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How-To
WDS with SMCWEBS-N
1. Introduction
A Wireless Distribution System (WDS) is a system that enables the wireless interconnection
of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network. The radio interface of the SMCWEBS-N can be
configured to operate in a mode that allows it to forward traffic directly to other Wireless
Access Points/ Repeaters or Routers. This feature can be used to extend the range of the
wireless network to reach remote clients, or to link isolated network segments to an Internet
connection.
2. SMCWEBS-N Operation Modes for WDS
Bridge: Operates as a standard bridge that forwards traffic between WDS links (links that
connect to other units in Repeater or Lazy mode). The MAC addresses of WDS peers must be
configured on the Wireless-N Access Points/ Repeaters. Basically this mode is used when you
have a SMCWEBS-N with more than one WDS link to other AP/Repeaters.
IMPORTANT: In this mode wireless clients will not be able to connect to the SMCWEBS-N
directly.
Repeater: Operates as a wireless repeater, extending the range for remote wireless clients
and connecting them to an AP connected to the wired network. The MAC addresses of WDS
peers must be configured on the Wireless-N Access Point/Repeater.
Lazy: Operates in an automatic mode that detects and learns WDS peer addresses from
received WDS packets, without the need to configure a MAC address list. This feature allows
the Wireless-N Access Point/Repeater to associate with other Wireless-N Access
Point/Repeaters in the network and use their WDS MAC address list. Lazy mode requires one
other Wireless-N Access Point/Repeater within the wireless network that is configured in
Bridge or Repeater mode, and has a configured MAC address list.
The following picture shows an example of the different operation modes.