National Instruments WAP-3711, WAP-3701 user manual Association Control, AP Load Balancing

NI WAP-3701/3711 User’s Manual Web Console Configuration

Association Control

If the number of currently associated wireless clients exceeds the value specified in the Max number of clients setting, no more wireless clients can associate with the NI WAP-3701/3711. If the traffic load of the NI WAP-3701/3711 exceeds the load specified in the Block clients if traffic load exceeds setting, no more wireless clients can associate with the NI WAP-3701/3711.

AP Load Balancing

Several APs can form a load-balancing group if they are set with the same Group ID. The load-balancing policy can be by Number of Users or by Traffic Load.

If the by-number-of-userspolicy is selected, a new wireless user can only associate with an AP that has the smallest number of associated wireless users in the group. On the other hand, if the by-traffic-load policy is selected, a new wireless user can only associate with an AP that has the least traffic load in the group.

Wireless Distribution System

Notebook

Computer

WDS

LAN

AP 2 AP 1

Traditionally, access points are connected by Ethernet. By using a Wireless Distribution System (WDS), APs can communicate with one another wirelessly. For example, AP 2 acts as an access point for the notebook computers and it forwards packets sent from the notebook computers to AP 1 through WDS. Then, AP 1 forwards the packets to the Ethernet LAN. Packets destined for the notebook computers follow a reverse path from the Ethernet LAN through the APs to the notebook computers. In this way, AP 2 plays a role of “AP repeater.”

LAN	WDS Link	LAN
Segment 1		Segment 2
Bridge 1		Bridge 2

3-13