Unified Access Point Administrator's Guide
Configuring 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 configure 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 traffic 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 configuration 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 configure the AP by using the D‐Link Unified 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 traffic exchange from this access point to others, click the WDS tab.
D-Link
November 2011
Configuring the Wireless Distribution System (WDS)
Unified Access Point Administrator's Guide
Page 81