Extending the Wireless Network
ad hoc mode - A wireless networking mode where each node is in direct contact with every other
node in a decentralized free-for-all. Ad hoc mode is similar to the mesh topology.
Infrastructure mode
Creating a basic service set network with a single WAP and multiple clients works in a
relatively small area, but you can extend a Wi-Fi network in a few ways if you have difficult spaces—with lots of obstructions, for example—or a need to communicate beyond
the ~300-foot range of the typical wireless network.
Most commonly, you’d add one or more WAPs to create an extended service set.
You can also install a wireless bridge to connect two or more wired networks.
Many companies make wireless range extenders, devices that pick up your Wi-Fi signal
and rebroadcast it.
• Some look like a WAP; other models plug directly into an electrical outlet.
• Current wireless range extenders require very little setup and can extend your network
between floors and into dead spots.
Adding a WAP
To add an additional WAP to a Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to run a cable from a switch
on the network to where you want to install it.
Configuration is pretty straightforward.
Both WAPs require the same ESSID, and if the WAPs are near each other, use separate
channels.
Wireless Bridges
Dedicated wireless bridges connect two wired networks together or join wireless and wired
networks together in the same way that wired switches do.
Wireless bridges come in two different flavors:
• point-to-point, and
◦ Point-to-point bridges can only communicate with a single other bridge and
are used to connect two wired network segments.
• point-to-multipoint.
◦ Point-to-multipoint bridges can talk to more than one other bridge at a time and can
connect multiple network segments.
NOTE
Several Wi-Fi equipment manufacturers produce mesh networking gear in the consumer space to
enable users to set up a multi-WAP network with ease.
A typical mesh network product comes with three WAPs and a smartphone app.
Creating a relatively secure network means opening the app, connecting to the first WAP (Master),
and then plugging in and connecting subsequent WAPs (slaves) in the set.
To add more coverage, just buy more mesh WAPs and apply the same process.
All mesh networks come preconfigured with security, such as WPA2.
• The lack of rigorous, manual control over security settings, on the other hand, makes mesh
networks okay for the home but not suitable for a work environment.
You won’t find this sort of consumer gear on the CompTIA Network+ exam.
Will need to set up the “Master” first, after setting up internet router / Modem.
Set up via cable, connected to Main Router.
Disable WLAN on Main Router, as it can conflict with Mesh network.
Usually set up via app on Smartphone.
Master and Slaves should all be APs, in settings on app.
Many cases, the Main Router, and the MESH routers, are not the same brand. May need to check
compatability, and get setup instructions, for such a case.
EG:
https://help.afrihost.com/entry/how-to-configure-the-tp-link-deco-to-work-in-access-point-mode
EG:
https://help.afrihost.com/entry/how-to-set-up-a-mesh-network-with-your-huawei-fibre-router-usingthe-internet-browser