Mbssid; Wireless Distribution System (Wds) - ZyXEL Communications P-2612HW-F1 User Manual

Chapter 8 Wireless LAN

8.9.3 MBSSID

Traditionally, you needed to use different APs to configure different Basic Service
Sets (BSSs). As well as the cost of buying extra APs, there was also the possibility
of channel interference. The ZyXEL Device's MBSSID (Multiple Basic Service Set
IDentifier) function allows you to use one access point to provide several BSSs
simultaneously. You can then assign varying QoS priorities and/or security modes
to different SSIDs.
Wireless devices can use different BSSIDs to associate with the same AP.
8.9.3.1 Notes on Multiple BSSs
• A maximum of eight BSSs are allowed on one AP simultaneously.
• You must use different keys for different BSSs. If two wireless devices have
different BSSIDs (they are in different BSSs), but have the same keys, they
may hear each other's communications (but not communicate with each other).
• MBSSID should not replace but rather be used in conjunction with 802.1x
security.

8.9.4 Wireless Distribution System (WDS)

The ZyXEL Device can act as a wireless network bridge and establish WDS
(Wireless Distribution System) links with other APs. You need to know the MAC
addresses of the APs you want to link to. Once the security settings of peer sides
match one another, the connection between devices is made.
At the time of writing, WDS security is compatible with other ZyXEL access points
only. Refer to your other access point's documentation for details.
The following example illustrates how WDS link works between APs. Notebook
computer A is a wireless client connecting to access point AP 1. AP 1 has no
wired Internet connection, but can establish a WDS link with access point AP 2,
which does. When AP 1 has a WDS link with AP 2, the notebook computer can
access the Internet through AP 2.
Figure 91 WDS Link Example
A
162
WDS
AP 1
Internet
AP 2
P-2612HW-F1 User's Guide