Multi Link Operation (MLO)

Multi Link Operation (MLO) is introduced in the Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standard. It allows a Wi-Fi client and Access Point (AP) to simultaneously use multiple radio links—typically across different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz)—as part of a single connection.

It also minimizes latency due to increased channel access opportunities through these multiple links. The MLO option is available only with the following encryption methods - WPA3, WPA2/WPA3-Mixed, OWE.

Enabling Multi Link Operation (MLO)

To enable MLO, navigate to Network > Wireless > Wireless LAN, create a new WLAN or select an existing WLAN from the zone and click Configure.

In the Encryption Method, select either WPA3, WPA2/WPA3-Mixed, or OWE. The MLO feature can be enabled only on these three encryption methods.

After selecting the encryption method, scroll down to Advanced Options > MLO (Multi Link Operation). MLO can be Configured with 3-link radio bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz) and by default all the 3 links are enabled. User can choose to enable any 2 radio bands for MLO, based on AP/Client deployment requirements.

Multi Link Operation

Note: If 3-link MLO is enabled and one of the radio bands is disabled, the AP falls back to 2-link MLO for radios which are enabled.

SmartZone supports the use of Client Connection Diagnostics (CCD) and Historical Client Connection Diagnostics (HCCD). This feature enhancement improves the Wi-Fi client troubleshooting and analysis.

  • Client Connection Diagnostics (CCD) - CCD is used to monitor, collect, and analyze data on client devices' connectivity behavior in a wireless network. When CCD is MLO-aware, it provides diagnostics across all MLO links instead of treating a multi-link client as a single interface. This adds depth to client visibility and troubleshooting. In the Client Connection Diagnostics (CCD), network administrators can perform the following tasks:
    • Diagnose connection issues such as Authentication, DHCP failures and Association.
    • Trace roaming paths and performance metrics.
    • Understand client experience and identify bottlenecks.
  • Historical Client Connection Diagnostics (HCCD) - HCCD with MLO extends the standard CCD functionality by offering time-based analysis of MLO clients' behavior, allowing network administrators to track and diagnose client connectivity issues over a historical timeline, not just in real time. HCCD logs and stores detailed client connection events over time, enabling retrospective analysis. It provides the following information:
    • A timeline of connection sessions (associations, roaming, disconnections).
    • Metrics such as RSSI, Tx/Rx rate, retry counts, and failure causes.
    • Tracks each MLO link's performance over time.

Multi-Link Device (MLD)

A Multi-Link Device (MLD) is a Wi-Fi 7–capable device (either an Access Point or a client) that can simultaneously operate on multiple links (i.e., different frequency bands or channels).

  • AP MLD - An access point that supports multiple links.
  • STA MLD - A client station that supports multiple links.

Each link within the MLD can be in different bands — for example, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz — and each link behaves like a traditional Wi-Fi connection but is coordinated under a single MLD.

MLO enables a non-AP MLD (STA) to discover, authenticate, associate, and establish multiple links with an AP MLD. Each link provides channel access and frame exchange between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, based on their supported capabilities.

To view MLD details, perform the following -

  1. From the main menu, navigate to Network > Wireless > Access Points. Alternatively, select Monitor > Clients > Wireless Clients to view the list of Zones in the system tree.
  2. Select a Zone from the system tree. This displays the list of APs available in the zone.
  3. Select an AP from the list and scroll down to Details section.
  4. In the Details section, click on the Clients tab. This displays the details of the client station.
  5. Click the MLD MAC link ID. The system displays a pop-up window with complete details of the multi-link device.

    Multi-Link Details

Parent topic: Radio Band Features