RT-BE96U - MLO vs network with “WiFi7 mode” with “MLO Fronthaul for Clients”

[soccerjoshj07]

I have MLO currently disabled (seems to be disabled by default) on my RT-BE96U. I was considering enabling it and testing it out.

Is it recommended to create an entirely separate network (an MLO SSID) for it using guest network pro?

Or can I check the “WiFi7 mode” (already checked) and MLO Fronthaul for Clients” to enable MLO on my main SSID? Or does it not quite work with that.

Honestly I’m finding the MLO feature a tad confusing on how/if I should enable it. Probably just have 2 devices (iPhone 16 pro for me + spouse) that would support it.

TIA

 

[RogerSC]

That's how I have my RT-BE96U configured. Only 5GHz. and 6GHz. bands in my main network, with MLO enabled there. To enable MLO, enable first in the Wireless tab, then in the Network tab as you mention. Both places need to be enabled. When I had all three bands in my main network, and enabled MLO for that, it was unstable when also using the IoT 2.4GHz. band at the same time. I do use the IoT 2.4GHz. band for security cameras, and various other clients, including an HDhomerun, and a couple of routers (one in media bridge mode, and the other in repeater mode). It's all stable and is working well. Have over 3 weeks of uptime at this point.

 

[soccerjoshj07]

That's how I have my RT-BE96U configured. Only 5GHz. and 6GHz. bands in my main network, with MLO enabled there. To enable MLO, enable first in the Wireless tab, then in the Network tab as you mention. Both places need to be enabled. When I had all three bands in my main network, and enabled MLO for that, it was unstable when also using the IoT 2.4GHz. band at the same time. I do use the IoT 2.4GHz. band for security cameras, and various other clients, including an HDhomerun, and a couple of routers (one in media bridge mode, and the other in repeater mode). It's all stable and is working well. Have over 3 weeks of uptime at this point.

That's helpful, thank you!

So you didn't create a special "MLO" network under guest network pro, you used your main network and checked the MLO box. Makes sense. Thank you!

 

[baller54]

That's how I have my RT-BE96U configured as well. Before the most recent firmwares with the architecture changes, I had a separate MLO network and things were never really stable. Now (last couple months) I have MLO on the.main ssid with all 3 bands, and it's been rock solid.

 

[soccerjoshj07]

That's how I have my RT-BE96U configured as well. Before the most recent firmwares with the architecture changes, I had a separate MLO network and things were never really stable. Now (last couple months) I have MLO on the.main ssid with all 3 bands, and it's been rock solid.

Thank you!