WAVLINK AERIAL-HD6 WiFi 6 Outdoor Mesh Router Quick Start Guide

Hardware Overview

This section details the physical components, ports, and indicators of the WAVLINK AERIAL-HD6 device.

Ports and Buttons

• WAN/LAN Port (PoE): This port is used to connect the PoE converter for both data transmission and power supply to the device.
• 2.4G Antenna: Designed for the 2.4GHz wireless frequency band.
• 5G Antenna: Designed for the 5GHz wireless frequency band.
• Grounding Terminal: Provides an option for grounding the device to enhance lightning protection.
• Pair/Reset Button: A multi-functional button. Press and hold for 1 second to pair the device with an existing EasyMesh Wi-Fi system. Press and hold for 6 seconds to restore the device to its default factory settings.

LED Indicator

Installation

Assembly

To ensure proper installation and weather resistance, follow these assembly steps:

1. Pass the RJ45 cable through the waterproof connector cover.
2. Screw the waterproof seal into the waterproof connector bracket.
3. Pass the RJ45 cable through the waterproof connector bracket and screw the bracket into the cover.
4. Place the waterproof sealing ring onto the waterproof connector bracket.
5. Connect the RJ45 cable to the WAN/LAN port.
6. Screw the connecting cables into the 2.4G and 5G antenna connectors and tighten them.

Note on Bracket Tightening: Turn the wrench counterclockwise to tighten the bracket during assembly; turn clockwise to loosen during disassembly.

Note on Lightning Protection: For installations in areas prone to lightning, it is recommended to install the device with a ground connection to enhance its lightning protection capabilities.

Installation Steps

1. Secure the device: Fix it to a post using the provided cable ties, or mount it to a wall using screws.
2. Connect the PoE converter: Connect the "PoE" port of the PoE converter to the WAN/LAN port of the WAVLINK device using an Ethernet cable.
3. Connect to your router: Connect the "LAN DATA IN" port of the PoE converter via another Ethernet cable to a "LAN" port on your main router. If you intend to connect wirelessly (e.g., in Repeater or Mesh Agent mode), you may skip this wired connection step.
4. Power the device: Plug the power plug into the "DC IN(37-57V)" port of the PoE converter, and then plug the power adapter into a standard power outlet.

Important Considerations:

• Ensure you are using a certified CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors.
• The total length of the Ethernet cable should not exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
• If mounting on a post, ensure the post's length does not exceed the length of the cable ties used.

Connection Methods

Passive PoE

Wired Connection (For Router/AP Mode): Connect the PoE converter to the device's WAN/LAN port and to your router's LAN port.

Wireless Connection (For Repeater/Mesh Agent Mode): Connect the PoE converter to the device and power it on. The device will then search for a wireless network to connect to.

Active PoE (For AP/Router Mode)

This mode utilizes active PoE, typically requiring a PoE-enabled switch or injector to power the device while transmitting data.

Configuration

Connecting to a PC for Configuration

Via Wireless Connection

1. On your wireless devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop), turn on Wi-Fi.
2. Search for the device's default SSID, which is typically "WAVLINK-AX_XXXX" for 2.4GHz or "WAVLINK-AX_5G_XXXX" for 5GHz. Connect to one of them.
3. Open a web browser and navigate to http://waplogin.link or the default IP address 192.168.10.1.

Via Wired Connection

1. Connect an Ethernet cable from your PC/Laptop to the "LAN DATA IN" port of the PoE converter.
2. If you are configuring the device for AP/Router mode, ensure the "LAN DATA IN" port is connected to the LAN port of your main router after completing the mode setup (sections 4.3 and 4.4).
3. Open a web browser and navigate to http://waplogin.link or the default IP address 192.168.10.1.

Initial Setup Wizard

1. Upon the first connection, a login page will appear. You can also access it by typing http://waplogin.link or 192.168.10.1 into your browser's address bar.
2. Enter the default login password: "admin".
3. Select your Country/Region and Time Zone.
4. For enhanced network security, set a new, strong login password. The strength is indicated by colored bars.

Mode Selection

The WAVLINK AERIAL-HD6 supports four operating modes:

4.1 Repeater Mode

In Repeater mode, it is recommended to select "WISP". You can manually enter the WiFi SSID you wish to connect to or select it from a list. The Password must match the WiFi password of the network you are extending. Click "Connect" to establish the connection.

