Brocade Communications Systems Mobility 7131 Series Service Manual download pdf (Page 455)

Brocade Mobility 7131 Access Point Product Reference Guide 443

53-1002517-01

Chapter

Configuring Mesh Networking

In this chapter

•.Mesh Networking Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443

•Configuring Mesh Networking Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447

•Mesh Network Deployment - Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457

•Mesh Networking Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468

Mesh Networking Overview

The access point can be configured in two modes to support the new mesh networking

functionality. The access point can be set to a client bridge mode and/or a base bridge mode

(which accepts connections from client bridges). Base bridge and client bridge mode can be used

at the same time by an individual access point to optimally bridge traffic to other members of the

mesh network and service associated MUs.

An access point in client bridge mode 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 access

point’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).

access points configured as both a base and a client bridge function as repeaters to transmit data

with associated MUs in their coverage area (client bridge mode) as well as forward traffic to other

access points in the mesh network (base bridge mode). The number of access points and their

intended function within the mesh network dictate whether they should be configured as base

bridges, client bridges or both (repeaters).

The spanning tree determines the path to the root and detects if the current connection is part of a

network loop with another connection in the system. Each bridge can be configurable so the

administrator can control the spanning tree to define the root bridge and what the forwarding paths

are. Once the spanning tree converges, both access points begin learning which destinations

reside on which side of the network. This allows them to forward traffic intelligently.

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.

1 2 ... 450 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 ... 519 520

No comments

Brocade Communications Systems Mobility 7131 Series Service Manual Page 455