How to configure Omada wireless bridge via Omada Controller

Contents

Objective

This guide introduces how to configure Omada wireless bridge in Omada Controller.

Requirements

Omada wireless bridge APs
Omada Controller (Software Controller / Hardware Controller / Cloud Based Controller, v5.13 and above)

Introduction

In such scenarios as wireless connection between distributed buildings and security video transmission, PtP (Point-to-Point) and PtMP (Point-to-MultiPoint) wireless bridges are required to realize the data backhaul from the front-end. The Omada wireless bridge APs support self-organizing wireless bridge networks, providing more convenience to set up a bridge network. Before configuration, let’s have an idea of the roles played by different AP devices first:

Main AP: The AP that is wired connected to the Router or Switch via the network cable.
Sub AP: The AP that is wirelessly managed.

As is shown in the topology diagram, the Router's WAN is connected to the Internet and acts as a DHCP server on the LAN. An AP kit (including a Main AP and a Sub AP) in factory settings is powered on, with the Main AP and the PC that runs the Controller directly connected to the Router via the Ethernet cables and obtaining the IP addresses in the same subnet.

Configuration

Step 1. Log in Controller, go to Devices > Device List, the two APs of the same kit in factory settings will automatically build a bridge network after powered on, and they can be discovered by the Controller in Pending status.

Step 2. Adopting the Main AP first, after which the Controller will automatically adopt the Sub AP. The bridge network is now set up.

Step 3. (Optional) Similarly, to build a PtMP network with another AP in a different kit, power on the Sub AP first and keep it in the isolated status. The Sub AP will be displayed as wireless pending in the device list.

Adopting the Sub AP and a window will pop up. Selecting the Uplink AP for the Sub AP and click Confirm.

The Main AP will then build a bridge network with the Sub AP and eventually a PtMP network will be set up.

Note: You can modify the channel settings in the properties window of the Main AP, after which the Sub AP will automatically update its settings. More Sub APs (up to 4) can be added via the same process.

Conclusion

Now that you've finished configuring PtP or PtMP wireless Bridge via Omada Controller.

Get to know more details of each function and configuration please go to Download Center to download the manual of your product.

FAQ

1. How do two devices self-organize the network?

Re. For devices of the same kit, one AP is wired connected to the gateway or switch, obtains a dynamic IP address and becomes the Main AP, while the other becomes the Sub AP after powered on. The PtP network will then be automatically set up.

2. How can I build the network if there is no DHCP server?

Re. To build a network without a DHCP server, you need to log in to the web GUI of the Main AP and the Sub AP first to set a static IP address and a reachable gateway for each AP. For more help please refer to the article: How to set up Bridge APs in a network without a DHCP server | TP-Link

3. How can I know the antennas in the PtP network have been aligned properly?

Re. You can check the RSSI shown by the LED on the APs or check the negotiated rate of the Mesh uplink on the Controller.

4. How many Sub APs can a Main AP connect to? How many hops does it support at most?

Re. EAP-Bridge only supports one hop, and a Main AP can connect to a maximum of 4 Sub APs.

5. Is EAP-Bridge compatible with Omada Mesh?

Re. Only the Bridge APs working on the same frequency band can build a bridge network with each other. The Bridge AP models cannot build a Mesh network with non-Bridge ones.