D-Link DWL-2600AP [56/128] Configuring the wireless distribution system wds

Unied Access Point Administrator’s Guide

Page 56

March 2012

Section 4 - Managing the Access Point

Field Description

Session Key

Refresh Rate

Enter a value to set the interval at which the AP will refresh session (unicast) keys for each

client associated to the VAP.

The valid range is 0–86400 seconds. A value of 0 indicates that the broadcast key is not

refreshed.

Table 26 - WPA Enterprise

Note: After you congure the security settings, you must click Apply to apply the changes and to

save the settings.

Conguring the Wireless Distribution System (WDS)

The Wireless Distribution System (WDS) allows you to connect multiple UAPs. With WDS, APs communicate with one

another without wires in a standardized way. This capability is critical in providing a seamless experience for roaming

clients and for managing multiple wireless networks. It can also simplify the network infrastructure by reducing the

amount of cabling required. You can congure the AP in point-to-point or point-to-multipoint bridge mode based on the

number of links to connect.

In the point-to-point mode, the AP accepts client associations and communicates with wireless clients and other

repeaters. The AP forwards all trafc meant for the other network over the tunnel that is established between the APs.

The bridge does not add to the hop count. It functions as a simple OSI layer 2 network device.

In the point-to-multipoint bridge mode, one AP acts as the common link between multiple APs. In this mode, the

central AP accepts client associations and communicates with the clients and other repeaters. All other APs associate

only with the central AP that forwards the packets to the appropriate wireless bridge for routing purposes.

The UAP can also act as a repeater. In this mode, the AP serves as a connection between two APs that might be

too far apart to be within cell range. When acting as a repeater, the AP does not have a wired connection to the LAN

and repeats signals by using the wireless connection. No special conguration is required for the AP to function as a

repeater, and there are no repeater mode settings. Wireless clients can still connect to an AP that is operating as a

repeater.

Note: When you move an AP from Standalone Mode to Managed Mode, WDS is disabled.

In Managed Mode, you congure the AP by using the D-Link Unied Wireless Switch. The

Administrator UI, as well as Telnet, SSH, and SNMP access are disabled when the AP is in

Managed Mode.

To specify the details of trafc exchange from this access point to others, click the WDS tab.