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Figure 20.2 Extended Network Beyond The Wired Coverage Area
Client Station
Client Station
20.1.3 Using WDS To Create Backup Links
Another use for WDS bridging is the creation of backup links. With Spanning Tree Protocol
(STP) automatically enabled on the 9160 G2 Wireless Gateway, WDS can be used to con-
figure backup paths between access points across the network. For example, between two
access points you could have both a primary path via Ethernet and a secondary (backup)
wireless path via a WDS link. If the Ethernet connection goes down, STP reconfigures its
map of the network and effectively fixes the down network segment by activating the
backup wireless path.
20.2
Security Considerations Related To WDS Links
It is important to set some type of security on WDS links. You can set any type of security
on the WDS link, regardless of the security setting applied to the APs on the link. For exam-
ple, you may have the security on AP1 set to None and the security on AP2 set to WEP.
Even though both settings are different, you can choose to set the security on the WDS link
as either None or WEP. The only exception to this rule is in the case of WPA (PSK). The
WPA (PSK) security setting can only be set on the WDS link if you have set security on both
AP1 and AP2 to either WPA Personal or WPA Enterprise.
20.2.1 Understanding Static WEP Data Encryption
Static Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a data encryption protocol for 802.11 wireless
networks. Both access points in a given WDS link must be configured with the same secu-
rity settings. For static WEP, either a static 64-bit (40-bit secret key + 24-bit initialization
WDS Bridge
"Poolside" AP
Psion Teklogix 9160 G2 Wireless Gateway User Manual
Chapter 20: Wireless Distribution System
Using WDS To Create Backup Links
Client Station
"East Wing" AP
LAN
Client Station
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