D-Link Unified Access System Topology; Single Unified Switch Deployment; Peer Unified Switch Deployment - D-Link DWS-3160-24TC Hardware Installation Manual

DWS-3160 Series Gigabit Ethernet Unified Switch Hardware Installation Guide

D-Link Unified Access System Topology

The WLAN network topology you use depends on the size and requirements of your network. Small-to-medium
networks might require only one Unified Switch that manages a few D-Link Access Points. For larger networks that
need greater roaming capabilities for wireless clients, a deployment with multiple peer switches that each manages
several APs might be appropriate.

Single Unified Switch Deployment

When you deploy a D-Link Access Point, the D-Link Unified Switch can automatically detect the AP and assign a
default profile, which includes automatic RF channel selection and automatic power adjustment.
Figure 5-2 One Unified Switch with Three APs
When the APs are on the same subnet and have the same SSID, wireless clients can seamlessly roam among the
three APs with no interruption in network access. The client keeps the same IP address and does not need to re-
authenticate when it moves into the broadcast area of a different AP. Configuration changes to the APs are managed
by the switch simultaneously or on a per-AP basis.

Peer Unified Switch Deployment

To support larger networks, you can configure up to four switches as peers, which increases the size and range of the
WLAN. The Unified Switch and the APs it manages do not need to be on the same subnet.
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