ZenWifi BT8, can MLO and a 6Ghz WiFi7 network coexist?

[Snovvman]

When I configure MLO to use all 3 bands, my 6Ghz WiFi7 network stops advertising.  When I disable MLO, the 6Ghz network works again.  Do they not coexist?  Does MLO make other networks unavailable?  Thanks.

[Alex52]

Current firmwares don't fully support MLO on the client side. For the client side (fronthaul)  just use the 5GHz and 6GHz bands - but I recommend turning it off. Downhaul for one matching router mesh node is working. Otherwise, don't use MLO.

Using MLO, it is a current problem for connections to change between 5GHz  and 6GHz. With fronthaul MLO turned on, 5 and 6GHz networks do co-exist it just doesn't work well yet.

[Snovvman]

Ah, this must be the reason that I see the WiFi backhaul advertising even though I am using Ethernet backhaul?

[Alex52]

Yes.

[jzchen · Accepted solution]

Not enabled by default, there is an Ethernet Backhaul Mode, which completely disables WiFi backhaul, then frees that bandwidth for fronthaul use.  It can be found on the Web GUI under General -> AiMesh -> System Settings (tab) -> Ethernet Backhaul Mode (toggle).  It is only available if your entire AiMesh network is connected via Ethernet cable.  You might be able to have both MLO and 6 GHz if you haven't already enabled this...