Specifications

Configuring Mesh Networking
Altitude 3500 Series Access Point Product Reference Guide
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Resolution. No, an Altitude 4600 does not support mesh networking, so you won't be able to mesh
between two Altitude 4600s or between an Altitude 4600 and an Altitude 3510 or Altitude 3550.
Mesh Deployment Issue 10—Can I update firmware/configuration files across a mesh
backhaul? Can I update device firmware over the mesh backhaul on a client bridge or repeater AP
with no wired connectivity?
Resolution. Yes, both the Altitude 3510 and Altitude 3550 support wireless firmware updates.
Mesh Deployment Issue 11—Can I perform firmware/configuration file updates with DHCP
options? Can I use the AP’s Automatic Firmware/Configuration update functionalities with DHCP
Options on the AP for mesh nodes as well?
Resolution. Yes, mesh nodes also support Automatic Firmware/Configuration updates using DHCP
Options. Make sure you create DHCP reservations for each mesh node and add an appropriate
configuration file to each one of them. If you don’t, the base bridge configuration file could get applied
on a client bridge or repeater and you will loose connectivity to that AP.
Mesh Deployment Issue 12—Why do I lose connectivity when updating configurations? When I
make a configuration change and apply the changes on a client bridge or repeater, I momentarily loose
connectivity to that AP, why?
Resolution. That is expected behavior, when you make a configuration change on a mesh supported
AP, it brings the radio driver down and then back up again. Consequently, the AP needs to re-establish
its mesh connection after saving the configuration.
Mesh Deployment Issue 13—Will an existing client bridge see a new base bridge or repeater? If
I add a new base bridge or repeater to an existing mesh topology, will my current client bridges see it
and connect to it?
Resolution. Yes, all client bridges perform periodic background scanning—both passively (by sniffing
the air for beacons) and actively (by sending Probe Requests). Therefore, a client bridge automatically
detects the presence of a new base bridge or repeater added to the mesh network topology and forms a
seam less connection without affecting current operation.
Mesh Deployment Issue 14—Can a mesh supported AP react to changing RF conditions? If RF
conditions change, will a mesh supported AP automatically detect and re-route traffic on its backup link
or look for new links if all current links are exhausted?
Resolution. Yes, all mesh nodes have built in dynamic link switching and auto-recovery mechanisms
that ensure they adapt to changing RF conditions.