Connecting access point to mesh network

An access point comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions to cause the processor to perform acts comprising:
• in accordance with a determination that the access point is unconnected to a mesh network, establishing an unsecured connection with a first mesh portal in the mesh network based on a specific credential of the access point and the first mesh portal;
• transmitting identity information of the access point to the first mesh portal in the mesh network via the unsecured connection between the access point and the first mesh portal;
• in response to an acknowledgement from the first mesh portal that the identity information is valid, establishing a secured connection with a server via the first mesh portal by generating a shared key between the access point and the first mesh portal, reestablishing a connection with the first mesh portal based on the shared key, and establishing the secured connection with the server based on the reestablished connection with the first mesh portal and a connection between the first mesh portal and the server, wherein the identity information is verified based on registration of the access point in the server;
• obtaining configuration information of the access point from the server via the secured connection;
• determining, from the configuration information, a role of the access point indicative of whether the access point acts as a second mesh portal or a mesh point in the mesh network;
• and
• establishing a mesh link with the mesh network based on the role of the access point.