Specifications

Altitude 3500 Series Access Point Product Reference Guide
27
Mesh Networking
Utilize the new mesh networking functionality to allow the access point to function as a bridge to
connect two Ethernet networks or as a repeater to extend your network’s coverage area without
additional cabling. Mesh networking is configurable in two modes. It can be set in a wireless client
bridge mode and/or a wireless base bridge mode (which accepts connections from client bridges).
These two modes are not mutually exclusive.
In client bridge mode, the access point scans to find other access points using the selected WLAN’s
ESSID. The access point must go through the association and authentication process to establish a
wireless connection. The mesh networking association process is identical to the access point’s MU
association process. Once the association/authentication process is complete, the wireless client adds the
connection as a port on its bridge module. This causes the access point (in client bridge mode) to begin
forwarding configuration packets to the base bridge. An access point in base bridge mode allows the
access point radio to accept client bridge connections.
The two bridges communicate using the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The spanning tree determines the
path to the root and detects if the current connection is part of a network loop with another connection.
Once the spanning tree converges, both access points begin learning which destinations reside on which
side of the network. This allows them to forward traffic intelligently.
After the access point (in client bridge mode) establishes at least one wireless connection, it will begin
beaconing and accepting wireless connections (if configured to support mobile users). If the access point
is configured as both a client bridge and a base bridge, it begins accepting client bridge connections. In
this way, the mesh network builds itself over time and distance.
Once the access point (in client bridge mode) establishes at least one wireless connection, it establishes
other wireless connections in the background as they become available. In this way, the access point can
establish simultaneous redundant links. An access point (in client bridge mode) can establish up to 3
simultaneous wireless connections with other Altitude 3510s or Altitude 3550s. A client bridge always
initiates the connections and the base bridge is always the acceptor of the mesh network data
proliferating the network.
Since each access point can establish up to 3 simultaneous wireless connections, some of these
connections may be redundant. In that case, the STP algorithm determines which links are the
redundant links and disables the links from forwarding.
For an overview on mesh networking as well as details on configuring the access point’s mesh
networking functionality, see “Configuring Mesh Networking” on page 515.
Additional LAN Subnet
In a typical retail or small office environment (wherein a wireless network is available along with a
production WLAN) it is frequently necessary to segment a LAN into two subnets. Consequently, a
second LAN is necessary to “segregate” wireless traffic.
The access point has a second LAN subnet enabling administrators to segment the access point’s LAN
connection into two separate networks. The main access point LAN screen allows the user to select
either LAN1 or LAN2 as the active LAN over the access point’s Ethernet port. Both LANs can still be
active at any given time, but only one can transmit over the access point’s physical LAN connection.
Each LAN has a separate configuration screen (called LAN 1 and LAN 2 by default) accessible under
the main LAN screen. The user can rename each LAN as necessary. Additionally, each LAN can have its
own Ethernet Type Filter configuration, and subnet access (HTTP, SSH, SNMP and telnet) configuration.