AP-5131 Introduction 1-3
Once the AP-5131 (in client bridge mode) establishes at least one wireless connection, it establishes
other wireless connections in the background as they become available. In this way, the AP-5131 is
able to establish simultaneous redundant links. An AP-5131 (in client bridge mode) can establish up
to 3 simultaneous wireless connections with other AP-5131s. A client bridge always initiates the
connections and the base bridge is always the acceptor of the mesh network data proliferating the
network.
Since each AP-5131 can establish up to 3 simultaneous wireless connections, some of these
connections may be redundant. In that case, the STP algorithm establishes which links are the
redundant links and disables the links from forwarding.
For an overview on mesh networking as well as details on configuring the AP-5131’s mesh networking
functionality, see Configuring Mesh Networking on page 9-1.
1.1.2 Additional LAN Subnet
In a typical retail or small office environment (wherein a wireless network is available along with a
production WLAN) it is frequently necessary to segment a LAN into two subnets. Consequently, a
second LAN is necessary to “segregate” wireless traffic.
The AP-5131 now has a second LAN subnet enabling administrators to segment the AP-5131’s LAN
connection into two separate networks. The main AP-5131 LAN screen now allows the user to select
either LAN1 or LAN2 as the active LAN over the AP-5131’s Ethernet port. Both LANs can still be active
at any given time, but only one can transmit over the AP-5131 physical LAN connection. Each LAN
has a separate configuration screen (called LAN 1 and LAN 2 by default) accessible under the main
LAN screen. The user can rename each LAN as necessary. Additionally, each LAN can have its own
Ethernet Type Filter configuration, and subnet access (HTTP, SSH, SNMP and telnet) configuration.
For detailed information on configuring the AP-5131 for additional LAN subnet support, see
Configuring the LAN Interface on page 5-1.