Unable to set Predator Connect X5 as Mesh Controller

DimitrisZita

Hello! I have been using the Predator Connect X5 5G CPE with good results for quite a while now. Needed to change the provider, and consequently changed the location of the modem, in order to get better reception (antenna on the other side of the apartment). This resulted in the wifi not being able to cover the whole apartment, so after looking at multiple solutions (ethernet cable drop-not easy, 3rd party mesh systems), I stumbled on the following article: https://community.acer.com/en/kb/articles/16965-how-to-create-a-mesh-network-using-the-predator-connect-w6-router?utm_source=community-search&utm_medium=organic-search&utm_term=predator+connect+x5, , that mentions that the X5 can be a Mesh controller: "Products that can act as controllers: Predator Connect X5/W6/W6m, Acer Connect Vero W6m."

I therefore happily purchased a Connect W6, to create a mesh, with the X5 as controller and the W6 as agent.

The only option that I have to set up X5 as Mesh Controller is through the Predator Connect app. The Quick set up in the web GUI does not have that option and there is no" Operating mode" section under "System".

In the app, I select the X5 to be utilised as "Mesh Controller", go through all the steps and I arrive at the "Wifi Setting" screen. Whatever I input as WiFi SSID and Wi-Fi password, I get an "Error" outcome, with no explanation. I have tried to put random SSID and password, I have tried SSID: X5-Mesh and the default Wifi password of the device, I have tried anything with no luck. The "Error" message is persistent! Tried factory reset, leaving all values as default with no luck.

X5 firmware is the latest: X5.1.20.8_313207, but I can't find any release notes for that either.

Anyone has any ideas? What could be the error? Is the X5 really capable of being a Mesh controller, or do I need to return the W6 and purchase 3rd party mesh system?

Thank you for having a read and chip in if you have any ideas!

billsey

My guess is they only allow mesh within the same device types, so you need an X5 to mesh with another X5, or a W6 to mesh with another W6.