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Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points
OL-29225-01
Chapter19 Configuring Repeater and Standby Access Points and Workgroup Bridge Mode
Understanding Hot Standby
Understanding Hot Standby
Hot Standby mode designates an access point as a backup for another access point. The standby access
point is placed near the access point it monitors, configured exactly the same as the monitored access
point. The standby access point associates with the monitored access point as a client and sends IAPP
queries to the monitored access point through both the Ethernet and the radio ports. If the monitored
access point fails to respond, the standby access point comes online and takes the monitored access
point’s place in the network.
Except for the IP address, the standby access point’s settings should be identical to the settings on the
monitored access point. If the monitored access point goes offline and the standby access point takes its
place in the network, matching settings ensures that client devices can switch easily to the standby access
point.
The standby access point monitors another access point in a device-to-device relationship, not in an
interface-to-interface relationship. For example, you cannot configure the standby access point’s 5-GHz
radio to monitor the 5-GHz radio in access point alpha and the standby’s 2.4-GHz radio to monitor the
2.4-GHz radio in access point bravo. You also cannot configure one radio in a dual-radio access point as
a standby radio and configure the other radio to serve client devices.
Hot standby mode is disabled by default.
Note If the monitored access point malfunctions and the standby access point takes its place, repeat the hot
standby setup on the standby access point when you repair or replace the monitored access point. The
standby access point does not revert to standby mode automatically.
Note The MAC address of the monitored access point might change if a BSSID on the monitored unit is added
or deleted. If you use multiple BSSIDs on your wireless LAN, check the status of the standby unit when
you add or delete BSSIDs on the monitored access point. If necessary, reconfigure the standby unit to
use the BSSID’s new MAC address.
Note Hot standby is not supported on the BR1410 configured for AP mode.
Step7 wpa-psk { hex | ascii } [ 0 | 7 ]
encryption-key
Enter a preshared key for the repeater.
Enter the key using either hexadecimal or ASCII characters. If
you use hexadecimal, you must enter 64 hexadecimal characters
to complete the 256-bit key. If you use ASCII, you must enter
from 8 to 63 ASCII characters, and the access point expands the
key for you.
Step8 end Return to privileged EXEC mode.
Step9 copy running-config
startup-config
(Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.
Command Purpose