WDS between different devices.

[kristoffer.gustavsson]

Hello!

I am going to setup some accesspoints for a client.

Currently they have two AP541N running in a cluster.

I want to add a WAP571E and a WAP371.

From what I've read they can't join the same cluster which means I have to use the WDS Bridge function.

What I'm simply wondering, will it work? I don't want to order hardware that I can't get running together smoothly.

Thanks in advance!

[Ingrid Aragon]

Kristoffer, I am one of the engineers from the Small Business team.

If you plan to add the 3 APs in a cluster, that won't work. The golden rule to form a cluster is the same WAP model and the same firmware version.

A cluster can be formed between two APs if the following conditions are met:
- The APs use the same radio mode (for example, radio 1 uses 802.11g)
- The APs are connected on the same bridged segment.
- The APs joining the cluster have the same Cluster Name.
- Clustering mode is enabled on both APs.

I hope you find this helpful.

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[kristoffer.gustavsson]

Thanks for the reply, I had already understood that forming a cluster with the two old AP541N accesspoints wasn't possible.

The amount of accesspoints I want to equip:
AP541N
AP541N
WAP371
WAP571
(worth mentioning is that they'll all be connected to the same switch)

So that users may roam around freely with a smooth operation on their devices.

Can I use the WDS Bridge function with all four accesspoints?

[Ingrid Aragon]

Yes, you can use the WDS Bridge, but keep in mind that:

- You will lose 50% of your bandwidth.
- All the units will be independently configured.
- All units need to reach to the master AP.

Click here for more information about WDS Bridge.

[kristoffer.gustavsson]

Ah thank you for your answer.

Much appreciated!