Mesh AP unable to connect to a Root AP

Summary

This article talks about possible reasons for mesh AP's connection failure to a root AP.

Question

Why MAP won't connect to a RAP?

Customer Environment

ZoneDirector managed mesh network

Root Cause

Mismatch in channel selection

Troubleshooting Steps

Following steps have already been taken to make sure settings are fine on the mesh AP:
1. MAP can connect as a RAP when connected to a wired network. So we are already sure the AP has the right firmware, correct country code, and mesh configuration settings.
2. Distance between RAP and MAP is not too much so it should easily connect.
3. Orientation is appropriate to ensure maximum coverage distance.
4. I didn't apply any mesh ACL rules that would restrict which mesh APs can connect to which root APs.
5. I didn't decrease transmit power levels on the APs.
6. RAP and MAP APs are compatible for meshing.
7. Mesh functionality is not disabled on the closest RAP.
8. Both RAP and MAP are dual band APs (in case of dual band APs, mesh works on 5 GHz frequency only).

Basically the best practices listed on the online guide available at http://c541678.r78.cf2.rackcdn.com/appnotes/bpg-wireless-mesh.pdf have already been followed.

Resolution

If the above steps have already been followed and if the MAP is still not connecting to the RAP, here is one thing to check.
Some countries allow more channels in indoor environment compared to an outdoor environment. If the indoor AP is using an exclusive channel for indoor usage, the outdoor AP won't be able to mesh. So, avoid meshing of outdoor APs with indoor APs.
Just to give an example, US allows channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, and 161 for indoor usage. Whereas for the outdoor usage, it only allows channels 149, 153, 157, and 161.

Article Number:
000002797

Updated:
August 13, 2020 06:18 AM (over 4 years ago)

Tags:
Configuration, Installation, Troubleshooting, Known Issues and Workarounds, ZoneDirector

Votes:
3

This article is:
helpful
not helpful