ZyXEL Communications wireless n gigbit router zyxel manual 122, Roaming Example

Chapter 7 Wireless LAN

122

The roaming feature on the access points allows the access points to relay information about the wireless stations to each other. When a wireless station moves from a coverage area to another, it scans and uses the channel of a new access point, which then informs the other access points on the LAN about the change. An example is shown in Figure 88 on page 122.

With roaming, a wireless LAN mobile user enjoys a continuous connection to the wired network through an access point while moving around the wireless LAN.

Enable roaming to exchange the latest bridge information of all wireless stations between APs when a wireless station moves between coverage areas. Wireless stations can still associate with other APs even if you disable roaming. Enabling roaming ensures correct traffic forwarding (bridge tables are updated) and maximum AP efficiency. The AP deletes records of wireless stations that associate with other APs (Non-ZyXEL APs may not be able to perform this). 802.1x authentication information is not exchanged (at the time of writing).

Figure 88 Roaming Example

The steps below describe the roaming process.

1Wireless station Y moves from the coverage area of access point AP 1 to that of access point AP 2.

2Wireless station Y scans and detects the signal of access point AP 2.

3Wireless station Y sends an association request to access point AP 2.

4Access point AP 2 acknowledges the presence of wireless station Y and relays this information to access point AP 1 through the wired LAN.

5Access point AP 1 updates the new position of wireless station Y.

NBG-460N User’s Guide