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724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
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Page 83
Chapter 7: Using SmartPath EMS VMA
NOTE: A mesh point is a cluster member that uses a wireless backhaul connection to communicate with the rest of the cluster.
SmartPath EMS VMA manages mesh points through another cluster member that acts as a portal, which links mesh points
to the wired LAN.
When updating SmartPath APs in a mesh environment, the SmartPath EMS VMA communicates with mesh points through their
portal and, if there are any intervening mesh points, through them as well. While updating SmartPath APs in such an environ-
ment, it is important to keep the path from the SmartPath EMS VMA to all SmartPath APs clear so that the data transfer along
that path is not disrupted. Therefore, when updating a firmware image or configuration on SmartPath APs in a mesh environ-
ment, make sure that the portal or a mesh point closer to the portal does not reboot before the upload to a mesh point farther
away completes.
Switch
SmartPath AP
(Portal)
SmartPath AP
(Mesh Point 1)
SmartPath AP
(Mesh Point 2)
SmartPath EMS
= Wired Link
- - - - - = Wireless Link
Figure 7-18. SmartPath APs in a mesh environment.
To avoid the reboot of an intervening SmartPath AP from interfering with an ongoing upload to a mesh point beyond it, allow
enough time for the firmware to reach the farthest mesh points before activating the firmware. After all the SmartPath APs have
the firmware, rebooting any SmartPath APs between them and SmartPath EMS VMA becomes inconsequential.