Unable to Add Member APs to Existing Master in Gateway Mode – “Configure.Me” Broadcast Persists

[srk]

Hello Ruckus Support,

I recently moved into a previously owned Lennar home equipped with Ruckus Unleashed APs. I was able to successfully configure a Master AP in Gateway mode and it is functioning correctly with client connectivity and Internet access.

However, I am unable to add Member APs to the Unleashed network. Despite factory resetting the Member APs and following standard onboarding procedures, they do not join the Master, and instead broadcast the Configure.Me-xxxxx SSID.

Steps I’ve Taken:

• Factory reset Member APs using the hardware reset button (10+ seconds).

• Disconnected the Master AP and connected only one Member AP to the PoE switch to rule out interference.

• Reconnected Master AP and attempted to bring Member AP online.

• Confirmed all APs are on the same Layer 2 subnet and connected through the same ICX switch.

• Verified the firmware version on the Master is 200.x.

• Attempted to SSH into the Member AP to set the director IP (set director ip <master-ip>), but credentials super/sp-admin admin/sp-admin did not work.

• No “Join Existing Network” option appears in the setup wizard on the Member AP’s web UI.

• Observed similar behavior to this issue posted here however it didn't have resolution.

  • https://community.ruckuswireless.com/t5/RUCKUS-Support-for-Lennar-Homes/Unleashed-APs-Not-Connecting...

Request:

Please assist in:

• Verifying how I can SSH into the Member AP (or reset the credentials if needed).

• Determining if there’s a known issue causing the Member AP to not auto-discover or join the Master in Gateway mode.

• Clarifying if specific DHCP or VLAN configurations are needed when in Gateway mode.

• Advising if Discovery Agent needs to be enabled manually and how to proceed without CLI access.

• Are there any settings need to be changes on AT&T modem to avoid any sluggish internet access

[srk]

I’ve followed the same Knowledge Base self-help article and have attempted the configuration nearly 10 times, but the member APs still fail to join the cluster.

I would appreciate it if you could review my earlier messages and attached screenshots to help identify the root cause, rather than providing general suggestions.. I am not able to do SSH to any AP due to the credentials. i don't see the the option to attach screenshot to share my setup.At_T dashboardAT&T ModemMaster APMaster APMember AP is blinking

[pinky_ruckus]

Hello @srk ,

Thank you for the response.

From the response, I understand that you are unable to connect Member Access points to the Master AP even after performing reset.

We would request you to perform a full reset of the Unleashed network to restore access to the Unleashed management interface or to reconfigure the system from scratch, especially if access credentials have been lost or are no longer working.

Please use the mentioned perform a fully reset of the Unleashed link:

https://community.ruckuswireless.com/t5/RUCKUS-Self-Help/How-to-reset-entire-Unleashed-network-for-r...

Please let us know if you have any queries in this regard.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Regards,

Pinky Rajendran

RUCKUS Lennar Home Community

[srk]

I performed a full factory reset on all Ruckus Unleashed APs and attempted to configure the network in Gateway mode. However, in this mode, the Member APs do not join the Master AP automatically.

When I reconfigured the Master AP without Gateway mode (i.e., Bridge mode), the Member APs joined automatically and functioned as expected. However, in Bridge mode, I’ve observed intermittent issues with internet performance – including sluggish speeds and occasional failures to load mobile apps (particularly when switching between Wi-Fi and web browser or between APs).

Can you please clarify:

• What is the recommended mode (Gateway vs. Bridge) for a typical residential setup where the Master AP is connected to a switch, and the switch uplinks to an AT&T modem/router?

• How can I ensure seamless internet access across all devices, especially when transitioning between APs or between applications?

• Is there any additional configuration needed to improve performance in Bridge mode (e.g., DHCP settings, DNS, NAT behavior)?

Any guidance to ensure reliable AP clustering and smooth device connectivity would be appreciated.

[pinky_ruckus]

Hello @srk ,

Thank you for the response.

I understand that you have performed full factory reset of the Unleashed network, and configured in bridge mode.

Please use the mentioned steps to perform a fully reset of the Unleashed link:

https://community.ruckuswireless.com/t5/RUCKUS-Self-Help/How-to-reset-entire-Unleashed-network-for-r...

You may use the CLI option to add the member APs to the network using the steps in the mentioned link.

Please let us know if you have any queries in this regard.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Regards,

Pinky Rajendran

RUCKUS Lennar Home Community

[srk]

Hi Pinky,

I’m not sure if my previous response was fully reviewed. To clarify:
In Bridge mode, the Unleashed setup works, and I’m able to successfully add all Member APs. However, I’ve noticed the internet feels sluggish, and when I connect devices to the network, the Member APs’ LED indicators don’t turn orange—which suggests that the devices are not connecting to the nearest AP, but rather defaulting to the Master AP.

Could you please advise:

• How can I ensure that devices connect to the nearest AP and no sluggish internet?

• Are there specific configuration settings required to enable or optimize this handoff?