User's Manual

Advanced Configuration
5-21
5
WDS Settings
Each access point radio interface can be configured to operate in a bridge or
repeater mode, which allows it to forward traffic directly to other access point units.
To set up bridge links between access point units, you must configure the wireless
Distribution System (WDS) forwarding table by specifying the wireless MAC address
of all units to which you want to forward traffic. Up to six WDS bridge or repeater
links can be specified for each unit in the wireless bridge network.
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) can be used to detect and disable network loops,
and to provide backup links between bridges. This allows a wireless bridge to
interact with other bridging devices (that is, an STP-compliant switch, bridge or
router) in your network to ensure that only one route exists between any two stations
on the network, and provide backup links which automatically take over when a
primary link goes down.
WDS Bridge – Up to six WDS bridge or repeater links (MAC addresses) can be
specified for each unit in the wireless bridge network. One unit only must be
configured as the “root bridge” in the wireless network. The root bridge is the unit
connected to the main core of the wired LAN. Other bridges need to specify one
“Parent” link to the root bridge or to a bridge connected to the root bridge. The other
five WDS links are available as “Child” links to other bridges.
• Bridge Role – Sets the radio to operate in one of the following four modes: (Default:
AP)
• AP (Access Point): Operates as an access point for wireless clients, providing
connectivity to a wired LAN.