Datasheet

AP-5131 Access Point Product Reference Guide
1-22
• Supported rate changes or the MU finds a better transmit rate with another AP-5131
• RSSI (received signal strength indicator) of a potential AP-5131 exceeds the current
AP-5131
• Ratio of good-transmitted packets to attempted-transmitted packets falls below a threshold.
An MU selects the best available AP-5131 and adjusts itself to the AP-5131 direct-sequence channel
to begin association. Once associated, the AP-5131 begins forwarding frames addressed to the target
MU. Each frame contains fields for the current direct-sequence channel. The MU uses these fields to
resynchronize to the AP-5131.
The scanning and association process continues for active MUs. This process allows the MUs to find
new AP-5131’s and discard out-of-range or deactivated AP-5131’s. By testing the airwaves, the MUs
can choose the best network connection available.
1.2.7 Operating Modes
The AP-5131 can operate in a couple of configurations.
• Access Point - As an Access Point, the AP-5131 functions as a layer 2 bridge (similar to
Symbol’s existing AP-4131 access point). The wired uplink can operate as a trunk and
support multiple VLANs. Up to 16 WLANs can be defined and mapped to AP-5131 WLANs.
Each WLAN can be configured to be broadcast by one or both AP-5131 radios (unlike the
AP-4131). The AP-5131 can operate in both an Access Point mode and Wireless Gateway/
Router mode simultaneously. The network architecture and AP-5131 configuration define
how the Access Point and Wireless Gateway/Router mode are negotiated.
• Wireless Gateway/Router - If operating as a Wireless Gateway/Router, the AP-5131
functions as a router between two layer 2 networks: the WAN uplink (the ethernet port) and
the Wireless side. A number of options are available providing a solution for single-cell
deployment:
• PPPoE - The WAN interface can terminate a PPPoE connection, thus enabling the
AP-5131 to operate in conjunction with a DSL or Cable modem to provide WAN
connectivity.
• NAT - (Network Address Translation) on the Wireless interface. Using NAT, the AP-5131
router is able to manage a private IP scheme. NAT allows translation of private
addresses to the WAN IP address.
• DHCP - On the Wireless side, the AP-5131 can assign private IP addresses.
• Firewall - In between the WAN and Wireless interfaces, a Firewall protects against a
number of known attacks.