WDS Technology White Paper: Huawei Technologies Co., LTD

WDS Technology White Paper
Issue 01
Date 2013-05-10
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Copyright Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2013. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior
written consent of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Trademarks and Permissions
and other Huawei trademarks are trademarks of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
All other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this document are the property of their respective
holders.
Notice
The purchased products, services and features are stipulated by the contract made between Huawei and
the customer. All or part of the products, services and features described in this document may not be
within the purchase scope or the usage scope. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, all statements,
information, and recommendations in this document are provided "AS IS" without warranties, guarantees or
representations of any kind, either express or implied.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made in the
preparation of this document to ensure accuracy of the contents, but all statements, information, and
recommendations in this document do not constitute a warranty of any kind, express or implied.
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Address: Huawei Industrial Base
Bantian, Longgang
Shenzhen 518129
People's Republic of China
Website: http://enterprise.huawei.com
Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential i

Copyright Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
WLAN AP
WDS Technology White Paper About This Document
About This Document
Purpose
This document describes wireless distribution system (WDS) technology supported by
Huawei WLAN devices. WDS technology allows for long-distance wireless connections
between networks, enlarges the network coverage, and lowers network deployment costs.
This document provides the WDS working mechanism, networking scenarios, and
configuration notes. In addition, the WDS configuration is described.
Intended Audience
This document is intended for:
Data configuration engineers
Commissioning engineers
Network monitoring engineers
System maintenance engineers
Symbol Conventions
The symbols that may be found in this document are defined as follows:
Symbol Description
Alerts you to a high risk hazard that could, if not avoided,
DANGER result in serious injury or death.
Alerts you to a medium or low risk hazard that could, if not

avoided, result in moderate or minor injury.
WARNING
Alerts you to a potentially hazardous situation that could, if not
CAUTION avoided, result in equipment damage, data loss, performance
deterioration, or unanticipated results.
TIP Provides a tip that may help you solve a problem or save time.
Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential ii

WLAN AP
WDS Technology White Paper About This Document
NOTE Provides additional information to emphasize or supplement

important points in the main text.
Change History
Changes between document issues are cumulative. The latest document issue contains all the
changes made in earlier issues.
Issue 01 (2013-05-10)
This is the first official release.
Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential iii

WLAN AP
WDS Technology White Paper Contents
Contents
About This Document .................................................................................................................... ii

1 WDS ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Availability ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Technology Description ................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.1 WDS........................................................................................................................................................ 2
1.3.2 WDS Architecture ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.3 WDS Setup.............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Configuration Notes ......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.4.1 P2P Topology and Configuration Notes .................................................................................................. 6
1.4.2 P2MP Topology and Configuration Notes .............................................................................................. 7
2 WDS Application .......................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Typical Scenarios ........................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Indoor WDS Networking ...................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Outdoor WDS Networking ................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 WDS Network Planning ................................................................................................................................. 13
2.3.1 Transmission Distance Planning ........................................................................................................... 13
2.3.2 Antenna Parameters............................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.3 Network Bandwidth Planning ............................................................................................................... 16
3 WDS Configuration Example ................................................................................................... 19

3.1 Networking Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 19
3.2 Configuration Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 20
3.3 Configuration Files ......................................................................................................................................... 29
A Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................. 33
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WLAN AP
WDS Technology White Paper 1 WDS
1 WDS
1.1 Overview
Definition
A wireless distribution system (WDS) connects two or more wired or wireless LANs
wirelessly to establish a large network.
Purpose
802.11 wireless technology has been widely used on home networks, SOHO, and enterprise
networks. Users can easily access the Internet over WLANs. On a wireless network, APs must
connect to the existing wired network to provide network access services for wireless users.
To expand the wireless coverage area, connect APs using cables, switches, and power
supplies. This increases network costs and prolongs network construction period. The WDS
connects APs wirelessly, facilitating WLAN construction in a complex environment.
Benefits
The WDS uses wireless links to connect two or more independent wired or wireless LANs so
that users in these LANs can exchange data with each other. Network deployment and device
installation are convenient.
1.2 Availability
Products and Versions
Table 1-1 Mapping between the products and versions
Device Product Version
AC AC6605 V200R001C00
V200R002C00
V200R003C00
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WLAN AP
Device Product Version
SPU V200R001C00
V200R002C00
AC6005-8 and AC6005-8-PWR V200R003C00
AP AP6x10DN/SN V200R001C00
WA6x5DN/SN
AP6x10SN
WA6x5SN
AP6x10DN/SN V200R002C00
WA6x5DN/SN
AP5010SN/DN
AP7110SN/DN
AP6x10DN/SN V200R003C00
WA6x5DN/SN
AP3010DN
AP5010SN/DN
AP7110SN/DN
1.3 Technology Description

