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www.cooperbussmann.com/wirelessresources
Cooper Bussmann 245U-E Wireless Ethernet Modem & Device Server User Manual
Rev Version 2.19
Figure 53 Site B WDS Configuration 1
The WDS configuration for unit B is shown above (this page is accessible via the repeaters link from the
configuration webpages). Site B is acting as an access point for Site A, and is a client to Site C. Likewise, Site C is
acting as an access point for Site B, and a client for Site D. Since this example is a bridged network (all devices are
on the same IP network and each link is using a different SSID), there is no possibility of loops (multiple paths to the
same location) and you do not need to incur the overhead of enabling STP (bridge Spanning Tree Protocol).
You specify the devices at the other end of the WDS links by SSID only. MAC addresses can be used to specify
point-to-point links to third party devices that do not support meshing via SSID.
In this example, each virtual connection is using the same encryption method (WPA-PSK (AES) with a key of “Pass
Phrase.” However, as in example #1, the encryption method and key can be different for each virtual link or even
disabled (no encryption). Also the Spanning Tree Protocol is disabled because there is no possibility of network
loops.
Example 2: Roaming with WDS Access Points
Figure 54 WDS Roaming
Another common use for WDS is extending the range across a large wireless network but allowing roaming
connections between access points or being able to switch to the next access point when out of range of the
previous access point. Figure 54 shows a bridging network with a number of access points all with the same SSID,
and network structure, so the Stations can freely roam between access points.
Each access point then needs a separate connection to the next access point, which is provided using the WDS
virtual access points or stations. Site B is acting as a virtual access point for Site A and C, which in turn are
acting as virtual Stations. This setup can be replicated to extend the range and will allow any roaming stations full
connectivity across a network