Mesh Wi-Fi

1. What is Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols, based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are commonly used for local area networking of devices and Internet access, allowing nearby digital devices to exchange data by radio waves. Wi-Fi radio signals are sent from a wireless access point to a nearby device (cell phones, laptops, etc.), which translates the signal into data you can see and use. The device transmits a radio signal back to the access point, which connects to the internet by wire or cable. Wi-Fi, often referred to as WiFi, wifi, wi-fi or wi fi, is often thought to be short for Wireless Fidelity but there is no such thing. It is a trademark of the non-profit Wi-Fi Alliance, which restricts the use of the term Wi-Fi Certified, to products that successfully complete interoperability certification testing. As of 2017, the Wi-Fi Alliance consisted of more than 800 companies from around the world. As of 2019, over 3.05 billion Wi-Fi enabled devices are shipped globally each year.

2. What is a Wi-Fi Network?

A Wi-Fi network is simply an internet connection that’s shared with multiple devices in a home or business via a wireless access point. The access point is connected directly to your internet modem and acts as a hub to broadcast the internet signal to Wi-Fi enabled devices. This gives the flexibility to stay connected to the internet once you’re within your network coverage area.

2.1. Wireless access point

In computer networking, a wireless access point (WAP), or more generally just access point (AP), is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network. As a standalone device, the AP may have a wired connection to a router, but, in a wireless router, it can also be an integrated component of the router itself. An AP is differentiated from a hotspot which is a physical location where Wi-Fi access is available.

3. Wi-Fi Protocol

Wi-Fi uses multiple parts of the IEEE 802 protocol family and is designed to interwork seamlessly with its wired sibling, Ethernet. Compatible devices can network through wireless access points to each other as well as to wired devices and the Internet. The different versions of Wi-Fi are specified by various IEEE 802.11 protocol standards, with the different radio technologies determining radio bands, and the maximum ranges, and speeds that may be achieved. Wi-Fi most commonly uses the 2.4 gigahertz UHF and 5 gigahertz SHF radio bands; these bands are subdivided into multiple channels.

3.1. IEEE 802.11 Protocol

IEEE 802 is a family of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards for local area networks (LAN), personal area network (PAN), and metropolitan area networks (MAN). The IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (LMSC) maintains these standards. The IEEE 802 family of standards has twelve members, numbered 802.1 through 802.12, with a focus group of the LMSC devoted to each. IEEE 802.11 is part of the IEEE 802 set of local area network technical standards and specifies the set of media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) protocols for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication. 802.11b was the first widely accepted wireless networking standard, followed by 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac.

4. 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi band (802.11b/g)

802.11b and 802.11g use the 2.4-GHz band. The 802.11b standard has a maximum raw data rate of 11 Mbit/s. 802.11g operates at a maximum physical layer bit rate of 54 Mbit/s exclusive of forward error correction codes, or about 22 Mbit/s average throughput. 802.11g hardware is fully backward compatible with 802.11b hardware, and therefore is burdened with legacy issues that can reduce throughput. Devices using these 802.11 protocols experience interference from other products operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Devices operating in the 2.4 GHz range include microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, cordless telephones, and some amateur radio equipment.

5. 5-GHz Wi-Fi Band (802.11n, 802.11ac)

802.11n, operates on both the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz bands. Support for 5 GHz bands is optional. Its net data rate ranges from 54 Mbit/s to 600 Mbit/s at four spatial streams and a channel width of 40MHz. 802.11ac is a supercharged version of 802.11n. 802.11ac is dozens of times faster and delivers speeds ranging from 433 Mbit/s up to several gigabits per second. To achieve that kind of throughput, 802.11ac works exclusively in the 5GHz band, uses plenty of bandwidth (80 or 160MHz), operates in up to eight spatial streams, and employs a kind of technology called beamforming that sends signal directly to client devices. Since the 2.4 GHz band is heavily used to the point of being crowded, using the relatively unused 5 GHz band gives 802.11ac a significant advantage. However, this high carrier frequency also brings a disadvantage: the effective overall range of 802.11ac is less than that of 802.11b/g. In theory, 802.11ac signals are absorbed more readily by walls and other solid objects in their path due to their smaller wavelength, and, as a result, cannot penetrate as far as those of 802.11b. It also suffers from interference, but locally there may be fewer signals to interfere with, resulting in less interference and better throughput.

