[Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Router] What is MLO (multi-link Operation) and how it works?

[Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Router] What is MLO (multi-link Operation) and how it works?

Wi-Fi 7 introduces two advanced modes of operation for Multi-Link Operation (MLO): STR (Single Transmit Receive) and EMLSR (Efficient Multi-Link Setup and Recovery).

Note: In this FAQ, MLO refers to Wi-Fi network provided to client devices.

STR (Simultaneous Transmit and Receive): 

This mode allows devices to manage multiple Wi-Fi connections on different channels or frequencies simultaneously. For most phone devices currently, support 2GHz+ 5GHz only.

eMLSR (Enhanced Multi-Link-Single-Radio): 

EMLSR mode focuses on optimizing the setup and recovery processes of multi-link operations. It enhances the efficiency of establishing and maintaining multiple Wi-Fi connections, especially in environments where network conditions can change rapidly.

For MLO on ASUS routers, we support both modes, however, it will base on client devices supported modes.

MLO supported models:

ASUS Wi-Fi 7 series, with firmware version later than xxxxxx.

Initial setup:

If router has updated to MLO supported firmware, while factory default and process initial setup again, the Wireless setting will be different.
There will be two separate SSIDs (Network name). 
 

Wi-Fi 7 Network:

Smart connect is enabled with all bands 2.4GHz 5GHz and 6GHz (if 6GHz is supported in your region).
Wireless encryption mode: AES+GCMP256

IoT (Internet of Things) Network:

2.4GHz +5GHz with WPA2-personal AES encryption.

Note: Suggestion: Set IoT network the same SSID and password as you used now and set Wi-Fi 7 SSID as a new SSID to ensure compatibility.

GCMP-256:

GCMP-256 is an enhancement over the GCMP-128 used in Wi-Fi 6/6E/7, with its main improvement being the length of the encryption key, which has been increased from 128 bits to 256 bits. This increase makes decryption significantly more challenging, thereby boosting the security of the wireless network. 

Noted: With GCMP-256, some legacy devices will not compatible with, please connect legacy devices to IoT network.

MLO networks:

You can create up to 2 MLO networks at the same time. 

(1) Connect your computer to the router via wired or WiFi connection and enter router URL https://www.asusrouter.com to the WEB GUI.

(2) Enter your login username and password on the login page and then click [Sign In].

(3) You can navigate to https://www.asusrouter.com/MLO.asp for MLO settings.

AiMesh with WiFi7 MLO supported device and WiFi6E without MLO devices:

If MLO is enabled on AiMesh Primary router, the node without MLO will not broadcast 6GHz WiFi. If you want to disable MLO, please go to: https://www.asusrouter.com/MLO.asp

Then disable MLO.

Enable/Disable WiFi 7 mode:

To enable or disable WiFi 7 capability, please go to https://www.asusrouter.com/Advanced_WAdvanced_Content.asp, under professional tab, you will see WiFi 7 Mode select menu, it’s separate from 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz.

How to get the (Utility / Firmware)?

You can download the latest drivers, software, firmware and user manuals in the ASUS Download Center.

If you need more information about the ASUS Download Center, please refer this link.