How to Configure CAPsMAN and CAPs with Wifi Wave2 and Legacy Packages: Practical Tips #
Introduction #
If you’re planning to build a Wi-Fi network based on MikroTik technology, you’ll likely encounter a tool named CAPsMAN (Controller Access Point system Manager). However, configuring CAPsMAN can be more complex than it seems, especially when you decide to use newer devices with the Wifi Wave2 package. In this article, we’ll go through some practical tips for configuration.
CAPsMAN Limitations in the Context of Wifi Wave2 #
If we choose devices with the Wifi Wave2 package for the CAPs (Controlled Access Points), we cannot configure them through CAPsMAN from the legacy package and vice versa. It’s also not possible to mix devices from the legacy package and Wifi Wave2 in one CAPsMAN. Ultimately, you would have to run 2 separate CAPsMANs on different devices.
My Experience in Network Configuration #
In my case, the final version of the network looks like this:
CAPsMAN on RB5009
CAPs on cAP ax
This approach allows building a network based on the WiFi 6 standard, which is beneficial for the future.
How to Configure? #
Below are the commands that can be used on CAPsMAN and on the CAP. With these commands, you can build a Wi-Fi network in a way that meets your needs.
On CAPsMAN: #
/interface wifiwave2 security
add authentication-types=wpa3-psk name=sec1 passphrase=HaveAg00dDay
/interface wifiwave2 configuration
add country=Latvia name=5ghz security=sec1 ssid=CAPsMAN_5
add name=2ghz security=sec1 ssid=CAPsMAN2
/interface wifiwave2 provisioning
add action=create-dynamic-enabled master-configuration=5ghz slave-configurations=5ghz_v
/interface wifiwave2 capsman
set ca-certificate=auto enabled=yes
On the CAP: #
/interface/wifiwave2/cap set enabled=yes
/interface/wifiwave2/set wifi1,wifi2 configuration.manager=capsman-or-local
What to Avoid? #
If a device operates in WifiWave2 CAPsMAN mode, you cannot set its own wireless interfaces as CAP. Ultimately, you must manually pass the configuration for local WifiWave2 interfaces. Summary
Building a Wi-Fi network using CAPsMAN and CAP in the context of Wifi Wave2 and legacy packages requires a thorough understanding of the limitations and capabilities of these tools. Keep these tips in mind to facilitate your configuration and avoid future problems.