Optional Mesh Configuration Features
The following settings are disabled by default and are not necessary for standard mesh
configuration. These settings can be used to fine-tune your mesh network to prevent
issues such as excessive broadcast ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) requests, traffic
looping and excessive number of mesh hops.
•
ARP Broadcast Filter
: The ARP Broadcast filter is designed to reduce IPv4 Address
Resolution Protocol (ARP) and IPv6 Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) broadcasts
over the air. Once enabled, access points will sniff ARP/NDP responses and maintain
a table of IP addresses to MAC address entries. When the AP receives an ARP/NDP
broadcast request from a known host, the AP converts the broadcast request packet
into a unicast request by replacing the broadcast address with the MAC address. If
the AP receives a request from an unknown host, it forwards the request at the rate
limit specified in the Packet Inspection Filter.
•
Mesh Topology Detection
: Set the number of mesh hops and mesh downlinks after
which ZoneDirector should trigger warning messages.
Step 3: Provision and Deploy Mesh Nodes
In this step, you will connect each AP to the same wired network as ZoneDirector to
provision it with mesh-related settings. After you complete provisioning an AP, you must
reboot it for the mesh-related settings to take effect.
To provision and deploy a mesh node:
1.
Using one of the AP's Ethernet ports, connect it to the same wired network to which
ZoneDirector is connected, and then power it on. The AP detects ZoneDirector and
sends a join request.
2.
If Auto Approval is enabled, continue to Step 3. If Auto Approval is disabled, log into
ZoneDirector, check the list of currently active access points for the AP that you are
attempting to provision, and then click the corresponding Allow link to approve the
join request.
3.
After the AP has been provisioned, disconnect it from the wired network, unplug the
power cable, and then move the device to its deployment location.
• If you want the AP to be a Root AP, reconnect it to the wired network using one
of its Ethernet ports, and then power it on. When the AP detects ZoneDirector
again through its Ethernet port, it will set itself as a Root AP, and then it will start
accepting mesh association requests from Mesh APs.
• If you want the AP to be a Mesh AP, power it on but do not reconnect it to the
wired network. When it does not detect ZoneDirector through its Ethernet port
within 90 seconds, it will search for other Root APs or Mesh APs and, once mesh
neighbor relationships are established, form a mesh tree.
NOTE
After an AP in its factory default state has been provisioned, you need to
reboot it to enable mesh capability.
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Ruckus Wireless ZoneDirector™ Release 10.0 User Guide
Deploying a Smart Mesh Network
Deploying a Wireless Mesh via ZoneDirector
