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Forum Discussion
EX8000 Mesh Network Installation
I started the install of the EX8000 and connected it to my routers 2.4 and 5gHz networks. All the LEDs are lit on the EX8000 excluding the USB and Ethernet lights. I logged on to the EX8000 and went through the first step - Add a New Extender - or words to this effect. I am not clear on how to proceed from this point to run the steps to setup the Mesh network. I see my Routers 2 network SSIDs listed in my network listing on my laptop - Network54 and Network54-5G.
Its not clear in the Quick Start guide the examples that show 3 network names depending on whether the extender connected to my 2,4 or 5GHz band. The Quick Start guide shows the samples for router: Network54 (2.4) and Network54-5G (5ghz). And then lists the extender networks labeled Network54-5G for both 2.4 and 5GHz network names. After adding the extender and prior to doing any of the next steps while connected to the EX8000, what network names should I see - Network54 and Network54-5G - as I see listed now? What about the other 2 names for the extender - Network54-5G/Network54-5G?
Now at this point which steps should I run in sequence - Select 1 network name and run Smart Setup; then run Smart Connect to configure the MESH configuration? Manuals are not clear what to run and when and in what order with the intent to setup a Mesh Extender.
6 Replies
What is the Mfr and model# of the main host router?
If your seeing only two SSIDs from the main host router, this is a dual band router. the EX8000 is a tri band Extender. The EX would only be using the two radios instead of 3.
I would rename your host wifi SSIDs to Network2 and Network5 to help lessen the confusion of SSID naming conventions.Well I contacted support on just how I am to setup this EX8000 as a Whole Home WIFI MESH network with Fastlane 3 technology. She had me start over and add the extender as a traditional extender with the _2GEXT and _5GEXT extender SSIDs and somehow this is all I need to do to eliminate dead spots and let the EX8000 triband technology take care of my needs. Now I am really confused. This doesnt jive with all the doc and videos on how a MESH network with the EX8000 operates. Now what I am seeing with this config is my dual band modem/router made by UBEE is Network-5G on one side and Network_2GEXT on the other when I display my network connection. Is this what is meant by a Mesh network? I dont think so. I uploaded the files that show this unusual configuration. When we redid the EX8000 we didnt specify 1 network nor did we run Smart Connect. HELP - another day ahead trying to get answers to my questions on the EX8000. I probably only need the EX7700 anyway.
Mostly yes. the EX is taking the primary SSID name and adding it's own 2GEXT or 5GEXT to the end of it and rebroadcast it so you can tell which wireless source you an connect to.
Of course you don't have to have the EX do this, you can have the EX use the same SSID as the main wifi SSID as well. This would lessen some confusion.
I would rename your host wifi SSIDs to Network2 and Network5 to help lessen the confusion of SSID naming conventions.
I like the EX7700. A friend of mine has the 8000. Swares by it.
The EX8000 is a Tri-Band Mesh Extender. There is supposed to be Smart Roaming and 1 WIFI name. This info is straight off the packaging. I am trying to use it with my dual band modem/router from my ISP. All I am asking is how its supposed to be setup to operate as described by its name. Support had me setup the extender wiith the typical dual band _2GEXT and _5GEXT SSIDs.I do not believe that will allow it to operate as a Tri-Band Mesh Extender. When you logon to the extender there are not that many options - Add a new Extender, which she had me do. She also said to say NO to 1 WIFI name and NO to Smart Connect. I do not recall if we ran Smart Setup; I believe we did. I am simply unclear on how to config the EX8000 as designed - a Tri-Band WIFI Mesh Extender. I will have to contact support a 3rd time to attempt to get support and guidance on what to do.
I have to contact support to hopefully get instructions on how to install the EX8000 as designed and not just as a wifi extender (which is how support set it up previously) - else it is going back.
The EX is a triband router and to make use of all 3 radios, I believe the main host router needs to be a tri band as well having 3 radios...
Let us know what you find out. I'm curious about this as well.