1.3.1 WDS
Concepts
On a traditional WLAN, you can create service virtual APs (VAPs) on APs to provide
access for wireless stations (STAs). On a WDS network, you can create bridge VAPs on
APs to provide access for neighboring bridges. The bridges then set up wireless virtual
links (WVLs).
Bridge: a functional entity on an AP that provides the WDS service.
Service VAP: a WLAN access point that an AP uses to provide the WLAN service for
STAs.
Bridge VAP: an access point that an AP uses to set up WVLs with neighboring
bridges. A pair of bridge VAPs is created each time. One is called AP bridge and the
other one is called STA bridge. The AP bridge provides a wireless access point for the
STA bridge.
WVL: a link between two bridge VAPs on different AP bridges.
Service WVL: a WVL used to transmit service data on a WDS network.

WLAN AP
Management WVL: a WVL used to transmit management data on a WDS network.

After the wireless bridge function is enabled on APs, the APs automatically set up
management WVLs. Management WVLs transmit only management and
configuration data.
Depending on the AP's location on the WDS network, a wireless bridge works in root,
middle, or leaf mode.
Root: The AP functions as a root node to directly connect to an AC using a cable, and
functions as an AP bridge to connect to a STA bridge.
Middle: The AP functions as a middle node to connect to an AP bridge and a STA
bridge. When connecting to an AP bridge, the AP is a STA bridge; when connecting
to a STA bridge, the AP is an AP bridge.
Leaf: The AP functions as a leaf node to connect to an AP bridge as a STA bridge.
The wired interfaces of APs on a WDS network can connect to ACs, switches, or hosts.
Depending on the AP's location, a wired interface on an AP works in root or endpoint
mode.
Root interface: connects to an AC.
Endpoint interface: connects to a switch or host.
Figure 1-1 WDS network

AP3 AP2 AP1
(leaf) (middle) (root) AC
STA
WDS network
STA
Switch
STA
L2
network
Management
Service WVL Service VAP
WVL
1.3.2 WDS Architecture

WDS networking is classified into point-to-point (P2P) mode and point-to-multipoint (P2MP)
mode.
P2P mode
Figure 1-2 P2P topology
LAN segment 1 AP2 LAN segment 2

AP1 AP2

WLAN AP
As shown in Figure 1-1, the WDS uses two APs to implement the wireless bridging of
LAN segments 1 and 2 so that LAN segments 1 and 2 can communicate with each other.
The peer MAC address is configured on each AP to determine the link to be set up.
P2MP mode
Figure 1-3 P2MP topology
LAN segment 2
AP2
LAN segment 3 LAN segment 1
AP3 AP1
LAN segment 4
AP4
As shown in Figure 1-3, on a P2MP network, AP1 is used as the central AP, and all other
APs establish wireless bridges only with AP1. This implements the connection of
multiple networks. LAN segments 2, 3, and 4 can only communicate through AP1.
1.3.3 WDS Setup

Setting Up Connections Between Bridges
After wireless bridging is enabled on an AP, a pair of bridge VAPs is automatically created.
One is AP bridge and the other is STA bridge. The bridge VAPs only have basic parameters
configured, which are used to set up a management WVL between APs. The AP connects to
the AC through the management WVL and obtains configurations from the AC. The service
WVLs are then set up through the following process. Bridge A is the STA bridge and bridge B
is the AP bridge.
1. The STA bridge detects the AP bridge.
When the channel mode is set to automatic, bridge A listens on beacon packets in all
channels to detect the existing AP bridge. If detecting the AP bridge, bridge A sends a
unicast probe request packet containing the bridge identifier (similar to the SSID in the
traditional WLAN service) in all channels in turn until it receives a response.
When the channel mode is set to fixed, bridge A listens on beacon packets in the fixed
channel and keeps sending a probe request packet containing the bridge identifier until it
receives a response.
2. The AP bridge responds.
After receiving the probe request packet, bridge B checks the packet. If the bridge name
in the packet is the same as that of bridge B and bridge A's AP MAC address is in bridge
B's whitelist (or bridge B does not have a whitelist configured), bridge B responds to
bridge A.

