Add Mesh Extenders Via Web or Via App

Via Web Via App

Objective

The objective of this article is to describe the steps, via the Web User Interface (UI), to add a Mesh Extender in a CBW network for indoor environments.

Applicable Devices | Firmware Version

• 140AC (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 141ACM (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 142ACM (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 143ACM (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 145AC (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 240AC (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)

Introduction

Cisco Business Wireless Access Points (WAPs) and Mesh Extenders offer a simple-to-deploy solution designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses to connect and collaborate like never before. The Cisco Business 100 Series Mesh Extenders offer secure wireless connectivity to the home office or small office, and work in hard-to-reach places. These Mesh Extenders provide seamless coverage and expanded capacity along with Cisco Business access points.

You must enter the MAC address for all Mesh Extenders that you want to use (in the mesh network) into the appropriate Primary AP. A Primary AP only responds to discovery requests from indoor radios that appear in its authorization list. To do this, follow the steps listed below. If you are unfamiliar with the terms used, check out Cisco Business: Glossary of New Terms.

Adding Mesh Extenders

Beginner Help

This toggled section highlights tips for beginners.

Logging In

Log into the Web User Interface (UI) of the Primary AP. To do this, open a web browser and enter https://ciscobusiness.cisco. You may receive a warning before proceeding. Enter your credentials.You can also access the Primary AP by entering https://[ipaddress] (of the Primary AP) into a web browser.

Tool Tips

If you have questions about a field in the user interface, check for a tool tip that looks like the following:

Trouble locating the Expand Main Menu icon?

Navigate to the menu on the left-hand side of the screen, if you don’t see the menu button, click this icon to open the side-bar menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have unanswered questions, you can check our frequently asked questions document. FAQ

Step 1

Enter the Primary Access Points (APs) IP address on the web browser. Click Login to access the Primary AP.

Step 2

Enter User Name and Password credentials to access the Primary AP. Click OK.

Step 3

Navigate to Wireless Settings > Mesh. Make sure the Mesh is Enabled. Click Apply.

Step 4

If Mesh was not already enabled, the WAP may need to perform a reboot. A pop-up will appear to do a reboot. Confirm. This will take 8-10 minutes. During a reboot, the LED will blink green in multiple patterns, alternating rapidly through green, red, and amber before turning green again. There may be small variations in the LED color intensity and hue from unit to unit.

Step 5

Navigate to Wireless Settings > WLAN Users > Local MAC Addresses. Click Add MAC Address.

Step 6

Enter the MAC address and Description of the Mesh Extender. Select the Type as Allow list. Select the Profile Name from the drop-down menu. Click Apply.

Step 7 (Optional)

If you want to block a particular access point from joining your Primary AP, select the MAC address of a particular access point on the list.

7a. Click on the Edit icon under Action for the Mesh Extender you want to block.

7b. Select the Type as Block list. Click Apply.

Step 8

Be sure to save all your configurations by pressing the Save icon on the top right pane of the screen.

Conclusion

You have now completed the steps to add a Mesh Extender in a Cisco Business Wireless network. Add more Mesh Extenders if it fits your needs!

Objective

The objective of this document is to show you how to add mesh extenders to the Cisco Business Wireless (CBW) Access Points (APs) using the Cisco Business Wireless Application.

Applicable Devices | Firmware Version

• 140AC (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 141ACM (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 142ACM (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 143ACM (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 145AC (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)
• 240AC (Data Sheet) | 10.4.1.0 (Download latest)

Requirements

Download the Cisco Business Wireless App (from Google Play or the App Store) on your mobile phone to monitor and administer the APs. You will need one of the following Operating Systems:

• Android version 5.0 or above
• iOS version 8.0 or above

Introduction

If you are looking to set up your CBW mesh network using the Cisco Business Wireless App, you have come to the right place! The CBW AP support the latest 802.11ac Wave 2 standard for higher performance, greater access, and higher-density networks. They deliver industry-leading performance with highly secure and reliable wireless connections, for a robust, mobile end-user experience.

The CBW AP can be used as traditional standalone devices or as part of a mesh network. In Mesh deployment model, the CBW AP network comprises of both Primary AP (that controls all APs in the network) and Subordinate APs (wired APs) and wireless Mesh Extenders that are controlled by the primary AP. The Mesh Extenders join wirelessly to the APs that have a wired uplink (includes the Primary AP). The table below provides the list of CBW APs that can act as Primary APs, Subordinate APs, and as Mesh Extenders.

Primary / Subordinate APs	Mesh Extenders
Cisco Business 140AC Access Point	Cisco Business 141ACM Mesh Extender
Cisco Business 240AC AccessPoint	Cisco Business 142ACM Mesh Extender
Cisco Business 145AC Access Point	Cisco Business 143ACM Mesh Extender

If you are ready to configure your mesh network using the App, let’s get you setup!

Adding Mesh Extenders

Beginner Help

This toggled section highlights tips for beginners.

Cisco Business App

These devices have companion apps that share some management features with the web user interface. Not all features in the Web user interface will be available in the App.

Download iOS AppDownload Android App

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have unanswered questions, you can check our frequently asked questions document. FAQ

A new Cisco Business wireless mesh network implementation using the Mobile App

Step 1

Connect to your Cisco Business wireless network that you have already configured and login to the Cisco Business Mobile App on your mobile.

For stepwise instructions on how to configure your Primary AP using the mobile App, refer to Day Zero Configuration of Cisco Business Wireless Access Points using the Cisco Business Wireless Application.

Step 2

If you have not enabled Mesh option during day zero setup, navigate to Devices tab in the Mobile App and turn on Mesh. By default this option is disabled.

Step 3

You must enter the MAC address of all Mesh Extenders that you want to use in the mesh network with the Primary AP. To add the MAC address, click on Add Mesh Extenders from the menu.

Step 4

You can add the MAC address by either scanning a QR code or by manually entering the MAC address. In this example, Scan a QR code is selected.

Step 5

A QR code reader will appear to scan the QR code.

You will see the following screen once the QR code of the Mesh Extender has been scanned.

Step 6

(Optional) If you prefer, enter a Description for Mesh Extender. Click OK.

Step 7

Review the Summary and click Submit.

Step 8

Click on Add More Mesh Extenders to add other mesh extenders to your network. If not, click Done.

Conclusion

You are all set! You have now successfully added the CBW Mesh Extender to your network using the Mobile App. That was easy wasn’t it! For more advanced configurations, refer to the Cisco Business Wireless Access Point Administration Guide.

Intro to Mesh Mesh FAQ Cisco Business Wireless Model Decoder Reboot Tips Reset to Factory Default Day Zero: Configure Via App / Web Mobile App vs Web UI Best Practices for a Cisco Business Wireless Mesh Network Allow Lists Update Software Get Familiar with the CBW App Troubleshooting Time Settings Troubleshoot Red LED Bridge Group Names