How to align antennas of EAP-Bridge for better performance

Knowledgebase
Configuration Guide
08-07-2025
Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction

Requirements

Configuration

Verification

Conclusion

QA



Introduction

Since the antennas of the EAP Bridge model are directional and operate in pairs, they need to be networked through a mesh; moreover, in the installation scenarios, the two Bridges may be quite far apart. If they are not correctly aligned, it may result in poor connection signals, and it is also difficult for users to align them visually. Therefore, we provide an alignment function to guide users in aligning the two Bridges using RSSI, thereby establishing a better connection.

As shown in the topology diagram, the Router's WAN is connected to the Internet and acts as a DHCP server on the LAN. An AP kit (including a Main AP and a Sub AP) in factory settings is powered on, with the Main AP and the PC that runs the Controller directly connected to the Router via Ethernet cables and obtaining the IP addresses in the same subnet.

Alt text: Topology of EAPs with routers and management Clients.

Requirements

  • Omada wireless bridge APs
  • PC

Configuration

Step 1. Pair the EAP Bridge kit according to the instructions, "How to establish a point-to-point connection with EAP-Bridge." Access EAP Bridge’s standalone interface by visiting its IP address on a web browser.

Alt text: The home page of EAP Bridge’s standalone interface.

Step 2. Go to Bridge Network > Bridge APs List, and you can see the Align button.

Alt text: the path to find the Align button。

Step 3. Click the Align button to view the RSSI info on two APs.

Alt text: RSSI information page in EAP Bridge’s standalone interface.

The first red outline shows the Bridge of two APs' current RSSI and the Best RSSI. Current RSSI refers to the RSSI of the AP for now. The best RSSI is recommended during the alignment process.

The second red outline displays the diagram of Bridge APs RSSI over time, changing continuously as the RSSI changes.

The third part shows the RSSI of two antennas for each AP.

Step 4. Slowly rotate the AP and observe the changes in the dual RSSI values. Look for the angle where both values are high and the difference is the smallest. Ensure that the RSSI values of both antennas are relatively high and the difference is no more than five dBm.

Verification

You can find the change in the Current RSSI after the alignment. During adjustment, you might see that the current RSSIs are not the same.

Alt text: current SSID of main AP and client AP during antenna adjustment.

After the adjustment, they will get synchronized and have a stronger signal strength than before.

Alt text: current SSID of main AP and client AP after antenna adjustment.

Conclusion

Now that you've finished Aligning Antennas for Optimal EAP-Bridge Connection.

Get to know more details of each function and configuration please go to Download Center to download the manual of your product.

QA

Q1. What is the best installation environment?

A. Please select a high and open place without any interference or reflection.

Q2. What is the best RSSI for connection?

A. There is no fixed RSSI value. Ideally, for each AP, the RSSI values of its two wireless links should both be high and the difference between them should be less than 5 dBm (this refers to the gap between the two wireless RSSI values of the same AP), rather than the RSSI gap between two different APs.

Q3. Why can't I keep the RSSI gap within 5, no matter what I do?

A. Please check for any metal obstructions or strong reflectors, and adjust the installation position of the AP.

Q4. Why do the RSSI values of the two antennas differ significantly?

A. Interference in the environment has varying effects on antennas of different polarization types. The presence of obstructions causes reflection, resulting in significant differences in RSSI for antennas of other polarizations.
When the distance is close, the near-field effect exists, leading to inaccurate results.

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