Proxim AP-4000 User Manual page 74

Advanced Configuration
Interfaces
In the WDS example below, AP 1 and AP 2 communicate over a WDS link (represented by the blue line). This link
provides Client 2 with access to network resources even though AP 2 is not directly connected to the Ethernet network.
Packets destined for or sent by the client are relayed between the Access Points over the WDS link.
Figure 4-19 WDS Example
Bridging WDS
Each WDS link is mapped to a logical WDS port on the AP. WDS ports behave like Ethernet ports rather than like
standard wireless interfaces: on a BSS port, an Access Point learns by association and from frames; on a WDS or
Ethernet port, an Access Point learns from frames only. When setting up a WDS, keep in mind the following:
• WDS and Mesh functionality cannot be enabled on the same radio when the AP is configured to function as a Mesh
AP.
• There are separate security settings for clients and WDS links. The same WDS link security mode must be configured
(currently we only support none or WEP) on each Access Point in the WDS and the same WEP key must be
configured.
• The WDS link shares the communication bandwidth with the clients. Therefore, while the maximum data rate for the
Access Point's cell is 54 Mbits/second (802.11a, 4.9 GHz, 802.11g only, or 802.b/g modes) or 11 Mbits/second
(802.11b only mode), client throughput will decrease when traffic is passing over the WDS link.
• If there is no partner MAC address configured in the WDS table, the WDS port remains disabled.
• A WDS port on a single AP should have a unique partner MAC address. Do not enter the same MAC address twice in
an AP's WDS port list.
• Each Access Point that is a member of the WDS must have the same Channel setting to communicate with each
other.
• If your network does not support spanning tree, be careful to avoid creating network loops between APs. For example,
creating a WDS link between two Access Points connected to the same Ethernet network will create a network loop (if
spanning tree is disabled). For more information, see the
• When WDS is enabled, Spanning Tree protocol is automatically enabled. It may be manually disabled. If Spanning
Tree protocol is enabled by WDS and WDS is subsequently disabled, Spanning tree will remain enabled until it is
manually disabled. See Spanning Tree.
AP-4000/4000M/4900M User Guide
Spanning Tree section.
74