4.2 EasyMesh Agent Mode

If you have a router that supports the EasyMesh function, you can use this mode to build a mesh system. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the device's web interface (192.168.10.1 or waplogin.link).
2. In the "Mode Selection" menu, choose "EasyMesh Agent Mode".
3. Click the "Save" button.
4. Enter the Pair Key of this device into the mesh network of the main router, or alternatively, press and hold the Pair button on both the main router and this sub-router for 1 second simultaneously.

Note on Mesh Devices: Generally, a mesh router system supports up to 7 devices (including the main router). To add more devices, pair new mesh devices with the existing network.

4.3 AP Mode (LAN Bridge)

In AP Mode, the device acts as an access point. You can change the SSID or use the default one. For Encryption Mode, WPA2-PSK is the default; WPA3/WPA2-MIX is recommended if your devices support it. For network security, set a new password according to the specified rules. Click "Save" and wait for the configuration to complete.

4.4 Router Mode

When selecting Router Mode, the system will guide you through selecting the WAN Type. The default Encryption Mode is WPA2-PSK; WPA3/WPA2-MIX is recommended for compatible devices. Set a password for your network security.

WAN Type Explanation:

• PPPoE: Use if your ISP provides an account name and password (common with DSL lines).
• DHCP (Dynamic IP): Typically used with cable TV or fiber optic connections.
• Static IP: Use if you are provided with specific IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway information.

Note on Smart DHCP: The Smart DHCP service can be enabled or disabled to manage IP address assignment based on the network environment. If IP address conflicts occur, disabling Smart DHCP may resolve the issue.

Wi-Fi Password Management

To change your Wi-Fi password, navigate to the "Wireless" section in the device's web interface.

Firmware Upgrade

Keeping your device's firmware updated ensures optimal performance and security.

Option I: Manual Upgrade

1. Download the latest firmware file from the official Wavlink website (www.wavlink.com > SUPPORT > Firmware).
2. Extract the firmware from the downloaded file if it is compressed.
3. Log in to the device's web interface (waplogin.link or 192.168.10.1), then navigate to "Advanced" > "Firmware Update".
4. Click "Upload", select the extracted firmware file, choose "Apply", and wait for the upgrade process to finish.

Option II: Automatic Upgrade

1. Log in to the device's web interface (waplogin.link or 192.168.10.1).
2. Go to "Advanced" > "Firmware Update".
3. Click "Check New Version" to find the latest available firmware.
4. Click "Download and Upgrade" and wait for the process to complete.

Important Note: After updating the firmware, it is recommended to reset the device and clear your browser's cache to prevent potential issues.

What is Firmware Upgrade?

Firmware is the internal software that controls your device. Firmware upgrades fix bugs, introduce new features, and improve the overall user experience. It is crucial for device updates and security. Please note that an incorrect firmware upgrade may damage the device and void the product warranty. If unsure, contact Wavlink support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why doesn't the login page appear after entering http://waplogin.link?

• Wireless Connection: Verify that your computer is connected to the device's SSID.
• Wired Connection: Ensure the Ethernet connection is stable.
• IP Settings: Make sure your computer is set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP).
• Alternative Access: Try using the default IP address, 192.168.10.1. If the device is connected to a host Wi-Fi, check the router's DHCP client list to find the device's current IP address.
• Reset: If the problem persists, try resetting the device to factory defaults.

Q2. How do I restore the device to its factory default settings?

With the device powered on, press and hold the Reset Button for approximately 6 seconds until all LEDs turn on momentarily. This action will revert all settings to their original factory state.

Q3. What should I do if the LED does not change to solid after completing configuration?

• Incorrect Wi-Fi Password: You may have entered the incorrect Wi-Fi password for your host Wi-Fi network during configuration. Log into the device's web interface to verify and correct the password, then try again.
• Reset and Reconfigure: Reset the device to its factory defaults and repeat the configuration process.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official Wavlink website: www.wavlink.com.

GNU General Public License Notice

This product incorporates software code developed by third parties, which is subject to the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) Version 2, June 1991, or the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) Version 2.1, February 1999. Users are permitted to copy, distribute, and modify this software in accordance with the terms and conditions of the GPL or LGPL.

Wavlink is committed to meeting the requirements of the GNU General Public License (GPL). If you require any additional source code files under the GPL, please contact Wavlink. You are welcome to contact our local office to obtain the corresponding software and licenses. Please provide your contact details (full address) and the product code. A software package containing the software and license will be sent to you free of charge.

The respective programs are distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

For further information, please refer to the GNU General Public License website:

• http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/lgpl-2.0.html
• http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html

WEEE Directive & Product Disposal

At the end of its service life, this product should not be disposed of as household or general waste. It must be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, or returned to the supplier for disposal. This ensures proper environmental handling and resource recovery.