How to Configure an Omada Wireless Bridge via Standalone Management

Contents

Objective

Required Devices

Introduction

Configuration via Standalone web GUI

Configuration via Omada App

Conclusion

FAQ

Objective

This guide introduces how to configure Omada wireless bridge in Standalone management, including Standalone web and App.

Required Devices

• Omada wireless bridge APs
• PC or Omada App (version 4.11 and above)

Introduction

In the wireless connection between distributed buildings and security video transmission scenarios, 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 in setting 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 shown in the topology diagram, the Router's WAN is connected to the Internet and acts as a DHCP server on the LAN. In factory settings, an AP kit (including a Main AP and a Sub AP) is powered on, with the Main AP and the PC directly connected to the Router via Ethernet cables and obtaining the IP addresses in the same subnet.

Configuration via Standalone web GUI

Step 1. After powering on the Bridge APs, log in to the Standalone web GUI of the Main AP on the PC. For example, the Main AP's IP address is 192.168.0.10, so you should type https://192.168.0.10 in your web browser's address bar to log in to the web GUI. You will see the following scanning page.

The two Bridge AP devices in the same kit support self-organizing wireless bridge networks after being powered on. Thus, the scanning page will soon jump to the connecting Sub AP page and then to the Main AP's quick setup page.

If the network has not been set up because the Sub AP is powered on late, you can click Skip first, and the bridge network will be automatically built after the Sub AP starts up.

Step 2. Completing the setup of the Main AP, click Next; the EAP Bridge network is set up. On the Status page of the Main AP shown below, you can see the information of the Sub AP, including ID, MAC address, IP address, and RSSI.

Click on the Action icon to jump to the quick setup page of the Sub AP. The configuration steps are similar to the Main APs.

Step 3. On the Wireless page of the Main AP, you can customize the bandwidth and channel settings for the Main AP, after which the Sub AP will automatically update its radio settings.

Step 4. (Optional) If you have another bridge AP, you can build a PtMP network. For example, to add a bridge AP in factory settings from another kit, power on the Sub AP and keep it in the isolated status. Then go to the Main AP's Management -> Wireless Bridge APs page and click Add Sub-AP.

The Main AP will then scan the surroundings for the available sub-AP.

After it has discovered the Sub AP as shown in the following, select the Sub AP to add and click Confirm.

The Main AP will build a wireless bridge network with the selected Sub AP.

After the Sub AP is successfully added, you will see two entries in the Sub AP list on the Status page of the Main AP. The same process can be used to add More Sub APs (up to 4).

Configuration via Omada App

I am installing the Omada App (version 4.11 and above) on a mobile phone and connecting the phone to the default SSID of the Main AP or Sub AP.

Step 1. Log in to the Omada App. You will find the Main AP and Sub AP to be managed. Click on the Main AP to complete the quick setup.

Step 2. After the SSID configuration, the App automatically jumps to the page to connect to the new SSID. After Connecting to the new SSID, the App will display the two devices under management on the EAPs -> Bridge page. The PtP network is now set up.

Step 3. (Optional) Similarly, to build a PtMP network, click the icon, and the Main AP will begin scanning for other available sub-APs in the surroundings.

After the scanning, click Add this AP, and the Main AP will begin to build a bridge network with the Sub AP. Eventually, the PtMP network will be successfully set up, and the entries of all devices will be shown on the EAPs -> Bridge page. More Sub APs (up to 4) can be added via the same process.

Conclusion

Now that you've finished configuring the PtP or PtMP wireless Bridge.

FAQ

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

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

2. How can I build the network without a DHCP server?

Re. To build a network without a DHCP server, you need to log in to the Main AP and the Sub AP web GUI 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 if the antennas in the PtP network have been aligned properly?

Re. You can check the LED's RSSI on the APs or the Standalone web.

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 four sub-APs.