1532 point-to-multipoint configuration

[khan300]

Hi Guys,

need to know how to configure the 1532e AP's to a point to mulitpoint. We do not have a controller and will use them as autonomous. What configurations do I need to do on the AP and on the switch interfaces ? Can someone jot down the step by step configs through GUI?

THanks

[Prakash Parvathala · Accepted solution]

Hi Talal,

Check this http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/1530/installation/guide/1530hig/1530_ch1.html#pgfId-1071535

[khan300]

Useful links!

We have 3 1532e each having a directional antenna. We've already converted them into autonomous mode and now i think we just need to make one a Root AP and the other 2 Non-Root AP's.

I'm hoping all this can be done thru the AP's GUI.

[Scott Fella]

You can configure the AP via the GUI or CLI. The CLI is easier once you get use to it. 

-Scott

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[khan300]

Ok so before implementing on the site, I have connected 2 AP's via power inejctor and connected the antennas to it. Made one ROOT AP and the other one NON-ROOT AP.  Attached are the configs of both. Please have a look at the configuration, they are not detecting each other.

THanks

[Scott Fella]

I would change the channel to a non dfs channel if allowed where you are at. Also if your testing, don't place the AP's near each other, maybe place then in opposite ends of a room.  You might also what do define the TX power. 

-Scott 

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[khan300]

Hi Scott I just added bridge infront of Root, see below:

interface Dot11Radio1
 no ip address
 !
 encryption mode ciphers aes-ccm
 !
 ssid RCH
 !
 antenna gain 0
 peakdetect
 no dfs band block
 packet retries 64 drop-packet
 channel dfs
 station-role root bridge
 bridge-group 1
 bridge-group 1 spanning-disabled
!
 

Now its associating

802.11 Client Stations on Dot11Radio1:

SSID [RCH] :

MAC Address    IP address      IPV6 address                           Device        Name            Parent         State
dcce.c16e.22e0 192.168.1.5     ::                                     bridge        Root_AP         -              Assoc

[Scott Fella]

Cool.  Just remember to set your channel on the root and tx power also. 

-Scott 

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[khan300]

how do you recommend to set the channel on the root! I'm using 5 Ghz radio. Also can you tell me more about tx power ? this is the first time I'm configuring a point to mulitpoint :)

[Scott Fella]

Talal,

here is a link that shows the channel and power commands. Depending on how far the links will be and antenna, you can start with the highest power and work down. As far as channel, I would use a non DFS channel if it's allowed in the country the bridge is set to.

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/12-4_10b_JA/configuration/guide/scg12410b/scg12410b-chap6-radio.html#wp1209117

-Scott 

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[khan300]

The antenna I'm using is 8Dbm so should i select 8 Dbm in the power settings ? in the document you sent me, it says it can go upto 17 Dbm.

For channel should i just select 'least congested' ?

[Scott Fella]

You do not need to change the antenna dbm on the AP.  That is just for reference.  As far as channels go, don't let the AP choose, or else your link can flap.  Pick a channel and leave it, but try to stay away from DFS channels.

-Scott

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[khan300]

ok instead of channel dfs i have chosen 'channel 5520' on the root. Also one of the Non-root AP is coming as 'br-client' and 'bridge', while the other is coming only as 'bridge'. what does that mean ?

Also i have to put all these AP's in a particular VLAN, where should i define the VLAN in the AP ? I have already defined the ip addresses under BV1.

[Scott Fella]

Talal,

The channel should be fine. The non-root is a client so it will associate to the root bridge and that is why you see what you see. The vlan you place the management is up to you. I don't want to confuse you here but you can either connect the bridge like a point to point link and route or you can connect the bridge to a trunk port and pass client traffic that way. 

Here is a good article from Rasika

http://mrncciew.com/2013/01/13/autonoumous-ap-wireless-bridges/

-Scott

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[khan300]

Excellent. I only have one SSID so wont be needing any sub interfaces. I'll use a trunk port for it on the switch side.

I want to know how to check the speed of the point to mulitpoint links ? is there any show command we can use which tells us the speed of the links in Mb/s ?