WLAN AP
If the bridge name in the packet is different from that of bridge B or bridge A's AP MAC
address is not in bridge B's whitelist, bridge B does not respond to bridge A.
3. The STA bridge sends a connection request to the AP bridge.
If bridge B has no authentication policy configured, the two bridges can set up
connections.
4. The AP bridge performs authentication on the STA bridge.
If bridge B has been configured with an authentication policy and key, bridge A
exchanges 802.11 authentication packets and association packets with bridge B. The
association and authentication process is complete.
5. The bridges maintain the connection.
After the connection is set up, the bridges periodically send messages to each other. If
one end does not respond for a long time (configurable, the default value is 90s), the
connection is torn down, and the bridges repeat the operations from step 1 to step 4.
If the AC delivers new WDS parameters to the bridges, the bridges use the new parameters to
perform step 1 to step 5.
AC Delivers Configurations to Connected APs

An AP enabled with the bridging function discovers and connects to an AC through a wired or
wireless interface, and obtains configurations from the AC.
During configuration delivery, the following situations may occur:
If the AC delivers the configuration with WDS disabled, the AP disables all VAPs,
disables automatic discovery, and stops sending keepalive packets. Service access
parameters can be set, but WDS parameters cannot be set.
If the AC delivers the configuration with WDS enabled, the AP creates a VAP. WDS
parameters can be set. If existing WDS parameters are modified, the bridge needs to
rediscover the AC and set up a link.
If the AP's version does not support the WDS function, the AP notifies the AC that it
does not support WDS parameters. The AC still delivers other service parameters, but
does not deliver WDS parameters.
When the WDS-enabled AP receives VAP parameters delivered by the AC that does not
support the WDS function, the AP automatically switches the radio to access mode to
accept the VAP parameters.
STP Eliminates Loops

On a P2MP network, loops may occur between bridge links or wired links. To prevent
network storms and ensure correct Layer 2 forwarding, enable the Spanning Tree Protocol
(STP) function to detect loops.
STP takes effect only on AP wired interfaces and WDS-enabled bridge interfaces. Each WVL
on bridge interfaces independently participates in STP interaction and control.

WLAN AP
1.4 Configuration Notes

1.4.1 P2P Topology and Configuration Notes
Figure 1-4 P2P topology
AP3 AP2 AP1

(leaf) (middle) (root)
GE0/0/1
STA
Access GE0/0/2 AC
switch
STA Switch
Area B Area A
Area C
L2
STA STA
network
Management Service
Service VAP
WVL WVL
Figure 1-4 shows the WDS P2P topology. The root AP connects to a middle or leaf AP in
bridging mode. Dual-band APs are used on the actual network. The APs use the 5 GHz radio
for radio backhaul and the 2.4 GHz radio to provide access for STAs.
The configuration notes in P2P networking are as follows:
The management WVL and service WVLs cannot be in the same VLAN; otherwise,
loops will occur. Table 1-2 describes the VLAN configuration plan.
Table 1-2 VLAN configuration plan
Item Configuration
VLAN Management VLAN: 100
Service VLANs: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106
Area A: VLAN 101 for WLAN services
Area B: VLAN 102 for WLAN services
Area C: VLAN 103 for WLAN services
Area C: VLANs 104, 105, and 106 on wired interfaces of AP3
The management WVL does not support STP; therefore, other measures must be taken to
ensure that no loop will occur on the management WVL and external network.

