NETGEAR WFS709TP-100NAS manual V1.0, June

WFS709TP ProSafe Smart Wireless Switch Software Administration Manual

WFS709TP switches provide 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.3af-compliant ports that can provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) to directly connected APs. When you connect a PoE-capable port on the WFS709TP to a PoE-compatible device such as an AP, the port automatically detects the device and provides operating power through the connected Ethernet cable. This allows APs to be installed in areas where electrical outlets are unavailable, undesirable, or not permitted, such as in the plenum or in air-handling spaces.

At least one WFS709TP is the master switch while non-master switches are referred to as local switches (Figure 1-4). A master WFS709TP offers a single point of configuration that is automatically replicated from the master to local WFS709TPs throughout the network.

Local WFS709TPs offer local points of traffic aggregation and management for APs and services. A local WFS709TP can perform any supported function (for example, WLAN management or policy enforcement). However, these services are always configured on the master WFS709TP and are “pushed” to specified local WFS709TPs.

An AP obtains its firmware image and configuration from a master switch; it can also be instructed by a master switch to obtain its software from a local switch.

Note: For information about configuring the switch for master or local status, see the “Run the Initial Setup” on page 2-6.

1-6 Overview of the WFS709TP

v1.0, June 2007