Ethernet backhaul, also called wired backhaul or ethernet backbone, can be enabled to create a direct connection from the AmpliFi router to a secondary AmpliFi router, otherwise known as a RAMP (Router as a Mesh Point) instead of connecting them wirelessly. Both routers will broadcast the same Wi-Fi (SSID) and all devices will be on the same network, regardless of location.
Note The HD, Instant and Gamer models are compatible among themselves; but the Alien devices are only compatible with the Alien line. Only standalone routers can be added as a RAMP to an AmpliFi mesh network. Please refer to the Compatibility Guide for details on possible ways to extend your network and a list of standalone devices. And to this article for other methods to extend your network: Adding Standalone Devices as Mesh Points.
To enable the Ethernet Backhaul feature please do the following:
1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network your AmpliFi router is broadcasting and launch the AmpliFi mobile app.
2. Power on the standalone mesh router and wait for it to power on.
3. In the System / Overview page of the app, wait for the "Add to Network" pairing message to appear. Follow these setup steps to first wirelessly connect the standalone unit to the main router. Even if you will later connect them via cable, it is important to begin with both routers next to each other, pair them wirelessly and once the process is complete, you can connect them by cable in step 7.
| Android App featuring AmpliFi HD | iOS App featuring AmpliFi Alien |
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4. Once the mesh router has been wirelessly paired, go to the app's System / Overview page and tap on the newly paired mesh router's icon to open its settings.
5. Toggle on the "Ethernet Backbone" option.
| Android App featuring AmpliFi HD | iOS App featuring AmpliFi Alien |
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6. Save settings by tapping the check mark at the top right corner of the mobile screen. Once the settings have been saved, allow the router a moment to apply the new settings.
7. The RAMP will now say "connecting..." on its LCD screen. Plug in the Ethernet cable to the WAN port and the RAMP will recognize the cable connected. Once this is done, you may disconnect the routers from power to set them up in their final location, the configuration will not be lost if it was successful.
Note You must have the RAMP wired to the AmpliFi router directly. This means you cannot have them both connected to a modem/router in the back bone configuration, the RAMP must have a direct connection to the AmpliFi. You can use a switch as long as it is fed by the AmpliFi router. For example modem > AmpliFi router > switch > RAMP will work.