What is auto-recovery mode?

Auto-recovery mode is a critical feature that ensures devices maintain connectivity to the cloud in the event of unforeseen networking issues. This mode is designed to automatically re-establish connections between devices and the cloud under various circumstances, safeguarding against disruptions. Here's an overview of what auto-recovery mode entails and how to resolve it:

Scenarios Triggering Auto-Recovery Mode

Auto-recovery mode engages in various situations, including:

• Adding new Access Points to network without wired uplink connection ;
• Unexpected failures in cables or ports;
• Other network failures (for example DHCP outages, etc).

Auto Recovery: Support from neighboring devices

When an Access Point lacks a wired uplink connection but identifies a neighboring device with a functional uplink, both devices enter auto-recovery mode. In this mode, they establish a temporary connection, with the operational device serving as a gateway to provide Internet access to the struggling device until the networking issue is resolved.

Internet connectivity can only be restored when healthy Access Points from the same network are in proximity to establish an auto-recovery connection connection. Otherwise, the device experiencing networking issues will remain offline.

Status warnings & icons

Users can easily identify devices in auto-recovery mode through status warnings and icons:

An information icon appears in the status column of affected devices on the Access Point page. Hovering over the icon displays one of the following warnings, depending on the device uplink status:

Access Point with uplink acting as gateway

Access Point without uplink

In addition, the Mesh status column helps to identify which device has lost its uplink connection and triggered the auto-recovery mode. Affected devices will be represented by the following icon: 

What to do if auto-recovery mode is active?

The actions required depend on the specific setup:

• Check Wired Connections: Navigate to the port view within the Details Page of the impacted Access Point in auto-recovery mode (identified as the device labeled 'Mesh AP' with a magic wand icon in the mesh status column). Ensure that the Access Point port status aligns with your expectations. If none of the ports are connected, it could be due to accidental unplugging or unexpected failures in cables or ports.
• Run WiFi AI: If the Access Point is not wired at all, utilizing WiFi AI is recommended to update your network settings. This action will transition the auto-recovery mode into a permanent mesh connection. You have the option to initiate an Instant WiFi AI scan or wait for the next scheduled maintenance window, during which WiFi AI will automatically conduct a scan if enabled. For further information, refer to this article.

Once uplink connectivity is restored, auto-recovery mode will be automatically disabled. 

Auto-recovery mode can be disabled. Detailed instructions can be found in this article.