Configuring MikroTik Router As A Wireless Distribution System (WDS)
Have you ever heard of WDS or Wireless Distribution System? It is a network system that is commonly used to extend a wireless network to multiple access points, and make it possible for wireless clients to connect to the network even if they are located in areas that are out of the range of the wireless router. This system works by forwarding the wireless signals from one access point to the other via the wired network infrastructure. In this post, we will explain in detail what WDS is, how it works, and what benefits it brings.
What is WDS?
WDS stands for Wireless Distribution System. It is a system that enables you to extend the wireless coverage of a network by connecting multiple access points wirelessly. WDS is commonly used in large buildings, campuses, and outdoor areas where the range of a single wireless router is not sufficient to cover all the areas that need wireless access.
With WDS, you can use multiple access points to cover a large area with a single wireless network. This allows users to move freely between the different access points without losing their connection. The access points are connected via a wired network infrastructure, so they can communicate with each other and share the same network resources.
WDS is commonly used in businesses, universities, and public areas where a large number of people need access to the internet. By using WDS, organizations can provide reliable and seamless wireless connectivity to their employees, students, or customers.
How Does WDS Work?
WDS works by forwarding wireless signals from one access point to the other via a wired network infrastructure. When a wireless device sends a signal to an access point, the access point forwards the signal to the next access point in the network via a wired connection. The second access point then forwards the signal to the next access point in the network, and so on, until the signal reaches its intended destination.
The access points in a WDS network communicate with each other via a protocol called 802.11i/e. This protocol enables the access points to share the same encryption keys and network settings, so that wireless clients can move freely between different access points without losing their connection or having to re-enter their credentials.
WDS can operate in either a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint mode. In a point-to-point mode, two access points are connected wirelessly, and they can only communicate with each other. This mode is commonly used to connect two buildings together. In a point-to-multipoint mode, one access point is connected to multiple access points, and they can all communicate with each other. This mode is commonly used to provide wireless coverage to a large area or a group of buildings.
What Are the Benefits of WDS?
The benefits of using WDS are numerous. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Scalability: WDS allows you to extend the wireless coverage of a network by adding more access points without having to add more wired connections. This makes it easy to expand a network as the needs of the organization grow.
- Reliability: WDS enables users to move freely between different access points without losing their connection, thanks to the shared encryption keys and network settings. This makes the network more reliable and less prone to dropouts or connection issues.
- Seamlessness: Users can move freely between different access points without having to re-enter their credentials or log in again. This makes the network more seamless and user-friendly.
- Range: WDS allows you to extend the range of a single wireless router by using multiple access points. This makes it possible to provide wireless coverage to a large area or a group of buildings.
- Flexibility: WDS enables you to configure your network in different ways, depending on your needs. You can use it in a point-to-point mode to connect two buildings together, or in a point-to-multipoint mode to provide wireless coverage to a large area or a group of buildings.
Conclusion
Wireless Distribution System is a network system that enables you to extend the wireless coverage of a network by connecting multiple access points wirelessly. WDS is commonly used in large buildings, campuses, and outdoor areas where the range of a single wireless router is not sufficient to cover all the areas that need wireless access. With WDS, you can use multiple access points to cover a large area with a single wireless network. This allows users to move freely between the different access points without losing their connection.
WDS works by forwarding wireless signals from one access point to the other via a wired network infrastructure. The access points in a WDS network communicate with each other via a protocol called 802.11i/e, which enables the access points to share the same encryption keys and network settings, so that wireless clients can move freely between different access points without losing their connection or having to re-enter their credentials.
The benefits of using WDS are numerous. It allows you to extend the wireless coverage of a network, improve reliability and seamlessness, and provide flexibility and scalability. WDS is a powerful network system that can help organizations provide reliable and seamless wireless connectivity to their employees, students, or customers.
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