WLAN AP
STP can prevent loops between bridges and on the networks connected to AP wired
interfaces. The STP cost on Huawei switches (including ACs) complies with 802.1t,
while the STP cost on Huawei APs complies with 802.1d. When a Huawei AP is
connected to a Huawei switch and STP needs to be enabled for the WDS network, the
STP cost on the switch (or AC) must be correctly set; otherwise, the path on the root AP
may be blocked. For example, to set the STP cost on Huawei S5300, perform the
following operations:
<Quidway> system-view
[Quidway] stp pathcost-standard dot1d-1998
[Quidway] quit
If VAPs 12 through 15 have been configured, change the VAP IDs before enabling WDS.
The AP must be restarted after WDS is enabled or disabled, the wired interface role is
changed, or management VLAN is changed; otherwise, the configuration does not take
effect.
To ensure sufficient bandwidth, configure no more than three hops. If the first bridge
provides 150 Mbit/s throughput on the network shown in Figure 1-4, the throughput is
decreased to 20 Mbit/s after the first hop and to 5.7 Mbit/s after the second hop.
Disable the calibration function for the radio profile to prevent impact of calibration on
services. It is recommended that you configure an independent radio profile for the
bridge and add the bridge to an independent region.
Huawei ACs can change the country codes on APs. If an AC changes the country code
on a root AP, the country codes on the root AP and leaf APs may be different. In this case,
the root AP and leaf APs support different channel sets, and the leaf APs fail to associate
with the root AP. Therefore, ensure that the country codes on all APs are the same.
Do not change the radio profiles on middle APs or leaf APs.
1.4.2 P2MP Topology and Configuration Notes

Figure 1-5 P2MP topology
AP2
(leaf)
AP1 AP3 STA

AC (root) (leaf)
AP4
STA
(leaf)
L2
network
Management
Service WVL Service VAP
WVL
Figure 1-5 shows the P2MP topology. AP1 connects to multiple APs through WDS in bridging
mode. Data from AP2, AP3, and AP4 can only be forwarded by AP1.

WLAN AP
The configuration notes in P2MP networking are as follows:

The configuration notes in P2P networking also apply to P2MP networking because WDS
implementation is the same in the two networking modes. However, P2MP networking
requires sufficient bandwidth for users. The number of next-hop APs cannot exceed 6.

WLAN AP
WDS Technology White Paper 2 WDS Application
2 WDS Application
The following network shows how APs connect to an AC through WDS.
Figure 2-1 APs connecting to an AC through WDS
L3 network
AC
L2 network
AP User AP AP
WDS
network AP
AP
AP
User
User User
User
Management
Service WDS
WDS

WLAN AP
As shown in Figure 2-1, multiple APs are deployed on a WDS network, and APs connect to
the AC wirelessly. Users are unaware of the differences between traditional WLAN and WDS
networks because the only difference between them is the backbone layer.
The following describes typical WDS scenarios.
2.2 Typical Scenarios

2.2.1 Indoor WDS Networking
Figure 2-2 Indoor WDS networking
Aggregation AP1 AP2 AP3

Access switch (root) (middle) (leaf)
switch
AC
Management WVL Service WVL Service VAP
5 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz
The indoor WDS networking shown in Figure 2-3 applies to homes, warehouses, subways,
and enterprises. WLAN signals deteriorate because of walls and other obstacles. One AP
cannot provide signal coverage for all indoor areas. A WDS network connects multiple APs,
enlarging signal coverage and reducing cabling costs.
2.2.2 Outdoor WDS Networking

In the outdoor scenario, different antennas are used. APs are connected to form a WDS
network, and the distance between two APs is dozens of kilometers. WDS technology
implements cross-obstacle or cross-area data transmission. This overcomes the limitations of
the wired network such as difficult construction, high deployment costs, and poor flexibility.
The outdoor WDS networking applies to campuses, plantations, mountainous areas, and high
buildings.
TIP
Outdoor obstacles include trees and high buildings. The radian of the Earth must be considered for a
long transmission distance. Therefore, select and install antennas based on the site requirements.

WLAN AP
Outdoor Scenario (1)

The following figures show the WDS networks that connect LANs of different buildings. For
example, Figure 2-3 shows the networking for connecting two LANs that are blocked.
Figure 2-3 Outdoor WDS networking (1)
Aggregation AP1 AP2 AP3

Access switch (root) (middle) (leaf)
switch
AC
5 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz
Aggregatio Access AP1 AP2 Access

AC (root) (leaf)
n switch switch switch
Management WVL Service WVL

5 GHz 5 GHz

WLAN AP
AP3
(leaf)
Aggregation Access AP1 AP2

AC
switch switch (root) (leaf)
AP4
(leaf)

5 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz

When obstacles exist between networks or the transmission distance is long, deploy two WDS
APs through wired interfaces in back-to-back mode to provide the relay bridging function.
This network deployment mode ensures the bandwidth for wireless links during long-distance
network transmission.

