3 using wds to create backup links, 2 security considerations related to wds links – Psion Teklogix 9160 G2 User Manual

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Psion Teklogix 9160 G2 Wireless Gateway User Manual

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Chapter 20: Wireless Distribution System

Using WDS To Create Backup Links

Figure 20.2 Extended Network Beyond The Wired Coverage Area

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 configure backup paths between access points across the network. For
example, between two access points you could have both a primary path via Ether-
net and a secondary (backup) wireless path via a WDS link. If the Ethernet connec-
tion 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 example, 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.

WDS Bridge

Client Station

Client Station

Client Station

“East Wing” AP

“Poolside” AP

Client Station

LAN

Wir

ed

(Eth

ern

et)

Con

nec

tion

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