When wireless signals are being transmitted or received simultaneously in a MIMO (multi-input/multi-output) environment, the signals being transmitted by the various antennae are multiplexed by using different spaces within the same spectral channel. These spaces are known as spatial streams.

6. Wi-Fi Power Levels

-67 dBm is a reliable signal strength. This is the minimum for any online services that require a reliable connection and Wi-Fi signal strength. The following table depicts a quick overview of the required Wi-Fi signal strength for different online activities.

A general rule of thumb in home networking says that Wi-Fi routers operating on the traditional 2.4 GHz band reach up to 150 feet (46 m) indoors and 300 feet (92 m) outdoors. As mentioned before routers that run on 5 GHz bands reached approximately one-third of these distances.

7. Mesh Wi-Fi Network

7.1. What is a Mesh Network?

A mesh network is a network in which devices or nodes are linked together, branching off other devices or nodes. These networks are set up to efficiently route data between devices and clients. They help provide a consistent connection throughout a physical space. Mesh network topologies create multiple routes for information to travel among connected nodes. This approach increases the resilience of the network in case of a node or connection failure. The diagram below shows a typical mesh network setup with multiple nodes and the abundant pathways that data can travel between them.

7.2. In Home Wi-Fi Mesh Network

Often with Wi-Fi networks, there may be week or dead spots in a home as a result of physical obstructions. Simple things like the floor, doors, and walls of the home can come between client and router, especially if they’re made of metal, brick, or concrete. Or perhaps the distance is simply too great in a large home, which is beyond the reach of your wireless router’s coverage capabilities. Mesh Wi-Fi was designed for this very reason. It was developed for all types of homes, specifically mid-size and large homes that suffer from weak or incomplete Wi-Fi coverage. Mesh Wi-Fi systems consists of a main router, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed throughout the home. They are all part of a single wireless network and share the same SSID and password. It extends the reach of your traditional router for maximum Wi-Fi network coverage.

8. FLOW Adaptive Wi-Fi Mesh Setup

FLOW has recognized the Wi-Fi issues faced by customers and has introduced the RP324 Adaptive Wireless Mesh Extender to its customer base as a solution.

The RP324 Wi-Fi Mesh Extender is designed to enhance the connectivity between your Wi-Fi router and wireless client devices while increasing the coverage of the existing Wi-Fi network, without the need for running cables.

• Features:

  • Easy setup: WPS push button setup.

• Wireless Features:

  • Supports 11ac Wi-Fi: 802.11ac is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n.

  • WPS Support: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) simplifies the process of connecting any device to the wireless network by using the push button on the device.

  • Security Support: WPA2, WPA, and WPA+WPA2 mixed mode are supported for advanced encryption of all Wi-Fi data.

9. Adaptive Wi-Fi Mesh Extender Setup

10. Wi-Fi Mesh Extender Placement

Typically, the mesh extender can be placed one to two rooms away from the Wi-Fi router in the home. Ideally it should be place between the router and the area with poor Wi-Fi coverage as expressed by the customer. To determine if the placement is in a sufficient location for the extender to function properly the RSSI signal levels of the router should be checked at this location. As mentioned previously any levels above -67 dBm is a reliable signal strength.

RSSI, or “Received Signal Strength Indicator,” is a measurement of how well your device can hear a signal from an access point or router. It’s a value that is useful for determining if you have enough signal to get a good wireless connection.

10.1. Using the Technician App to Measure RSSI

Technicians can download and install the technician’s application (Cloudcheck for LLA) on their device. It is available for both android and apple devices.

Once downloaded follow the on-screen instruction to create an account.

• Once at the customer premises login to the application and connect your device to the Wi-Fi modem.

• Ensure that the SSID’s of the modem are Unified.

• Open the App and go to Wi-Fi SweetSpots.

• Once you are connected to the customers Wi-Fi network move to the determined location of mesh extender installation. In the application you should see the RSSI (Wi-Fi signal strength) as depicted by the arrow below.