Aggregation Access AP1 AP2 AP3 AP4 AP5 AP6
switch switch (root) (leaf) (root) (leaf) (root) (leaf)
AC

5 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz

WLAN AP
AP3
(leaf)
Aggregation Access AP1 AP2

switch switch (root) (leaf)
AP4
AC (leaf)

5 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz
2.3 WDS Network Planning

2.3.1 Transmission Distance Planning
Signal Attenuation
When APs are used as bridges on a WDS network, at least two APs are connected over
several hundred meters to dozens of kilometers. Radio waves will attenuate during
long-distance transmission. The following assumes that radio waves are transmitted in free
space without reflection, refraction, diffraction, scattering, or absorption, the relationship
between the path loss (PL) of radio waves and transmission distance is as follows:
PL = 32.45 + 20 x lg(d km ) + 20 x lg(f MHz )
The free space model is the simplest radio transmission model. In this model, the path loss
relates only to the transmission distance and frequency of radio waves. The actual
transmission environment is more complex, so environmental factor n must be taken into
account. The formula changes into the following:
PL = 32.45 + 10 x n x lg(d km ) + 20 x lg(f MHz )
The environmental factor n varies depending on the transmission environment and ranges
from 2 to 5. Generally, n ranges from 4 to 5 in city centers with the high user density, ranges
from 3 to 4 in common urban areas, and ranges from 2.5 to 3 in suburbs.

WLAN AP
On a WDS network, two APs are deployed 1 km away from each other and work at the
frequency of 5000 MHz. The following assumes that radio waves are transmitted in free space
and n is 2, the pass loss is calculated as follows:
PL = 32.45 + 10 x 2 x lg(1) + 20 x lg(5000) = 106.4 dB
The calculation result shows that radio waves attenuate obviously in long-distance
transmission. In WDS application, two connected bridge APs may be dozens of kilometers
away from each other. As the transmit power of APs is fixed, the key to ensuring signal
quality in long-distance transmission is to select proper antennas.
TIP
In real radio environments, you can consider that radio signals are transmitted in free space as long as
they are not blocked in the first Fresnel zone. In this way, you can estimate signal attenuation easily.
2.3.2 Antenna Parameters

Antenna parameters include the gain, lobe width, polarization direction, electrical downward
declination angle, and front-to-rear ratio. The antenna gain and lobe width affect wireless
network performance the most.
Antenna gain: ratio of the power produced by the antenna from a far-field source on the
antenna's beam axis to the power produced by a hypothetical lossless isotropic antenna,
which is equally sensitive to signals from all directions.
Lobe width: angle of the sector formed by radio waves. An antenna transmits radio
waves of different strengths in different directions, so the lobe width is defined as the
angle between two directions with 3 dB power lower than the maximum transmit power.
In normal cases, when the antenna gain increases, the lobe width decreases and radiant energy
transmitted by the antenna is more concentrated.
Antenna Type
Depending on the signal radiation in horizontal or vertical planes, antennas are classified into
omnidirectional antennas and directional antennas.
Omnidirectional antenna: Signals from an omnidirectional antenna are evenly distributed
360 degrees around the central point. The lobe width of an omnidirectional antenna is
360 degrees, but its antenna gain is low.
On a WDS network, omnidirectional antennas are used upon a short transmission
distance, a large coverage angle, and a large number of APs. In P2MP networking, an
omnidirectional antenna can be used on the root AP to connect to the leaf APs around the
root AP.

WLAN AP
Leaf AP Leaf AP
Omnidirectional
antenna
Leaf AP Root AP Leaf AP
Directional antenna: Signals from a directional antenna radiate in a certain angle.

