SofaWare Technologies - Feature Focus - Wireless Distribution System

Events

Demo

Knowledge Base

Discussion Groups

Security Glossary

Site Map

Home > Corporate > Newsletter Articles

Feature Focus - Wireless Distribution System

Managing a wireless network may be a difficult task for offices with multiple client stations in one broad area. Limited access point ranges, especially in areas limited by physical obstacles such as walls or even buildings, present a complicated challenge for those who desire a wide coverage range for their wireless network. One solution to a wireless network's limited range is to use direct cable connections. Unfortunately, a wired network infrastructure makes maintenance more difficult as it involves numerous cables often running across great distances. Sometimes, a better alternative is to use Wireless Distribution System (WDS).

What Is a Wireless Distribution System?

The Distribution System (WDS) protocol allows wireless interconnection of access points. WDS can be used in combination with bridge mode to extend the range of a wireless network, without need for a wired backbone to link the access points. This can reduce the amount of cabling required, and extend the reach of your network into areas where cabling might be difficult or impossible.


	Point-to-point links to another building or floor Repeater to increase WLAN range Bridge mode or router mode supported Optional WEP security between links Wireless roaming of clients between access points

WDS Topologies

Most often, WDS is used together with bridge mode. By wirelessly connecting access points to one another, you can bridge distant Ethernets into a single LAN, with each access point serving part of an area too large for a single access point to cover.

WDS links can be used to create loop-free topologies, such as a star or tree of access points. In addition, WDS links can be used together with bridge mode and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to create redundant topologies, such as a loop or mesh of linked access points.

All base stations in a WDS system must be configured to use the same radio channel for the WDS link. In addition, the base stations can act as wireless access points operating on the same radio channel as the WDS link. Since the same channel is used for the WDS link and for communicating with wireless stations, using WDS may have a negative impact on wireless throughput.

Security Considerations

Only WEP encryption can be used over WDS links, and not dynamic key exchange security protocols such as WPA/WPA2. If WEP security is used, the same WEP keys must be shared by all base stations. However, WDS-linked access points can use any supported security protocol to communicate with wireless stations, including the WPA/WPA2 protocols.
Base stations can be configured to different service set identifiers (SSID).

Supported Platforms
WDS is supported on the following products: Safe@Office 500W with Power Pack, Safe@Office 425W, and VPN-1 Edge W.

Embedded NGX 7.5 Availability

To obtain the Embedded NGX 7.5 firmware for your Safe@Office appliance, your gateway must be under a valid software subscription contract. The updated firmware will be downloaded to your gateway automatically.

The Safe@Office support and software subscription annual plan entitles you to:

Software updates

Email, Web, and chat support

Extended hardware warranty and advanced replacement

Monthly security reports

Free Dynamic DNS service

If your subscription has expired, you can easily extend it.

For more information, contact your reseller or visit http://www.sofaware.com/buy.

To obtain Embedded NGX 7.5 firmware for UTM-1 Edge, your gateway must be under a valid software subscription contract. The updated firmware can be downloaded from the Check Point download center.