Networking / Beginners

Wireless bridges and the distribution system

Up to this point, I have tacitly assumed that the distribution system medium was an existing fixed network. While this will often be the case, the 802.11 specification explicitly supports using the wireless medium itself as the distribution system. The wireless distribution system (WDS) configuration is often called a "wireless bridge" configuration because it allows network engineers to connect two LANs at the link layer. Wireless bridges can be used to quickly connect distinct physical locations and are well-suited for use by access providers. Most 802.11 access points on the market now support the wireless bridge configuration, though it may be necessary to upgrade the firmware on older units.

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In this tutorial:

  1. 802.11 Networks
  2. IEEE 802 Network Technology Family Tree
  3. Nomenclature and Design
  4. Types of Networks
  5. Independent networks
  6. Infrastructure networks
  7. Extended service areas
  8. Multi-BSS environments: "virtual APs"
  9. Robust security networks (RSNs)
  10. The Distribution System, Revisited
  11. Interaccess point communication as part of the distribution system
  12. Wireless bridges and the distribution system
  13. Network Boundaries
  14. 802.11 Network Operations
  15. Network Services
  16. Station services
  17. Distribution system services
  18. Confidentiality and access control
  19. Spectrum management services
  20. Mobility Support
  21. Designing Networks for Mobility