Directional antennas can concentrate energy and transmit signals to a specified direction.
Therefore, the directional antenna is a good choice when a few linked devices exist or
the linked devices are concentrated in a certain angle.
On a P2MP WDS network, pay attention to the lobe width of directional antennas. The
angle between an antenna and its linked device must be smaller than the lobe width of
the antenna. The linked device must be within the antenna coverage. As shown in the
following figure, the root AP uses a directional antenna to connect to leaf APs. The two
leaf APs must be located within the coverage area of the directional antenna.
Leaf AP
Root AP
Directional
antenna
Wireless
bridge
Leaf AP
On a P2P WDS network, directional antennas with a small lobe width are recommended,
because they can improve the transmission distance and signal quality. Directional
antennas with a small lobe width have a high antenna gain and can concentrate energy in
a narrow range.
Root AP Directional Directional

antenna 1 Leaf AP
antenna 2
Wireless
bridge

WLAN AP
The following figure shows the appearances of typical antennas. For details about antenna
types and parameters,
see the WLAN V2R1 Antennas.
Omnidirectional Directional Directional

antenna antenna antenna
2.3.3 Network Bandwidth Planning

On a wireless network, as the transmission distance increases, signal attenuation increases and
the effective bandwidth decreases. Table 2-1 and Table 2-2 list the effective bandwidth values
for different antenna gains in P2P bridge deployment. The two WDS APs use the antennas of
the same gain.
Table 2-1 Transmission bandwidth in different distances in P2P bridge deployment (HT20)
Frequency Environment Antenna Bandwidth Within Different Distances
Band Gain in HT20 Mode (Mbps)
0.2 0.5 1 2 km 5 km 10
km km km km
5 GHz Urban areas 11 dBi 80 55 30 6 / /

15 dBi 80 80 60 30 / /
18 dBi 80 80 80 50 12 /
21 dBi 80 80 80 80 32 10
Countryside or 11 dBi 80 80 80 45 8 /
suburbs
15 dBi 80 80 80 48 10 /
18 dBi 80 80 80 80 30 8
21 dBi 80 80 80 80 50 27

WLAN AP
Table 2-2 Transmission bandwidth in different distances in P2P bridge deployment (HT40)
Frequency Environment Antenna Bandwidth Within Different Distances

Band Gain in HT40 Mode (Mbps)
0.2 0.5 1 2 5 10
km km km km km km
5 GHz Urban areas 11 dBi 160 90 45 / / /

15 dBi 160 160 95 45 / /
18 dBi 160 160 160 80 15 /
21 dBi 160 160 160 135 50 /
Countryside or 11 dBi 160 160 135 65 / /
suburbs
15 dBi 160 160 160 70 / /
18 dBi 160 160 160 120 45 /
21 dBi 160 160 160 160 80 40
In P2MP networking, if WDS APs are deployed far from one another, they may become
hidden stations of one another. If base stations A and C simultaneously send signals to base
station B because base station C does not know that base station A is sending information to
base station B, signal conflict occurs. As a result, signals sent to base station B are all lost. In
this situation, base stations A and C are hidden stations of each other. Due to competition
among bridges, transmission bandwidth in P2MP networking is much lower than that in P2P
networking when the transmission distance is fixed. Table 2-3 lists the reference values of
transmission bandwidth under various P2MP configurations.
Table 2-3 Factors affecting P2MP bridge performance
P2MP Impact Coefficient Bandwidth Impact Factor
Hidden STA Multi-user Competition P MP
1 N/A N/A 1 1
2 0.6 0.95 0.57 0.285
3 0.6 0.9 0.54 0.18
4 0.6 0.9 0.54 0.135
5 0.6 0.8 0.48 0.096
6 0.6 0.8 0.48 0.08

WLAN AP
The following provides an example:

According to the performance indicators of a network bridge (see the appendix), when bridges
are deployed in P2P networking in a rural area, work on the 5 GHz band, and use antennas
with 18 dBi gain, the maximum bandwidth within a distance of 2 km is 80 Mbit/s. When the
same APs are deployed in P2MP networking (M equals 3) in the same scenario, the maximum
bandwidth on each node is calculated as follows using the impact factors:
Effective bandwidth on the root node = 80 Mbps x 0.54 = 43.2 Mbps
Effective bandwidth on the leaf node = 80 Mbps x 0.18 = 14.4 Mbps
Compared to P2P networking, the total link bandwidth of bridges reduces from 80 Mbps to
43.2 Mbps in P2MP networking (M equals 3). The bandwidth on each link is only 14.4 Mbps
in P2MP networking (M equals 3). This example proves that the maximum bandwidth in
P2MP networking is much lower than that in P2P networking. Therefore, when deploying
bridges in P2MP networking, ensure that the bandwidth is sufficient for user access.
Bandwidth Planning Example

