Wireless Bridge using Mobility Express

[dot1x]

Hi All,

We are looking to create wireless bridge between 2 sites. We intend to use 1562D Access Point as autonomous APs.

I just checked this AP comes either with Lightweight Image or Mobility Express Image.

Since we won't be using any controller, my question is:

Is it possible to use 1562D for wireless bridge using Mobility Express?

[Rasika Nayanajith]

Not possible.

Mobility Express image allow AP to run WLC functionality within it. It is not act as autonomous image where you can put radios into "Root Bridge /Non-Root Bridge/WorkGroup Bridge mode)

As of today, If you are using 1562, then you have to have a WLC & use those AP as Mesh mode.

HTH

Rasika

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[dot1x]

If we need to use autonomous bridge, should we go with 1532E?

[Rasika Nayanajith]

Refer this link for Cisco outdoor & industrial grade AP comparison.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/outdoor-wireless/compare-outdoor-and-industrial-access-points.html

1532E would work, it is 802.11n (not 11ac supported).

See if IW3702 (Industrial Wireless 3702 Access Point) model is suitable for your work, which is 11ac & come with Autonomous image.

HTH

Rasika

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[dot1x]

Thanks Rasika,

1532E has 2 interfaces, WAN (which is PoE) and LAN.

For autonomous point to point, which port should we use?

Since we'll be bridging 2 sites, I believe we have to enable Ethernet Bridging (which uses LAN port), correct me if I'm wrong?

If that's the case, do we need to run 2 cables per AP? One to provide Power over Ethernet (connected to WAN interface) and other to provide data (connected to LAN interface)?

[Rasika Nayanajith]

You have to use PoE-IN port , if you powering AP from a PoE switch or Injector. In that way that is the connection going to switch on your branch.

Refer below installation guide for more details.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/1530/installation/guide/1530hig.pdf

LAN port can be used for back hauling each other like below

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-1530-series/data_sheet_c78-728356.html

HTH

Rasika

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[dot1x]

Thanks Rasika,

Does it mean LAN interface is used for Serial Backhaul. (which makes sense).

In our case, we don't have to use LAN interface at all? All the data traffic will be going through WAN interface and enabling ethernet bridging from GUI/CLI will allow WAN interface to carry VLAN traffic between the sites?

The following statement confused us:

The 1532 has 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the PoE-in port, which is the main WAN port, and an additional LAN port. The PoE-in port should be used to power the access point and connect to a WLC. The LAN port will be used for Ethernet Bridging and Daisy chaining. 

Based on above statement, I thought to power the APs with injector (not connecting the cable to switch, only connecting the cable to WAN port for power). Also, run another cable from switch to LAN interface to carry data. (which seems like a weird solution).

Please find attached diagram what we would like to achieve.

Any thoughts please?

[Rasika Nayanajith · Accepted solution]

In our case, we don't have to use LAN interface at all?

Yes, that's correct.

All the data traffic will be going through WAN interface and enabling ethernet bridging from GUI/CLI will allow WAN interface to carry VLAN traffic between the sites?

I do not think you require, Ethernet bridging feature. In simple Autonomous Bridge is what you require, see below post

https://mrncciew.com/2013/11/09/wireless-bridge-with-eap-fast/

In that statement, Ethernet Bridging may refer to use with daisy chain solution. See below

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/aironet-1530-series/200052-8-0-Mesh-ethernet-bridging-and-daisy-cha.html

HTH

Rasika

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[dot1x]

Hi Rasika,

I've seen your blogs with detailed configs which are too useful. I was only confused as which port should I use.

In our case, all we need to do is to connect both APs' WAN ports to PoE switch and the WAN port will carry all the traffic?

To enable multiple VLAN traffic, all we need to do is to configure switchport as trunk port?

[Rasika Nayanajith]

Yes, that is right. 

Keep us posted once you set it up & tested. 

Rasika

[dot1x]

Hi Rasika,
We have successfully implemented the Point to Point Wireless Bridge.
We have used Flex+Bridge mode for our APs to carry multiple VLANs.
Thanks a lot everyone for your support specially Rasika.

[Rasika Nayanajith]

Good to hear that you successfully deploy it to meet your requirements.

Rasika

[Sandeep Choudhary]

Agree with Rasika.

ME doesnt support bridge /mesh mode.

YEs you can go with 1532E

Regards

Dont forget to rate helpful posts

[dot1x]

I'll update the discussion once we test this.
Thanks a lot.

Also, would it the same when site A has a connection to controller and site B doesn't?
Would we still use WAN port and leave the LAN port?
Thanks.

[Rasika Nayanajith]

Also, would it the same when site A has a connection to controller and site B doesn't?
Would we still use WAN port and leave the LAN port?

Yes, In this case you will use those AP in mesh mode & let WLC to manage them (no autonomous. Still use the PoE in port & not the 2nd LAN port.

Below may provide more detailed info in that scenario

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/technology/mesh/8-0/design/guide/mesh80/Connecting_the_Cisco_1500_Series_Mesh_Access_Points_to_the_Network.html

HTH

Rasika