Manage WLAN
With the integrated WLAN of the Centro Business, devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones can wirelessly access the local network and the internet. The WLAN settings are managed in the router portal under WLAN.
WLAN comparison Centro Business 2.0 vs Centro Business 3.0
| WLAN | Centro Business 2.0 | Centro Business 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 |
| WiFi 2.4 GHz Band | 2x2 802.11 b/g/n | 4x4 802.11 b/g/n/ax |
| WiFi 5.0 GHz Band | 3x3 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 4x4 802.11 b/g/n/ax |
| Encryption | WPA2 | WPA2/WPA3 |
| Shared Throughput | Up to 500 Mbps | Up to 1200 Mbps |
| WPS Support | Yes | Yes (not with WPA3 Only) |
| Separate WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Devices on 2.4 GHz | max. 64 | max. 128 |
| Devices on 5.0 GHz | max. 18 | max. 128 |
| Business WLAN-Box Support | – | Yes |
Typical use cases
- Office WLAN: Employees connect laptops and smartphones wirelessly
- Guest access: Separate WLAN for visitors (see Separate WLAN)
- IoT devices: Connect printers, cameras and smart devices wirelessly
- Area coverage: Extend the WLAN to large office areas with Mesh
Configure WLAN
In the router portal under WLAN → Basic settings.
Enable/disable WLAN
The Centro Business offers two independent WLANs (WLAN1 and WLAN2). Each can be enabled or disabled individually.
Network name (SSID) & password
- SSID: The visible network name that devices connect to
- Password: At least 16 characters (CB3.0) or 10 characters (CB2.0), with upper/lowercase letters, a number and a special character
Keep the WLAN password confidential — changing it requires reconfiguring all connected devices.
Encryption (WPA2/WPA3)
| Mode | Security | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| WPA2 | Good | All devices |
| WPA2/WPA3 (recommended) | Very good | Most current devices |
| WPA3 Only | Maximum | Only newer devices, no WPS |
Recommendation: Use WPA2/WPA3 for the best balance of security and compatibility. Only switch to "WPA3 Only" if all devices support WPA3.
Frequency band (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
| Band | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Greater range, better wall penetration | Slower, more interference |
| 5 GHz | Faster, less interference | Shorter range |
| Combined (default) | Router selects automatically | — |
Recommendation: Leave in combined mode. The router automatically assigns devices to the optimal band.
Channel selection
Under WLAN → Transmission settings, the WLAN channel can be selected manually. In normal cases, the automatic channel selection is optimal. A manual adjustment only makes sense in case of strong interference from neighbouring WLANs.
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS allows connecting devices by pressing a button without entering a password.
- Default: Disabled (for security reasons)
- Activation: In the router portal under WLAN → WPS, activate for the desired WLAN
- Limitation: WPS is not available with "WPA3 Only"
Recommendations
- Placement: Place the Centro Business as centrally as possible, freestanding and upright — not in a metal cabinet or behind furniture
- Extend range: For larger office areas, use a Business WLAN-Box (Mesh)
- Security: Use WPA2/WPA3, choose a strong password, only activate WPS when needed
- Performance: For bandwidth-intensive applications (video, backup), use Ethernet if possible
Limitations
- Maximum range depends on building materials and environment
- WPS not available with WPA3 Only
- With BNS/EC-S contract: WLAN settings are managed centrally in the EC Dashboard
FAQ - Manage WLAN
What are the password requirements for a WLAN password?
- CB3.0: Minimum 16 characters, maximum 32 characters
- CB2.0: Minimum 10 characters, maximum 32 characters (future: also min. 16)
- Minimum 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter, 1 number, 1 special character
- Check the password strength with the checker in the router portal
- Avoid confusable characters: I/l, 0/O
What to do if the WLAN signal doesn't reach everywhere?
- Place the Centro Business centrally and freestanding
- Remove obstacles (metal cabinets, thick walls)
- If needed, extend with a Business WLAN-Box (Mesh)
Does the Centro Business support WPS?
Yes, but WPS must first be activated in the router portal (disabled by default). WPS is not available with WPA3 Only.
Which WLAN settings are saved with Easy Activation?
The following settings are automatically restored when replacing a device or after a reset:
- WLAN name (SSID)
- Combined/Separated mode
- WLAN password
Details: Easy Activation explained
Do all devices support WPA3?
No, many older devices only support WPA2. Check if firmware updates are available. If in doubt, use the combined mode WPA2/WPA3.
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