As stated earlier, signal levels above -67 dBm is a reliable signal and the extender can be installed at this location. If these levels are not achieved move on to another possible installation location closer to the Wi-Fi router.

Unified SSID (Service Set Identifier): For the Adaptive Wi-Fi Mesh system to function effectively the SSID’s (Wi-Fi name) of both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz networks along with the Wi-Fi passwords must be the same. The pre-installed mesh software would determine the most appropriate and reliable Wi-Fi network to connect client devices to; dependent on device capability, and distance from the Wi-Fi router/mesh extender.

11. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Technology Overview

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest wireless networking standard. It provides faster speeds, increased efficiency, and greater capacity—especially beneficial in environments where many devices are connected at once, such as modern homes and offices. 

Key Benefits and Features of Wi-Fi 6

Faster Speeds

Wi-Fi 6 brings significant speed improvements over previous generations, offering up to 40% faster speeds compared to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). This is achieved through:

• Advanced encoding (1024-QAM), which packs more data into each transmission.

• The ability to transmit multiple streams simultaneously (8x8 MU-MIMO).
  Customer Impact:
  Faster speeds mean quicker downloads and uploads, more reliable streaming (including HD and 4K), better online gaming, and an improved experience even when multiple users are connected.

OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access)

OFDMA is a core technology in Wi-Fi 6 that allows your modem/router to split each Wi-Fi channel into smaller pieces (sub-channels). This lets the network communicate with multiple devices at the same time, rather than serving each one sequentially.
Customer Impact:

• More efficient bandwidth use

• Reduced congestion and delays when many devices are connected

• Smoother, more responsive connection in busy environments

BSS Coloring

Wi-Fi 6 uses "BSS Coloring" to mark each network’s transmissions with a unique identifier. This allows your modem to distinguish between your home’s Wi-Fi and neighboring networks, ignoring signals that don’t belong to your network unless they cause interference.
Customer Impact:

• Minimizes interference from nearby Wi-Fi networks

• Improves stability and reliability of the wireless connection

• Better performance in apartments or congested areas

Other Notable Features

• Target Wake Time (TWT): Schedules check-in times for devices, improving battery life for connected devices like smartphones and smart home sensors.

• Improved Security: Wi-Fi 6 supports the latest WPA3 security protocol for enhanced network protection.

• Wider Coverage and Range: Maintains strong connections even at greater distances.

Technician Tips for Wi-Fi 6 Installations

When installing or troubleshooting WiFi 6 equipment like the F3896 modem:

• Confirm that customer devices support WiFi 6 to take full advantage of its benefits.

• Recommend using both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for optimal coverage and speed.

• Educate customers about the improved capacity and security features.

12. F3896 Wi-Fi 6 Modem

The Sagemcom F3896 is a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 modem being deployed by Liberty Latin America to deliver high-speed, reliable internet to customers. It supports the latest wireless technology, advanced telephony, and powerful management tools, enabling seamless connectivity and exceptional service.

Key Technical Features

Network and Interfaces

• DOCSIS:

  • DOCSIS 3.1 2x2

  • DOCSIS 3.0 with up to 32x8 channel bonding

  • Switchable diplexer 85MHz / 204MHz (option)

  • Backward compatible with DOCSIS 1.0/2.0/3.0 and EuroDOCSIS

• User Interfaces:

  • Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Ethernet: 4×1 Gbps LAN ports

  • USB: 1× USB 3.0 port

  • FXS: 2× RJ-11 telephone ports (optional)

Wireless Security

• WPA3/WPA2/WPA support

• WPS-enabled for secure, simple device connections

• Wi-Fi Alliance certified

IP & Routing Functions

• NAT/PAT, DHCP client/server

• DNS relay

• Dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 support

• Static/dynamic routing

Telephony (VOIP)

• Multi FXS management (up to 2 lines)

• Protocols: NCS, MGCP, SIP (PacketCable 1.5 & PacketCable 2.0)

• Codecs: G.711 (64 kbps), G.729 (8 kbps)

Safety and Compliance

• EN 60 950, EN 41003 compliant

• EMC: 60936EEC, EN 55022, Class B, EN 55024

• CE certified

Environmental

• Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C

Physical Specifications

• Size: 190 x 65 x 222 to 235 mm (with foot)

