VLAN over WDS (wireless distribution system) - Wireless bridge

This step by step guide shows how to configure VLAN over WDS (wireless distribution system). When using a wireless bridge, we also want to ensure that all VLANs are also usable over the WDS connection.

 

Here is also a list of the supported models:

Wireless Bridge and it's supported models

 

Scenario

When two physical locations need to connect in wide-area places, it can be cheaper to bridge them wireless than wiring Ethernet. For example, the main office wants to build up a point to point bridge to the branch office. There should also be the VLANs from the main office available in a Branch office.

 

What do you need for it?

- Wireless Bridge supported APs, a WAC for example

- VLAN capable switch

Table of Content

1. Configure the APs in standalone

2. Second AP

3. Channel configuration

4. WDS Link Info

5. Creating the VLANs

6. Check the results

 

 

1.Configure the APs in standalone

Configure the APs in standalone. By default, use https://192.168.1.2 or use our helpful tools like ZON or ZAC. 

 

Navigate to 

Configuration > Wireless > AP Management

Set the first AP to root AP and click "Apply."

 

2. Second AP

Select you're second AP as a repeater and enable " WDS Wireless Bridging."

 

Afterwards You can directly use the Newly added Hyperlinks to create the Needed VLAN Settings:

 

->WDS Profil

under Configuration > Object > WDS Profile, can it be configured. The WDS SSID and the pre-shared key can be configured here. The WDS SSID will be hidden.

 

3. Channel Configuration

Make sure that the APs don't switch their channels by configuring them as manual go to

Configuration > Object > AP Profile > Radio

edit the radio (2.4 G or 5 G) on both APs to the same. Look after editing the radio, which is used to build the wireless bridge. 

- check "manual" and select a channel as desired

4.WDS Link Information

Go to

Monitor > WDS Link Info

Here you can check if the WDS connection works. If the connection is working, it should look like that:

 

 

5. Creating the VLANs

Now, after finishing that, it is time to create the VLANs.

 Go to:

Configuration > Network > VLAN

Add VLANs as desired.

 

 

Note: Remind to create and add both APs to the VLANs

Example of VLAN creation:

 

The following articles show how to... 

configure a VLAN on a USG device

configure VLAN in Ethernet switches

 

6. Check the results 

Now plug a client into the switch, which is only with the repeater AP. You should access the internet from the other site or ping devices on the other site. The clients should get an IP address like the configuration you have done.