh allows devices from multiple vendors to be onboard, configured, and able to communicate with each other to form Mesh Wi-Fi. This brings flexibility, enabling devices from different vendors to work together to increase capacity and effective throughput by forming a smart and adaptable network. Refer to What is EasyMesh to find more details.
TP-Link is committed to the development of EasyMesh products and has launched a series of Wi-Fi routers and range extenders that are compatible with EasyMesh (Full Product List). You can choose a Wi-Fi router with range extenders to form Mesh Wi-Fi, or several Wi-Fi routers to set up the Mesh Wi-Fi. Theoretically, TP-Link EasyMesh will work with any EasyMesh-certified products thanks to the standardized EasyMesh technology. However, EasyMesh networking methods can vary based on the manufacturers, we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.
As for the management, unified management via the TP-Link Tether app or web UI is available for TP-Link EasyMesh-compatible devices. The main router will work as the management center. You can set and modify the wireless settings such as network name, password, and advanced features like Access Control and QoS on the router. The router will then synchronize with your extension devices. However, unified management is not guaranteed for devices from other vendors.
Setup Video for TP-Link EasyMesh Devices
What is Wireless Backhaul in EasyMesh?
Wireless Backhaul in an EasyMesh network makes it possible to wirelessly connect two EasyMesh products including TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers and Range Extenders together to build a seamless Wi-Fi network, this benefits both extended Wi-Fi coverage and Wi-Fi network stability.
How does EasyMesh Wireless Backhaul work?
Router - Router Networking
Mesh Wireless Backhaul between Routers
Yes, you hear it right. In an EasyMesh network, now you could define a router as the main router, and easily add a satellite router to boost the Wi-Fi coverage.
EasyMesh enables automatic synchronization of wireless network settings across all the EasyMesh nodes in the network and saves your time of manually setting up wireless SSID and password on a satellite device(s).
How to add a router to an EasyMesh network as a satellite device
Note:
1. It is recommended to connect no more than 3 mesh nodes (2 satellite devices) in a single chain for better wireless performance.
2. A firmware update may be required for some models to support Router - Router Networking.
Router – RE Networking
Mesh Wireless Backhaul between TP-Link Router and Range Extender
The brand-new mesh solution also allows you to add Range Extender as the satellite device which is wirelessly connected to the main router and builds a seamless Wi-Fi network. How to add an extender to an EasyMesh network as a satellite device
What is Ethernet Backhaul in EasyMesh?
In EasyMesh, Ethernet backhaul refers to the use of Ethernet cables to connect multiple mesh nodes in a mesh Wi-Fi network. In a typical mesh Wi-Fi network, multiple mesh nodes are placed throughout a home or office to provide a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal in every corner. These mesh nodes communicate with each other to create a single, unified Wi-Fi network. This allows devices to seamlessly roam between mesh nodes without experiencing any drops in the Wi-Fi connection.
Ethernet backhaul in EasyMesh takes this concept a step further by using Ethernet cables to connect the mesh nodes, instead of relying solely on wireless connections. By using Ethernet backhaul, the mesh nodes can communicate with each other at faster speeds and with lower latency, compared to using wireless connections, thus you can ensure a more robust and reliable connection between the nodes, resulting in better overall Wi-Fi performance throughout the entire network.
How to Build an Ethernet Backhaul Using Two EasyMesh Routers
Please note that only some EasyMesh routers support EasyMesh Backhaul for now, you could refer to this thread for the specific information:
EasyMesh Routers Support Building a EasyMesh Network via Ethernet Backhaul NOW
EasyMesh Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What TP-Link product will support EasyMesh?
Visit here to check all TP-Link EasyMesh Compatible devices.
Please be aware that certain models will require firmware updates to support EasyMesh, you could pay attention to the subsequent firmware releases on the TP-Link official website.
Q2. Can I use TP-Link EasyMesh products together with TP-Link OneMesh™ or Deco Mesh products?
Yes and No. Wi-Fi EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh™, and Deco Mesh are three different mesh Wi-Fi solutions provided by TP-Link. You cannot build a mesh network by mixing TP-Link OneMesh™ routers/extenders with Deco Mesh, but you can build up a mesh system with TP-Link EasyMesh and OneMesh™ devices. In another word, you can still build up a mesh network if you have an EasyMesh router and a Onemesh range extender.
Refer to the QA below for the main differences between EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh™, and Deco Mesh.
Q3. What is the difference between EasyMesh, OneMesh™, and Deco Mesh?
From the below chart you could have a general comparison between EasyMesh vs OneMesh™ vs Deco Mesh.
|
EasyMesh |
OneMesh™ |
Deco Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|
Seamless Wi-Fi Network |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Working with a different vendor* |
√ |
- |
- |
AP Seamless Steering |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Band steering (Smart Connect) |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Router - Router Wireless Backhaul |
√ |
- |
√ |
Ethernet Backhaul |
- (Planned & Supported***) |
- |
√ |
| AP mode | - (Planned***) | - | √ |
Mesh Protocol Supported |
802.11k/v |
802.11k/v |
802.11k/v/r |
Management Methods |
Web UI & Tether APP |
Web UI & Tether APP |
Deco APP & Simple Web UI |
Technology |
|||
| Products & Compatibility |
Check TP-Link EasyMesh products >> |
Note :
1. Working with a different vendor*
Certified EasyMesh devices can work with each other, while we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.
2. Visit this site to get the EasyMesh Certified Products from multiple vendors*: https://www.wi-fi.org/wi-fi-easymesh-certified-products (from Wi-Fi Alliance®).
3. Planned*** : Kindly note that Planned is not a guarantee, as the plan can be adjusted or changed.
Q4. Will EasyMesh support Ethernet Backhaul?
Yes. EasyMesh will allow building a mesh network via Ethernet Backhaul, and some of the EasyMesh routers have already supported it via a firmware upgrade.
Visit EasyMesh Routers Support Building an EasyMesh Network via Ethernet Backhaul NOW to get more details.
Q5. Can I use TP-Link EasyMesh devices with EasyMesh products from different manufacturers or companies? Are they compatible?
Theoretically, TP-Link EasyMesh will work with any EasyMesh-certified products due to the standardized EasyMesh technology. However, EasyMesh networking methods can vary based on the manufacturers, we highly recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility.
Visit this blog to know more about EasyMesh: What is EasyMesh?
Welcome to leave your comments below regarding EasyMesh.
Related Articles:
Early Release EasyMesh Firmware for Archer AX55
EasyMesh Routers Support Building an EasyMesh Network via Ethernet Backhaul NOW
General Questions about EasyMesh
How to Build an Ethernet Backhaul Using Two EasyMesh Routers
