Qolsys IQ WIFI

The IQ WIFI, previously the IQ Router while in development, is a mesh router system that supports up to 8 nodes and can support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WIFI networks. It is self-healing through built-in automation. It can be configured by the end-user and supports speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

Up to eight (8) Qolsys IQ WIFI devices can be used per network. In this type of configuration, one IQ WIFI acts as the controller, then up to seven (7) additional IQ WIFIs can be added to act as agents, for a total of eight (8) nodes. The controller connects via an Ethernet cable to the ISP's modem, modem/router or switch. From there, each additional IQ WIFI is joined to the existing WIFI network. The network can be configured using the touchscreen on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2/2 Plus or from a smartphone or tablet. The Qolsys panel must be running firmware version 2.6.0 or higher to support IQ WIFI configuration. You can find more information about firmware version 2.6.0 here.

There are two (2) ways that the Qolsys IQ WIFI is used. In the first way, the Qolsys IQ WIFI is the only router being used. In this configuration, the user will connect the IQ WIFI's WAN port to the Ethernet port on the modem or modem/router combination provided by the ISP. From there, the IQ WIFI can be configured in one of two ways. Using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus that is on the proper firmware version of 2.6.0 or higher, or it can be configured using a smartphone or tablet. In order to configure using an IQ Panel, the panel is connected to the IQ WIFI via WPS. Any additional IQ WIFI devices being used as agents will also be joined to the IQ WIFI acting as controller using WPS. Once the panel has been connected to the IQ WIFI Controller go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer or Dealer Code (1111 or 2222 respectively by default) > Installation > Devices > WIFI Devices > IQ WIFI. For full instructions on setting up the Qolsys IQ WIFI, read the Installation Guide.

The second way the Qolsys IQ WIFI is used is in parallel to an existing network. In this configuration, the IQ WIFI network is operating inside, but somewhat independently of, the existing network. To set this up, the initial IQ WIFI, the one that will be acting as the controller, is connected via its WAN port using the included Ethernet Cable, or a longer one if necessary, to an existing router or switch. When the WAN port of the Qolsys IQ WIFI is connected to an existing network, it will default to Controller mode. The IQ WIFI will be behaving as just another node on the primary network, but it will in turn create its own separate WIFI network inside that network. All WIFI devices can be joined to this network, or just the devices that the user wants to keep most secure can use it. From here, configuration using the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the configuration of additional IQ WIFIs to act as agents is accomplished as described above.

The IQ WIFI can really simplify life in a situation where the equipment that is providing the incoming internet connection from the ISP is replaced. In most cases, replacing this device means that the SSID and Password for every WIFI device on the network would have to be updated with the new SSID and Password. However, when the IQ WIFI is used to provide the SSID and Password this is not the case. Once the ISP equipment has been replaced, the IQ WIFI Controller will be connected via Ethernet Cable to the new piece of equipment. A power cycle or reboot of the Qolsys IQ WIFI will likely be required. But once the IQ WIFI powers on connected to the new modem or router and receives its network information, everything on the inside of the IQ WIFI network will connect as it always has. No need to go to each WIFI device and reconfigure the settings.

Inside the box, you'll find the Qolsys IQ WIFI, the power supply, an Ethernet Cable (approximately 5' in length) and a QR Code sticker that can be used to help configure the new IQ WIFI.

Specifications

• Device Type: WIFI Mesh Network Device
• Usage: Indoor Use Only
• Compliance: FCC
• WIFI Frequency: Wireless IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
  IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz - AC1200
• Protocols: IPv4 and IPv6
• DHCP:Server, Client
• Security: WPA2 encryption
• WPS: Yes, via Side Button
• Expandable Mesh: Add up to 8 nodes (1 controller & 7 Agents)
• Guest Network: Yes, 2.4GHz & 5GHz
• Ethernet Ports: 1x LAN & 1x WAN RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• Power Supply: Input: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 0.3A Max
  Output: 12VDC, 1A
• Processor & Memory: SSoC: MT7621DA (MIPS1004Kc dual-core 880MHz, SPI NOR Flash 64MB)
• Memory: 128MB DDR3 embedded
• Operating Distance: Up to 130'
• Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104° (0℃ - 40℃)F
• Operating Relative Humidity: 10% - 90% (non-condensing)
• LED Indicator: 4 Total, 2-color (Green and Red)
• Dimensions: 5.9" x 3.5" x 2.25" (150mm x 89mm x 57.2mm)
• SKU: QW8200-840