To set up a new mesh using MeshCentral,follow these organized steps:

1. Create a New Mesh:

   • Log into MeshCentral's dashboard.
   • Navigate to the "Mesh" section.
   • Click on "New Mesh" to create a new mesh configuration.

2. Configure the Mesh:

   • Name: Assign a unique name for the mesh.
   • Port: Set the port number, typically 8 for local area networks.
   • Nodes:
     • Click on "Node" in the "Mesh" tab.
     • Enter the IP address and MAC address of each device.
     • Use "Network Settings" to manage IP addresses and MAC addresses as needed.
   • Links:
     • Navigate to "Node" in the "Mesh" tab.
     • Choose a link type (e.g., "Local Area Network") and assign the port number.
     • Consider setting up a VPN if necessary, by creating a VPN configuration and linking it to the mesh links.

3. Enable Mesh Management:

   • Go to "Network" settings.
   • Check the "Enable mesh management" box and enable it.

4. Configure Mesh Configuration:

   • Under "Network" settings, go to "Connection Rules."
   • Wildcard Rule: Set this to connect all devices in the mesh.
   • Connection Rules: Define rules such as connecting to certain devices or bypassing others if needed.

5. Connect Devices:

   • Use the "Connect" button in the "Network" settings to establish connections.
   • Ensure secure connections by using the correct credentials and authentication methods.
   • Perform a network scan to check for any connectivity issues.

6. Troubleshooting and Security:

   • Address any network connectivity or authentication errors.
   • Ensure all devices use the same authentication method and credentials.

7. Scalability and Additional Features:

   Use the "Mesh" feature in MeshCentral to add new devices without disrupting existing connections.

8. Consider Costs and User Interface:

   Compare costs with other options and ensure the user interface is user-friendly.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up a new mesh using MeshCentral, ensuring secure and efficient network management.