To narrow the digital gap, a local government plans to build a wireless network for local
plantations. This network will provide Internet access services in the plantations, covering
310,000 household users. Users in the plantations are common users. Each village has about
300 to 400 households. If each household has five users, the total number of users in a village
is about 1750. The number of concurrent users accounts for 30% of total users. There are no
special requirements for network bandwidth. Approximately 100 households share 10 Mbit/s
bandwidth, so a total ingress bandwidth of 40 Mbit/s can meet the requirement in a village.
Each plantation can use an AC to manage APs and support wireless roaming. More than 100
AP6610DN outdoor dual-band APs are deployed in each plantation. An AP6610DN supports
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and can work as wireless bridges. The AP6610DN
complies with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n and provides both wireless transmission and coverage. The
following figure shows the village networking.
5.7 Mps
AC 20 Mps
150 Mps
5.7 Mps
S5700
Wireless bridge
AP6610DN
If the first bridge provides 150 Mbps bandwidth on the network, the bandwidth is decreased
to 20 Mbps after the first hop and to 5.7 Mbps after the second hop. As 100 users share 10
Mbit/s bandwidth, 5.7 Mbps bandwidth is sufficient for 20 users.

WLAN AP
WDS Technology White Paper 3 WDS Configuration Example
3 WDS Configuration Example
3.1 Networking Requirements

An enterprise plans to provide WLAN access services for its customers and employees in
three areas. To lower cabling costs, the enterprise uses WDS technology to connect APs in
areas B and C to the AC wirelessly.
Figure 3-1 shows the WLAN WDS network.
The AC6605 is used.
The AC functions as a DHCP server to allocate IP addresses to APs and STAs in each
area.
AP1 connects to the AC in wired mode, provides WLAN services for area A, and
connects to AP2 as a bridge.
AP2 connects to the AC through a wireless bridge (AP1), provides WLAN services for
area B, and connects to AP3 as a bridge.
AP3 connects to the AC through a wireless bridge (AP2), provides WLAN services for
area C, and connects to a Layer 2 network.

WLAN AP
Figure 3-1 WLAN WDS network
Management VLAN: VLAN 100

Service VLAN: VLANs 101, 102, and 103
IP network
VLAN: 101, 100 VLAN: 102, 100 VLAN: 103, 100

AP1 AP2 AP3
(Root) (Middle) (Leaf)
Switch GE0/0/1
GE0/0/2 Area A Area B Area C
GE0/0/1
SwitchA STA
STA STA
L2
AC network
Management WVL
Service WVL
3.2 Configuration Analysis

When configuring WDS, ensure that the management WVL and service WVLs are in different
VLANs; otherwise, loops will occur. Table 3-1 describes the VLAN configuration plan.
Table 3-1 VLAN configuration plan
Item Configuration
VLAN Management VLAN: 100
Service VLANs:
Area A: VLAN 101 for WLAN services
Area B: VLAN 102 for WLAN services
Area C: VLAN 103 for WLAN services and VLANs 104, 105, and 106 on
wired interfaces of AP3
Service Direct forwarding
forwarding
mode on AP
AC's source VLANIF 100: 192.168.10.1/24
interface
address

WLAN AP
Item Configuration
AP region AP regions and corresponding APs:
AP region 101: AP1
AP region 102: AP2
AP region 103: AP3
WMM profile Name: wp01
Radio profile Name: rp01 and rp02
Security Name: sp01
profile Security and authentication policy: WPA2+PSK
Authentication key: 12345678
Encryption mode: CCMP encryption
Traffic profile Name: tp01
Bridge profile Name: bp01
Bridge identifier: ChinaNet01
Service set Name: ss01
SSID: ChinaSer01
WLAN virtual interface: WLAN-ESS1
Service data forwarding mode: direct forwarding
Name: ss02
SSID: ChinaSer02
Name: ss03
SSID: ChinaSer03
Bridge Name: bw01 and bw02
whitelist
The following table lists AP roles and MAC addresses.
AP Type Role MAC Addresses
AP1 AP6010DN-AGN Root 0025-9e12-6667
AP2 AP6010DN-AGN Middle 5489-9845-9573
AP3 AP6010DN-AGN Leaf 80fb-0689-81c3

