MESH Implementation
With AP5131 version 1.1.2.0-005R
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
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).
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.
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.
Test Network Diagram
WLAN1
ESSID:BLUE
MUs
HUB
Base Bridge
192.168.1.1/24
Base Bridge
192.168.1.10/24
C
Test Laptop #1
192.168.1.200/24
LAN
LAN
B
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
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
2
1
Click “Mesh STP Configuration”
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
2
1
Click “Mesh STP Configuration”
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
2
1
Click “Mesh STP Configuration”
Configuring a WLAN for Mesh Networking
Just check the IP address of Root Bridge
Check the ESSID of Mesh Network
2
3
Click the checkbox to disable “Client Bridge Backhaul”
1
Click “Edit”
4
Click the checkbox to disallow MU to MU Communication”
Configuring a WLAN for Mesh Networking
Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #1
Check the ESSID of Mesh Network
2
3
You can use default configuration of enable “Client Bridge Backhaul”
1
Click “Edit”
4
Click the checkbox to disallow MU to MU Communication”
Configuring a WLAN for Mesh Networking
Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #2
Check the ESSID of Mesh Network
2
3
You can use default configuration of enable “Client Bridge Backhaul”
1
Click “Edit”
4
Click the checkbox to disallow MU to MU Communication”
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
1
2
Click the checkbox to configure as a root bridge
Configuring Radio for Mesh Networking
Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #1
1
Click the checkbox to enable radio 2
In this case you can use 802.11a mode
for mesh network
2
Click the checkbox to configure as a client bridge
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
1
2
Click the checkbox to configure as a client bridge
Verify Mesh Networking
Just check the IP address of Root Bridge
1
Check the Mesh Status
2
You can see the number of Client Bridges with real time
Verify Mesh Networking
Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #1
1
Check the Base Bridge
and get detailed information
Verify Mesh Networking
Just check the IP address of Client Bridge #2
1
Check the Base Bridge
and get detailed information
Verify Mesh Networking
After Mesh network is configured,
PING test from client bridge to
other mesh members
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
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
Thank you for your time and attention