Mesh Support

Mesh Support Overview

From Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1 release, the IW9167IH AP supports bridge or flex+bridge modes, extending the wireless network through mesh backhaul that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.


Note

Disable the 6 GHz radio before configuring the IW9167IH APs in bridge or flex+bridge mode.

Enable the 6 GHz radio only when the IW9167IH APs are not in bridge or flex+bridge mode.

This feature helps transition quickly between bridge or flex+bridge modes. When you run the #ap name IW9167IAP mode bridge command, the AP automatically reboots and transitions to either bridge or flex+bridge mode.


Note

When issuing the #ap name IW9167IAP mode bridge command while the AP is in local mode, the AP automatically reboots and switches to bridge mode. Similarly, when issuing the #ap name IW9167IAP mode bridge command while the AP is in flex mode, the AP automatically reboots and switches to flex + bridge mode.

In bridge mode, APs wirelessly form either a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint bridge. This setup allows APs in bridge mode to connect to different locations. Moreover, several APs can form a mesh network, which can be either indoor or outdoor.

The flex+bridge mode enables FlexConnect capabilities on mesh (bridge mode) APs.

For information on configuring mesh on Catalyst 9800 Wireless Controllers, see the Configure Mesh on Catalyst 9800 Wireless LAN Controllers.

Configure Bridge Mode

To configure the bridge mode, use the following procedure on the wireless controller.

Procedure

Step 1

To change AP to bridge mode.

Controller#ap name IW9167IAP mode bridge

Step 2

(Optional) To return or reset the AP from bridge mode back to local or flexconnect mode.

Controller#ap name IW9167IAP mode clear

Verify Bridge Mode

To view the AP mode and model details, use the show ap name <AP_Name> config general command on the wireless controller. 

Controller#show ap name IW9167IAP config general
    AP Mode                                    : Bridge
    AP Model                                   : IW9167IH-B