MESH Implementation With AP5131 version 1.1.2.0-005R

1. MESH Implementation With AP5131 version 1.1.2.0-005R

2. Contents • Mesh Networking Overview • Test Network Diagram • Configuring a LAN for Mesh Networking • Configuring a WLAN for Mesh Networking • Configuring Radio for Mesh Networking • Verify Mesh Networking

3. Mesh Networking Overview • AP-5131's new mesh networking functionality • As a bridge to connect two Ethernet networks. • As a repeater to extend your network's coverage area without additional cabling. • The AP-5131 mesh networking functionality is configurable in two modes. • A wireless client bridge mode • A wireless base bridge mode  accepts connections from client bridges • These two modes are not mutually exclusive. • AP-5131s can be configured as a repeater • By configuring both a base and a client bridge function at the same time to transmit data with associated MUs in their coverage area (client bridge mode) as well as forward traffic to other AP-5131s in the mesh network (base bridge mode). • The number of AP-5131s and their intended function within the mesh network dictate whether they should be configured as base bridges, client bridges or both (repeaters).

4. Mesh Networking Overview (contd) • In Client Bridge Mode • AP5131 scans to locate other access points using the WLAP client's ESSID. • Then it is required to go through the association and authentication process to establish wireless connections with the located devices. • This association process is identical to the AP-5131's current MU association process. Once the association and authentication process is complete, the wireless client adds the connection as a port on its bridge module. • This causes the client bridge to begin forwarding packets to the base bridge node. • The base bridge realizes it is talking to a wireless client bridge. • It then adds that connection as a port on its own bridge module. • The two bridges at that point are communicating using the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). • After the client bridge establishes at least one wireless connection (if configured to support mobile users), it begins beaconing and accepting wireless connections. • If configured as both a client bridge and a base bridge, it begin accepting client bridge connections. • Therefore, the mesh network could connect simultaneously to different networks in a manner whereby a network loop is not created and then the connection is not blocked. • Once the client bridge establishes at least one wireless connection, it begins establishing other wireless connections as it finds them available. • Thus, the client bridge is able to establish simultaneous redundant links.

5. Mesh Networking Overview (contd) • In Client Bridge mode • The client bridge creates up to three connections if it can find base bridges for connection. • If the connections are redundant (on the same network), then one connection will be forwarding and the others blocked. • However, if each of the connections links to a different wired network, then none are redundant and all are forwarding. • Thus, the bridge automatically detects and disables redundant connections, but leaves non-redundant connections forwarding. • This gives the user the freedom to configure their topology in a variety of ways without limitations. • This is important when configuring multiple AP-5131s for base bridge support in areas like a shipping yard where a large radio coverage area is required • In Base Bridge Mode • AP5131 operates normally at boot time. • The base bridge supports connections made by other client bridge AP-5131s. • The dual-radio model AP-5131 affords users better optimization of the mesh networking feature by enabling the AP-5131 to transmit to other mesh network members using one independent radio and transmit with associated MUs using the second independent radio.

6. Test Network Diagram WLAN1 ESSID:BLUE Base Bridge 192.168.1.10/24 MUs Base Bridge 192.168.1.1/24 HUB C C LAN B Test Laptop #1 192.168.1.200/24 LAN MUs C B MUs Client Bridge 192.168.1.20/24 B : Base Bridge C : Client Bridge CB : Repeater Test Laptop #2 192.168.1.100/24

7. 1 2 Configuring a LAN for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Root Bridge Modify priority lower than default,32768, to make a root bridge In this case I change the priority from 32768 to 32000 Click “Mesh STP Configuration”

8. 1 2 Configuring a LAN for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #1 You can use default priority to set a client bridge Click “Mesh STP Configuration”

9. 1 2 Configuration a LAN for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #2 You can use default priority to set a client bridge Click “Mesh STP Configuration”

10. 1 2 3 4 Configuring a WLAN for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Root Bridge Check the ESSID of Mesh Network Click the checkbox to disable “Client Bridge Backhaul” Click “Edit” Click the checkbox to disallow MU to MU Communication”

11. 1 2 3 4 Configuring a WLAN for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #1 Check the ESSID of Mesh Network You can use default configuration of enable “Client Bridge Backhaul” Click “Edit” Click the checkbox to disallow MU to MU Communication”

12. 1 2 3 4 Configuring a WLAN for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #2 Check the ESSID of Mesh Network You can use default configuration of enable “Client Bridge Backhaul” Click “Edit” Click the checkbox to disallow MU to MU Communication”

13. 1 2 Configuring Radio for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Root Bridge Click the checkbox to enable radio 2 In this case you can use 802.11a mode for mesh network Click the checkbox to configure as a root bridge

14. 1 2 Configuring Radio for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #1 Click the checkbox to enable radio 2 In this case you can use 802.11a mode for mesh network Click the checkbox to configure as a client bridge

15. 1 2 Configuring Radio for Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #2 Click the checkbox to enable radio 2 In this case you can use 802.11a mode for mesh network Click the checkbox to configure as a client bridge

16. 1 2 Verify Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Root Bridge Check the Mesh Status You can see the number of Client Bridges with real time

17. 1 Verify Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #1 Check the Base Bridge and get detailed information

18. 1 Verify Mesh Networking Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #2 Check the Base Bridge and get detailed information

19. Verify Mesh Networking After Mesh network is configured, PING test from client bridge to other mesh members

20. Verify Mesh Networking • When the Client Bridge ,192.168.1.20/24 which associated test laptop #1 is down, • I got the just only one ping loss

21. Verify Mesh Networking • When the Client Bridge ,192.168.1.20/24 is down, test laptop #2 associated with • another client bridge,192.168.1.10/24

22. Thank you for your time and attention