11-Channel US Router meshed with 13-Channel US Node and Vice Versa?

[jksmurf]

In case it ever comes about due to various family members scattered about the globe (Earth, mainly), I have a question about mix'n'match.

I have read about making sure you use what is approved in your country of residence etc but at the moment it is hypothetical and I believe there is a case (for non 6E/7 Routers, hence posting in the AX forum) where it would be totally legal, as I understand it.

So,

Scenario A: if you have an 11-Channel US Router and a 13-Channel non-US Node, I believe it would be correct that the node will only ever see/utilise Channels 1-11 i.e. the node does what teh Router tells it, right. Good doggy.

Scenario B: Swapping that around (and this the more interesting case) , if you have a 13-Channel non-US Router and an 11-Channel US Node, what happens here exactly?
Does the Router operate (indpendently) at one or more of all 13 channels but the node will only ever see (one or more of) Channels 1-11 ? Or would the Node constrain the Router to just 11 channels in the first instance?

k.

 

[ColinTaylor]

It could well be dependant on the particular models or firmware versions being used. But I've diagnosed problems in theses forums where nodes weren't able to join the mesh. It wasn't down to the channels but because the main router detected that the node was from a different territory.

We've also seen multiple reports of devices from the same region refusing to sync because the hardware used by the node didn't support the particular channels being used by the main router. The solution in that case was simply to set a common channel on the main router.

But at the end of the day, if you're planning to use devices from different regions you should assume AiMesh won't work. Anything else would be a bonus.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Additionally,

but at the moment it is hypothetical and I believe there is a case where it would be totally legal, as I understand it.

Operating a US router in the UK would typically not be legal on 2.4GHz because of the power output. US routers are permitted output up to 1000mW whereas in the UK it's only 100mW. Business/enterprise wireless access points usually allow you to change the region and/or power output. These options are usually not present in consumer products.

 

[jksmurf]

Thanks Colin. Too hard basket.

 

[sfx2000]

Operating a US router in the UK would typically not be legal on 2.4GHz because of the power output. US routers are permitted output up to 1000mW whereas in the UK it's only 100mW.

agree - always best to keep wireless devices in region...

 

[tgl]

In theory, you can always set the router's channel choice and power level to conform to local regulations. But you have to know what those regulations are --- a device meant for a different jurisdiction will not help you with that.

Devices sold in the US are especially not helpful here, because they are legally required to be locked to FCC regulations. If you buy a wifi device anywhere else, it can probably be adjusted to obey the regulations of any specific country that the manufacturer knows about.

tl;dr: if you need something usable in multiple countries, don't buy it in the US.