WOP-12ac. Quick guide
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9 Cluster operation mode
9.1 Description
The Cluster operation mode allows managing devices in a cluster simultaneously, that sufficiently improves
operation efficiency while deploying, configuring or exploiting a wireless network.
When operating in Cluster mode, it is enough to configure only one access point. The rest of the access points
will copy the configuration of the device with set parameters. If the configuration of one access point in a
cluster has been changed, the other access points will apply the same changes. The solution is valid while
firmware update. Operation in Cluster mode allows performing manageable consistent firmware update of
devices in a cluster.
The cluster is a group of devices allocated in a single broadcast domain with synchronized configuration and
firmware. Cluster mode on the access point is enabled by default.
The defining parameter of the mode is the name of a cluster by which the identification of device attachment
to this cluster is performed. The default name of a cluster is
“default”
.
Multiple clusters with different names can be present on the network at the same time. One access point can
only belong to one of the clusters.
After loading, the device defines if there are devices located on the network with the same name as in its
configuration. If the devices with these parameters are not found, WOP-12ac becomes a master of the cluster.
If the devices belonging to the cluster are found, WOP-12ac starts copying the configuration of a master. Thus,
the first device with enabled Cluster mode occurred on the network becomes a master of its cluster. Other
devices occurred on the network later and having the same cluster name start duplicating the master
configuration. Several clusters with different names might be located in the same network simultaneously.
One access point should be included to only one cluster.
The device announces its affiliation to a cluster through a special protocol. The device sends broadcast UDP
packets to LAN with data on affiliation to a particular cluster. Thus, all the access points included to a cluster
exchange data among them, identify a master of the cluster and its configuration. The master carries out an
inventory of the devices in the cluster and always controls the quantity of the access points in the cluster and
their addresses.
9.2 Installation
It is sufficient that only one access point is configured when deploying a network. For providing data exchange
among devices in a cluster, install a DHCP server for network addresses distribution.
Network installation algorithm:
DHCP server installation.
Configuration and physical connection of an access point.
Physical connection of other access points in the cluster.
After installing the first access point, there is no need to configure the rest, it is sufficient to connect them
physically to the network. The devices will obtain network addresses, define the master of the “default” cluster
and will be automatically configured according to the master configuration.
Only access points from the same group can be combined into a cluster:
1 group
WEP-12ac
WOP-12ac
2 group
WEP-2ac
WEP-2ac Smart
WOP-2ac
WOP-2ac SFP
WOP-2ac GPON
