New Features; Mesh Networking - Symbol AP-51 Series Product Reference Manual

1-2 AP-51xx Access Point Product Reference Guide

1.1 New Features

With this most recent 1.1 release of the access point firmware, the following new features have been
introduced to the existing feature set:
•

Mesh Networking

• Additional LAN Subnet
• On-board Radius Server Authentication
• Hotspot Support
• Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
• Manual Date and Time Settings
1.1.1 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.