102 Configuring and managing ports and VLANs
NN47250-500 (Version 03.01)

Setting the port type

A WSS port can be one of the following types:
• Network port. A network port is a Layer 2 switch port that connects the WSS to other networking devices such as
switches and routers.
• AP access port. An AP access port connects the WSS to an AP. The port also can provide power to the AP. Wireless
users are authenticated to the network through an AP access port.
• Wired authentication port. A wired authentication port connects the WSS to user devices, such as workstations, that
must be authenticated to access the network.
All WSS ports are network ports by default. You must set the port type for ports directly connected to AP access ports
and to wired user stations that must be authenticated to access the network. When you change port type, WSS Software
applies default settings appropriate for the port type. Table 1 lists the default settings applied for each port type. For
example, the AP column lists default settings that WSS Software applies when you change a port type to ap (access
point).
Note. A Distributed AP, which is connected to WSSs through intermediate
Layer 2 or Layer 3 networks, does not use an AP access port. To configure for a
Distributed AP, see “Configuring for a AP” on page 104 and “Configuring APs” on
page 257.

Table 1: Port Defaults set by port type change

Parameter
Port type
AP Access Wired Authentication Network
VLAN
membership Removed from all
VLANs. You cannot
assign an AP access
port to a VLAN. WSS
Software automatically
assigns AP access ports
to VLANs based on
user traffic.
Removed from all VLANs. You
cannot assign a wired
authentication port to a VLAN.
WSS Software automatically
assigns wired authentication
ports to VLANs based on user
traffic.
None

Note: If you clear a

port, WSS Software

resets the port as a

network port but does

not add the port back to

any VLANs. You must

explicitly add the port

to the desired

VLAN(s).

Spanning Tree
Protocol (STP) Not applicable Not applicable Based on the STP states of
the VLANs the port is in.
802.1X Uses authentication
parameters configured
for users.
Uses authentication parameters
configured for users. No authentication.
Port groups Not applicable Not applicable None