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AT-TQ2403 - Management Software - User's Guide

 

 

Chapter 20: Configuring the Wireless Distribution System (WDS)

The AT-TQ2403 Management Software lets you connect multiple access points using a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). WDS allows access points to communicate with one another wirelessly. This capability is critical in providing a seamless experience for roaming clients and for managing multiple wireless networks. It can also simplify the network infrastructure by reducing the amount of cabling required.

The following sections describe how to configure the WDS on the AT-TQ2403 Management Software:

∙Understanding the Wireless Distribution System

∙Using WDS to Bridge Distant Wired LANs

∙Using WDS to Extend the Network Beyond the Wired Coverage Area

∙Security Considerations Related to WDS Links

∙Understanding Static (WEP) Data Encryption

∙Understanding WPA (PSK) Data Encryption

∙Security Considerations Related to WDS Links

∙Navigating to WDS Settings

∙Configuring WDS Settings

∙Updating Settings

Understanding the Wireless Distribution System

A Wireless Distribution System (WDS) is a technology that wirelessly connects access points, known as Basic Service Sets (BSS), to form what is known as an Extended Service Set (ESS).

Note: A BSS generally equates to an access point (deployed as a single-AP wireless "network"), except in cases where multi-BSSID features make a single access point look like two or more access points to the network. In such cases, the access point has multiple unique BSSIDs.

Using WDS to Bridge Distant Wired LANs

In an ESS, a network of multiple access points, each access point serves part of an area which is too large for a single access point to cover. You can use WDS to bridge distant Ethernets to create a single LAN. For example, suppose you have one access point which is connected to the network by Ethernet and serving multiple client stations in the Conference Room (LAN Segment 1), and another Ethernet-wired access point serving stations in the West Wing offices (LAN Segment 2). You can bridge the Conference Room and West Wing access points with a WDS link to create a single network for clients in both areas.