Cooper Bussmann Wireless Ethernet & Device Server BU-945U-E 802.11 DSSS User Manual
The Spanning Tree Protocol implemented is IEEE 802.1d compatible. The algorithm forms a loop-free network by blocking traffic between redundant links in the network. These blocked links are placed in a standby condition, and may be automatically enabled to repair the network if another link is lost. The Spanning Tree Algorithm maintains a single path between all nodes in a network, by forming a tree-like structure. The Bridge Priority determines where the node sits in the tree. A Bridge configured with the lowest priority (0) will become the root node in the network, and will direct traffic between each of its branches. The root node is typically the unit that handles the majority of traffic in the network. The BU-945U-E is configured with a Bridge Priority of 32768 by default. The intention is to reduce traffic that the BU-945U-E must handle, by placing it at the branch level in the network tree. As a branch, the BU-945U-E needs only pass traffic to devices that are its “leaves.”
There is some overhead in maintaining a network utilizing the Spanning Tree Algorithm. Users wishing to increase their throughput, at the expense of redundancy should disable Spanning Tree. The Spanning Tree Protocol can be configured on the Repeaters configuration page.
3.12 Multiple AP Repeater Mesh Network
The range of a wireless network can be extended by allowing Access Points to behave as repeaters and forward traffic to other Access Points. Access Point to Access Point communications is also known as Wireless Distribution System (WDS). The BU-945U-E offers very powerful WDS configuration, allowing for a mesh network with self-healing functionality. Alternatively, fixed AP to AP links can be configured for optimized throughput. Each BU-945U-E Access Point supports up to 10 separate interfaces for WDS links to other devices. Each WDS interface can be either a bridge or router interface (refer section 1.1 “Network Topology” for more information on bridge vs router). If you need a simple repeater network, use a bridge interface.
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