The long-awaited MIMOSA A6 and C6x firmware update is now available for download!

MIMOSA released the long-awaited version 3.2.0 GA for the 6 Series  products, namely the A6 and C6x Point-to-Multipoint, at the end of December 2023. The MIMOSA A6 is a Base Station or Access Point that broadcasts connectivity to the C6x CPE or Client Premises Equipment.

Some of the highlights of the release, according to a statement from MIMOSA:

• Improved throughput and connectivity: software version 3.2.0 addresses customers' most common concerns and focuses on optimising throughput and enhancing connectivity for additional clients.

• Improved network functionality features: MIMOSA has introduced notable features aimed at improving overall network functionality.

• Streamlined installation process: The software release includes an update to optimise installation procedures with C6x Assist, which allows you to log in to the C6x via your mobile device during the installation process.

Here are 10 new features in the latest firmware release that we think you will find useful:

1. Added channel bandwidth to A6 link stats: Channel bandwidth is now displayed in a separate column on the link statistics page.

2. Automatic Channel Selection – Phase 1: The auto-channel selection algorithm selects the optimal bandwidth and primary operating channel to mitigate interference and maximise throughput. The ACS-1 algorithm operates within the limits of the 160MHz bandwidth. By default, this function is disabled. If this function is activated, it is suspended during a site survey or a manual spectrum analysis during this time.

3. Automatic transmission power control: The transmission power for the uplink can be automatically adjusted to optimise the connection quality.

4. Rate limiting: C6x data traffic can be rate-limited in the uplink or downlink direction. The rate limit values can be between 0 and 1000Mbps. If a rate limit of 0Mbps is configured, all data traffic in the configured direction is blocked by the C6x.

5. Support for 1Gbps SFP transceivers: The A66 SFP ports now support both 1Gbps and 10Gbps transceivers.

6. Improvements when switching channels: When switching from one DFS channel to another DFS channel, the time required to reassign clients has been reduced to around one minute. The client assignment remains unaffected by a channel change if the primary channel remains unchanged. The device automatically selects the wireless protocol – 802.11ac or 802.11ax - depending on the capabilities of the client.

7. Management VLANs: Devices can be configured with a separate VLAN for management access only. A6 and the associated clients can be configured with separate VLANs.

8. C6x Alignment: The C6x WebUI supports a new page for “aiming". This helps to aim the C6x toward the A6 to achieve the best performance. The RSSI values on the aiming page are updated more frequently to allow for more precise aiming.

9. Passthrough VLANs: The Passthrough VLAN feature configures the radio to forward tagged traffic “as is” if the VLAN ID is included in the “Passthrough List"

10. Support for on-site installation: A brand new C6x can act as an Access Point after boot-up. Any client (e.g. a smartphone) can connect to the C6x by using the SSID “c6x_” and the serial number of the C6x as a pre-shared key. After logging in, the installer can monitor the RSSI of the A6-C6x link and optimise the aim of the C6x. Once the aiming is complete, the installer must press the “Installation Complete” button, which will disable this feature until the C6x is reset to factory defaults. Checks have been introduced in the C6x user interface to prevent accidental pressing of the “Installation Complete” button. If the installer forgets to press this button, the function is automatically deactivated after 6 hours. If the installation is not complete, the C6x WebUI supports running site-survey and allows the SSID to be reconfigured by users with read-only access. To support this feature, the access point has been restricted to operate only with standard IEEE wireless standards.

Should you want to read the full release notes on the firmware version 3.2.0 GA for A6 and C6x – please click here

For more information about Mimosa’s solution or for assistance with link planning, contact our technical support team on support@miro.co.za or 012 657 0960.