- Thomson Wireless DSL Routers User's Guide

Chapter 2
Local Network Setup
E-DOC-CTC-20050429-0104 v1.0
31
2.2.5 Extending the Range of Your Wireless Network
WDS The SpeedTouch™ features Wireless Distribution System (WDS) functionality. This
feature allows you to extend the range of your wireless network by introducing one
or more WDS-enabled devices into your wireless network.
The Wireless Distribution System (WDS) enables data packets to pass from one
wireless access point to another, just as if the access points were ports on a wired
Ethernet switch. WDS allows you to extend the range of your SpeedTouch™ by
means of one or more wireless repeaters, like for instance a SpeedTouch™180. The
following illustration depicts two WDS-enabled devices communicating via WDS:
Preconditions Check on following:
 Your wireless repeater must be WDS enabled.
 Both your SpeedTouch™ and your wireless repeater must use:
 The same WEP key if WEP is enabled.
 The same fixed channel.
The SpeedTouch™ allows you to add up to four wireless repeaters.
Repeaters extend the coverage area of your wireless LAN, however bear in
mind that throughput is reduced for wireless clients that are connected
through a repeater.
SpeedTouch™180 SpeedTouch™620
WDS Link
!
WPA encryption is not supported when using WDS.
The SpeedTouch™ and your wireless repeater do not necessarily need to use
the same SSID. Using different SSIDs allows you to force your wireless
clients to use either the access point of the SpeedTouch™ or the one of your
wireless repeater.