Configuring Wireless Distribution System Links

You can extend the wireless network across multiple access points, or connect the networks behind different access points, by creating a Wireless Distribution System (WDS). To create a WDS, you must add WDS links between the desired access points.

For more information on WDS links, see Overview.

The procedure below explains how to add or edit a WDS link. For information on deleting a WDS link, see Deleting VLANs.

To add or edit a WDS link

1. Configure and enable the primary WLAN.

   For information on configuring the primary WLAN manually, see Manually Configuring a Wireless Network.

   For information on using a wizard to configure the primary WLAN, see Using the Wireless Wizard.

2. Click Network in the main menu, and click the My Network tab.

   The My Network page appears.

3. Click Add Network.

   The Edit Network Settings page appears.

4. In the Network Name field, type a name for the WDS link.
5. In the Type drop-down list, select Wireless Distribution System.

   New fields appear.

6. In the Peer WLAN MAC Address field, type the WLAN MAC address of the access point to which you want to create a WDS link.

   Note: This is the MAC address of the WLAN interface, not the WAN MAC address. To see your access point's WLAN MAC address, click Reports in the main menu, and then click Wireless.

7. Do one of the following:
   • To create a bridged WDS link:
     1. In the Mode drop-down list, select Bridged.

        The fields are enabled and additional fields appear.

     2. Complete these fields as described in Bridged Network Fields.
   • To create a routed WDS link, do the following:
     1. In the Mode drop-down list, select Enabled.

        The fields are enabled.

     2. In the IP Address field, type the IP address of the WDS link's default gateway.

        The WDS link must not overlap other networks.

     3. In the Subnet Mask field, type the WDS link's internal network range.
8. If desired, enable or disable Hide NAT.

   See Enabling/Disabling Hide NAT.

9. If desired, configure a DHCP server.

   See Configuring a DHCP Server.

10. Complete the fields using the relevant information in Basic Wireless Settings Fields.
11. To configure advanced settings, click Show Advanced Settings and complete the fields using the relevant information in Advanced Wireless Settings Fields.

    New fields appear.

12. Click Apply.

    Note: Both sides of the WDS link must use the same radio channel and security settings.

    Note: WDS links support using the WEP security mode or no security. However, the access point can use any supported security protocol to communicate with wireless stations, including the WPA/WPA2 protocols.