Today we will be reviewing and configuring a Mesh Wi-Fi system from Tenda. Model - Nova MW5s. This system is sold in two or three units. With these devices, you can build a seamless Wi-Fi network in a large apartment, house, or office. Seamless roaming technology will ensure stable connection of all devices in the coverage area of the entire Wi-Fi network, which will be built of two or three Tenda Nova MW5s modules.
A set of two Nova MW5s devices will provide Wi-Fi coverage over an area of up to 200 square meters. And three blocks will be able to organize a wireless network in rooms up to 300 sq.m. Each module has two built-in Wi-Fi antennas (3 dBi). There is also support for Beamforming and Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) technologies, which improve the passage of Wi-Fi signals through walls and other obstacles.
Wireless speed: up to 867 Mbps in the 5 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. The main module (Mesh5) of this Mesh Wi-Fi system is equipped with two Gambit (up to 1000 Mbps) Ethernet ports (WAN / LAN and LAN). On the other module (Mesh3f) the Ethernet ports only support speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Other features of the Nova MW5s:
- Support for MU-MIMO technology.
- Support for Mesh protocols IEEE 802.11k / v / r.
- Very easy configuration and integration of all modules into one network. Configuration and control is carried out through the Tenda Wi-Fi application from a mobile device.
- Simultaneous connection of up to 60 devices.
- Parental control.
- Built-in firewall to protect your network.
- Guest Wi-Fi network.
Package contents and appearance of Tenda Nova MW5s
A set of two modules is packaged in a small Tenda style box.
The kit consists of two modules, a network cable and two power adapters. Also included are instructions.
The modules themselves are made in the form of small cubes. The main body is made of matte white plastic. The top cover is made of glossy white plastic. They look very stylish.
On the front there is a logo of the Nova line of devices and one indicator.
On the back, there are two Ethernet ports, a connector for a power adapter and an RST button to reset the Nova MW5s to factory settings.
Below, besides the sticker with the factory information, there are also holes that allow you to hang the module of this Mesh Wi-Fi system on the wall.
Personally, I really liked the look. Small, stylish, can be installed anywhere.
We got acquainted with the technical characteristics and appearance, you can proceed to setting up.
Connecting and configuring Tenda Nova MW5s
One very important point: there is one main module in the Nova MW5s kit. Its model is "Mesh5" (indicated on the bottom of the sticker). And one more, or two modules (depending on your configuration) are additional. Their model is "Mesh3f".
The difference between them is as follows:
- On the main (Mesh5) gigabit Ethernet ports (therefore, it is to this port that you need to connect the Internet).
- A different, more powerful power adapter is used to power the main module. At 12V / 1A. This adapter has a special label that indicates the wattage and voltage. Therefore, we connect a 12V / 1A power adapter to "Mesh5" (carefully look at the label on the bottom of the module), and to "Mesh3f" - to 9V / 1A.
Connect the power adapter (12V / 1A) to the main module (Mesh5) and plug it into a power outlet. We connect the Internet to the WAN / LAN port. The indicator on the module should be blinking green. If you just have it on, then you need to reset the settings. Hold down the RST button for 10 seconds.
You need to install the "Tenda Wi-Fi" application on your phone. After installing the application, connect to the Wi-Fi network of the Nova MW5s system. The factory name (SSID) and password are indicated on the label on the module itself. After connecting to a Wi-Fi network, open the "Tenda Wi-Fi" application and follow the instructions. You need to click on the "Settings" button, select the type of Internet connection (if you don't know, check with your Internet provider), set the name of the Wi-Fi network and the password.
Since we changed the wireless settings, we need to reconnect to it. Then we return to the "Tenda Wi-Fi" application and agree to connect the second module. Before that, connect the second module in another room.
The modules are connected automatically. The application will show the steps you need to follow to connect the modules into one seamless Wi-Fi network. The indicator on the second module should stop blinking green. The application will display all connected modules of the Nova MW5s system.
You can change other parameters in the "Settings" section. I recommend that you turn on the "Fast Roaming" function.
You can read more about this feature in the Seamless Wi-Fi article. Fast roaming (802.11r) in Wi-Fi Mesh system settings.
After installing all modules, pay attention to the color of the indicator on each of them. It is desirable that it glow green. This indicates a good connection between the modules. If the indicator is yellow or red, then move the modules closer to each other.
