Configuring Wireless Distribution System (WDS) on the WAP131 and WAP351

Transcription

1 Article ID: 5045 Configuring Wireless Distribution System (WDS) on the WAP131 and WAP351 Objective Wireless Distribution System (WDS) allows you to connect multiple access points and have them communicate with one another wirelessly. This functionality can be used to provide a seamless network environment for roaming clients. WDS also simplifies network infrastructure by reducing the amount of cables required in a network setup. Up to 4 WDS interfaces may be configured and used at once.

2 The objective of this document is to show you how to configure a Wireless Distribution System (WDS) on the WAP131 and WAP351. Applicable Devices WAP131 WAP351 Software Version v Configuring a WDS Bridge Note: These configurations must be made on each access point on both ends of the WDS link. Note: In order for WDS to be enabled, auto channel selection must be disabled. To check this, go to Wireless > Radio on the web configuration utility, and select a channel number (not Auto) from the Channel drop-down list. For more information, refer to the article Configuring Basic Radio Settings on the WAP131 and WAP351. Step 1. Log in to the web configuration utility and choose Wireless > WDS Bridge. The WDS Bridge page opens: Step 2. In the Spanning Tree Mode field, check the Enable checkbox to enable spanning tree mode. Spanning Tree Mode helps prevent switching loops. STP is recommended if you configure WDS links. Switching loops are created from either WDS bridges or combination of Wired (Ethernet) connections and WDS bridges.

3 Step 3. Check the checkbox next to the WDS ports that you want to configure the settings for. Step 4. Click the Edit button to edit the desired WDS Port(s). Note: In order for WDS to be enabled, auto channel selection should be disabled. If it isn t, a notice will appear. To learn more, refer to the article Configuring Basic Radio Settings on the WAP131 and WAP351. Step 5. Click the Enable checkbox to enable WDS for the selected port(s).

4 Step 6. In the Radio drop-down list, choose the desired radio interface you want to apply the WDS settings to. The WAP131 and WAP351 are equipped with two radio channels: Radio 1 (2.4 GHz), and Radio 2 (5 GHz). Note: The Local MAC Address field displays the WAP s local MAC address. You can use this local MAC address when configuring other devices. Step 7. In the Remote MAC Address field, type in the MAC address of the destination access point. This is the device at the other end of the WDS bridge. Note: For security reasons, the MAC address shown above is not a real MAC address.

5 Step 8. In the Encryption field, click the down-drop list and choose either None or WPA Personal. The available options are defined as follows: None No encryption is used. Choose this if you are not concerned with security or have devices that don t support WPA. If you choose this option, skip to Step 11. WPA Personal Each user on the network authenticates with a key generated from the password. WPA uses a pre-shared key to authenticate between two access points. Step 9. If you have selected WPA Personal, enter in the WDS ID for authentication of WAP in the WDS ID field. The minimum WDS ID length is 2 characters, and the maximum is 32 characters. Note: The WDS ID should be the same in all the WAP devices that connect to the Wireless Distribution System.

6 Step 10. In the Key field, enter in the key for authentication for WAP. The minimum key length is 8 characters, and the maximum is 63 characters. Note: The key should be the same in all the WAP devices that connects to a Wireless Distribution System. Note: The WDS ID and Key fields can be hidden by clicking the Hidden Details text directly underneath the Encryption drop-down list. To show these fields again, click Show Details. Step 11. Click Save. Step 12. A window will pop up warning that changing the wireless settings may cause disconnections. Click OK to apply your settings.

7 Note: These settings need to be configured for the other device at the opposite end of the WDS bridge. When doing this, keep track of your WAP s Local Mac Address, as you will enter it in is the Remote Mac Address on the other device. Once the two devices are configured, the WDS will be active Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.