CONFIGURATION GUIDELINES

Before configuring the WDS settings, review the following guidelines:

„Only VAP1 in each radio interface can be specified to set up the WDS link. (There are two Virtual Access Points (VAPs) for each radio interface on the access point—VAP1 and VAP2. VAP1 is designated as the physical access point, and therefore, can be the only VAP specified to set up the WDS link.)

„The WDS link can be set up between 3Com access points only.

„The pair of access points to be configured with a WDS link must have the same radio channel and SSID.

RADIO BRIDGE ROLES

For each radio interface, there are three WDS roles to select from:

„AP—The access point behaves as a regular access point, which forwards data between the wireless clients and the wired network.

„Bridge—The access point behaves as a wireless bridge. The access point must have a bridge parent to which it forwards data to the Distribution System. The access point can also have bridge children, for which it acts as the bridge parent and helps to send data to the DS.

„Root-Bridge—The access point behaves as the “parent” of all connected WDS access points. The Root-Bridge has no bridge parents. Its Ethernet port is connected to the backbone of the wired LAN.

Note: A Root-Bridge can have a maximum of six child bridges assigned to it. A child bridge can have a maximum of five child bridges assigned to it.

BRIDGE ADDRESS ENTRY

When operating in AP mode, bridge address entries are not available.

When operating in Bridge mode, the access point must be connected to a Root-Bridge and, optionally, to a maximum of five child bridges.

When operating in Root-Bridgemode, the access point can connect to a maximum of six child bridges, with no bridge parent.

„Bridge Parent—Enter the MAC address of the bridge parent. The bridge parent must have the current access point configured as a child bridge. The MAC address can be in either ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff, ff-ff-ff-ff-ff-ff, or ffffffffffff format.

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3Com WL-455 manual Configuration Guidelines, Radio Bridge Roles, Bridge Address Entry
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WL-455 specifications

The 3Com WL-455 is a versatile wireless access point designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized enterprises. Renowned for its robust performance, this device is a critical component for businesses looking to enhance their wireless network capabilities.

One of the standout features of the WL-455 is its ability to support both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards. This dual compatibility allows organizations to maintain connectivity with a broad range of devices, ensuring high-speed internet access while reducing the risk of obsolescence as new technologies emerge. The WL-455 supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps, providing sufficient bandwidth for most applications utilized in a business environment.

Security is paramount in today's digital world, and the WL-455 excels in this area. It offers advanced security features including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption protocols, offering multiple layers of protection for sensitive data transmitted over the wireless network. This ensures that employees can connect to the network securely, minimizing the risks posed by potential threats.

In terms of management and installation, the 3Com WL-455 is designed for ease of use. It includes a streamlined web-based interface, which simplifies the process of configuring network settings. Additionally, the device supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling network administrators to deploy the access point without needing external power sources, reducing cabling clutter and simplifying setups.

The WL-455 is also equipped with a feature called Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes network traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth during peak usage times. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on real-time applications, such as VoIP or video conferencing, where latency and packet loss can severely impact performance.

With a sleek and compact design, the 3Com WL-455 can be easily mounted on ceilings or walls, allowing for flexible placement options within any office environment. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining optimal performance.

Overall, the 3Com WL-455 is a powerful solution for organizations aiming to implement a reliable and secure wireless network. With its range of features, user-friendly management tools, and robust security measures, it emerges as an excellent choice for businesses looking to improve their connectivity and efficiency in an increasingly wireless world.
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