Definition
Term
A mesh node that communicates with
ZoneDirector through its wireless interface.
Mesh AP (MAP)
An eMAP is a mesh node that is connected
to its uplink AP through a wired Ethernet
cable, rather than wirelessly. eMAP nodes
are used to bridge wireless LAN segments
together.
Ethernet-Linked Mesh AP (eMAP)
Each Mesh AP can have exactly one uplink
to a Root AP or another Mesh AP, and
each Root AP or Mesh AP can have
multiple Mesh APs connected to it,
resulting in a tree-like topology. A single
ZoneDirector can manage more than one
mesh tree. There is no limit on the number
of mesh trees per ZoneDirector. For
example, a ZoneDirector 1106 can manage
1mesh tree of 6 APs, 2 mesh trees of 3
APs each, or 3 mesh trees of 2 APs each.
Mesh Tree
The number of wireless mesh links a data
packet takes from one Mesh AP to the
Root AP. For example, if the Root AP is the
uplink of Mesh AP 1, then Mesh AP 1 is
one hop away from the Root AP. In the
same scenario, if Mesh AP 1 is the uplink
of Mesh AP 2, then Mesh AP 2 is two hops
away from the Root AP. A maximum of 8
hops is supported.
Hop
Supported Mesh Topologies
Smart Mesh networks can be deployed in three types of topologies:
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on page 298
•
on page 299
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on page 300
Standard Topology
The standard Smart Mesh topology consists of ZoneDirector and a number of Root APs
and Mesh APs. In this topology, ZoneDirector and the upstream router are connected
to the same wired LAN segment.
You can extend the reach of your wireless network by forming and connecting multiple
mesh trees to the wired LAN segment. In this topology, all APs connected to the wired
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Deploying a Smart Mesh Network
Supported Mesh Topologies
