The Client Bridge Association Process - Extreme Networks Altitude 4700 Series Product Reference Manual

Configuring Mesh Networking
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 client bridge establishes at least one wireless connection (if configured to support mobile
users), it begins beaconing and accepting wireless connections. If configured as both a client bridge and
a base bridge, it begins accepting client bridge connections. Therefore, the mesh network could connect
simultaneously to different networks in a manner whereby a network loop is not created and then the
connection is not blocked. Once the client bridge establishes at least one wireless connection, it begins
establishing other wireless connections as it finds them available. Thus, the client bridge is able to
establish simultaneous redundant links.
A mesh network must use one of the two Access Point LANs. If intending to use the Access Point for
mesh networking support, Extreme Networks recommends configuring at least one WLAN (of the 16
WLANs available) specifically for mesh networking support.
The client bridge creates up to three connections if it can find base bridges for connection. If the
connections are redundant (on the same network), then one connection will be forwarding and the
others blocked. However, if each of the connections links to a different wired network, then none are
redundant and all are forwarding. Thus, the bridge automatically detects and disables redundant
connections, but leaves non-redundant connections forwarding. This gives the user the freedom to
configure their topology in a variety of ways without limitations. This is important when configuring
multiple Access Points for base bridge support in areas like a shipping yard where a large radio
coverage area is required. For more information on configuring the Access Point in respect to specific
usage scenarios, see "Mesh Network Deployment - Quick Setup" on page
NOTE
Since each Access Point can establish up to 3 simultaneous wireless connections, some of these
connections could be redundant. If this is the case, the STP algorithm defines which links are the redundant links
and disables those links from forwarding.
If an Access Point is configured as a base bridge (but not as a client bridge) it operates normally at boot
time. The base bridge supports connections made by other client bridges.
The dual-radio model Access Point affords users better optimization of the mesh networking feature by
enabling the Access Point to transmit to other mesh network members using one independent radio and
transmit with associated MUs using the second independent radio.
CAUTION
Only Extreme Networks AP4700 or AP3500 series model access points can be used as base bridges,
client bridges or repeaters within an access point supported mesh network. If utilizing a mesh network, Extreme
Networks recommends considering a dual-radio model to optimize channel utilization and throughput.

The Client Bridge Association Process

An Access Point in client bridge mode performs an active scan to quickly create a table of the Access
Points nearby. The table contains the Access Points matching the ESS of the client bridge AP's WLAN.
The table is used to determine the best Access Point to connect to (based on signal strength, load and
the user's configured preferred connection list).
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Altitude 4700 Series Access Point Product Reference Guide