• Weight: 950 g

External power supply 

Rear Panel Ports

• LAN Ports: 4× 1 Gbps RJ-45 for wired connections

• WAN Port: 1× RJ-45 for external connection

• USB Port: 1× USB 3.0 for accessories

• Reset Button: Restore factory settings

• Coaxial RF Input: F-type connector for DOCSIS cable

• FXS Ports: 1–2 RJ-11 telephone line ports (if enabled)

• Power Input: For external power supply

Installation & Setup Notes

1. Physical Setup:

   • Connect the coaxial cable to the RF input.

   • Connect Ethernet cables to the LAN ports as needed.

   • Attach telephone lines to FXS ports (if applicable).

   • Connect the external power supply.

2. LED Status Check:

   • Verify Power, Internet, Wi-Fi, and DOCSIS US/DS LEDs.

   • Both DS and US should be green for DOCSIS 3.1 service.

3. Wi-Fi Setup:

   • Use the WPS button for quick and secure Wi-Fi device connections.

   • For advanced Wi-Fi settings, log into the modem’s management portal.

4. Troubleshooting:

   • Use front panel LEDs as your first diagnostic tool.

   • For connectivity issues, check all physical connections, power cycle the modem, and verify service activation.

13. F@ST 266 WiFi 6 Extender

The Sagemcom F@ST 266 WiFi 6 Extender is designed to work seamlessly with the F@ST 3896 modem, delivering whole-home WiFi 6 coverage and eliminating dead zones. This extender is managed and paired exclusively via the Plume platform—not through WPS. Technicians must contact Dispatch or Support to provision and add extenders as needed.

Key Features

• Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

  • 2.4GHz 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 (BCM6752)

  • 5GHz 4×4 Wi-Fi 6 (BCM6715)

• Main Core: BCM6752 chipset

• Ethernet Ports: 2× Gigabit Ethernet (optional use in extenuating situations)

• Memory: 512 MB RAM, 256 MB Flash

• LED Indicators: 3 front-facing LEDs

• Buttons: Power On/Off, Reset (no WPS pairing function supported)

• Power: External PSU (12V / 1.5V)

• Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled plastic

Compact Design: 142 × 110 × 57 mm, 285g

Deployment Method

• Primary: Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi Mesh)

  • Extenders are deployed as Wi-Fi mesh nodes, automatically selecting optimal paths for network traffic.

  • Pairing of extenders is only possible through the Plume platform.

  • Technicians must call Dispatch or Support to have the extender(s) added to the customer’s account and remotely provisioned onto the network.

  • Once provisioned, use the LED indicators to check placement and connection quality.

• Secondary: Wired Ethernet Backhaul

  • Wired connections (Ethernet) may be used only in special cases where wireless backhaul is not feasible.

  • Still requires platform-based provisioning by Dispatch/Support. 

Placement Tip:

The tricolor Backhaul LED helps you optimize extender placement by indicating the link quality with the main modem or other extenders.

• Green = Best, Orange = Good, Red = Poor (try relocating the extender).

Installation Procedure

1. Plug in the Extender and power on; wait for the Power LED to turn solid white.

2. Contact Dispatch/Support:

   • Call Dispatch or Support to request addition of the extender through the Plume platform.

   • Do not attempt WPS or manual pairing on-site.

3. Wait for Remote Provisioning:

   • Support/Dispatch will confirm when the extender is successfully added and online.

4. Check LEDs:

   • Use the Backhaul Link LED to ensure optimal placement (green or orange desired).

5. (Optional) For special cases, connect via Ethernet, but pairing/provisioning is still platform managed.

6. For multiple extenders:

   • Each one must be added through Plume by Dispatch/Support.

Technician Reminders

• Always call in to have all extenders provisioned via the Plume platform.

• Use the Backhaul link LED to determine the optimal location.

• The extender supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 security protocols and is backwards compatible with older Wi-Fi devices.

• Extender can help resolve Wi-Fi blind spots and improve the customer experience.

• If only red or no link is observed, relocate and contact support if issues persist.