WLAN AP
Before performing the tasks in this example, ensure that the radios on AP1, AP2, and AP3 are
not configured with service VAPs with WLAN IDs of 13, 14, 15, or 16.
After data is planned, configure the WDS. Perform the following operations to configure a
bridge VAP:
Step 1 Configure the switch. Configure GE0/0/1 to allow packets from VLANs 100 to 106 to pass
through, set the PVID of GE0/0/1 to VLAN 100, and configure port isolation on GE0/0/1.
Configure GE0/0/2 to allow management packets from VLAN 100 to pass through.
<Switch> system-view
[Switch] vlan batch 100 to 106
[Switch] interface gigabitEthernet 0/0/1
[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] port link-type trunk
[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] port trunk allow-pass vlan 100 to 106
[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] port-isolate enable
[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] quit
[Switch] interface gigabitEthernet 0/0/2
[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] port link-type trunk
[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] port trunk allow-pass vlan 100
[Switch-GigabitEthernet0/0/2] quit
Step 2 Configure GE0/0/1 of the AC to allow management packets from VLAN 100 to pass through.
<AC> system-view
[AC] vlan batch 100
[AC] interface gigabitEthernet 0/0/1
[AC-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] port link-type trunk
[AC-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] port trunk allow-pass vlan 100
[AC-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] quit
Step 3 Configure the switch to assign IP addresses to STAs.

[Switch] dhcp enable
[Switch] interface vlanif 101
[Switch-Vlanif101] ip address 192.168.1.1 24
[Switch-Vlanif101] dhcp select interface
[Switch-Vlanif101] quit

WLAN AP
Configure the AC to assign IP addresses to APs.

[AC] dhcp enable
[AC] interface vlanif 100
[AC-Vlanif100] ip address 192.168.10.1 24
[AC-Vlanif100] dhcp select interface
[AC-Vlanif100] quit
Step 4 Configure AC system parameters, such as the country code, ID, and source interface.
[AC] wlan ac-global country-code cn
Warning: Modify the country code may delete configuration on those AP which us
e the global country code and reset them, are you su re to continue?[Y/N]:y
[AC] wlan ac-global ac id 1 carrier id ctc
[AC] wlan
[AC-wlan-view] wlan ac source interface vlanif 100
Step 5 Add APs offline.

[AC-wlan-view] ap id 1 ap-type AP6010DN-AGN mac 0025-9e12-6667
[AC-wlan-ap-1] quit
[AC-wlan-view] ap id 2 ap-type AP6010DN-AGN mac 5489-9845-9573
[AC-wlan-ap-2] quit
[AC-wlan-view] ap id 3 ap-type AP6010DN-AGN mac 80fb-0689-81c3
[AC-wlan-ap-3] quit
Step 6 Create AP regions 101, 102, and 103 and add AP1 to AP region 101, AP2 to AP region 102,
and AP3 to AP region 103.
[AC-wlan-view] ap-region id 101
[AC-wlan-ap-region-101] quit
[AC-wlan-view] ap id 1
[AC-wlan-ap-1] region-id 101
[AC-wlan-ap-1] quit
[AC-wlan-ap-2] quit
[AC-wlan-ap-3] quit

WLAN AP
Step 7 Create the WMM profile wp01 and the radio profile rp02 and bind wp01 to rp02. The bridges
use 5 GHz radio, but the default radio type in the radio profile is 802.11b/g and does not
support 5 GHz radio. You must change the radio type in the radio profile.
[AC-wlan-view] wmm-profile name wp01
[AC-wlan-wmm-prof-wp01] quit
[AC]wlan
[AC-wlan-view]radio-profile name rp02
[AC-wlan-radio-prof-rp02]wmm-profile name wp01
[AC-wlan-radio-prof-rp02]radio-type 80211an
Warning: Modify the Radio type may cause some parameters of Radio resume defaul
t value, are you sure to continue?[Y/N]:y
[AC-wlan-radio-prof-aaa] channel-mode fixed
[AC-wlan-radio-prof-aaa] 80211n guard-interval-mode short
[AC-wlan-radio-prof-aaa]quit
Step 8 Configure bridge whitelists for the APs, and add neighbors of each AP to the whitelists. The
whitelists prevent leaf APs from directly connecting to the root AP without connecting to
middle APs.
Configure the bridge whitelist for AP1.
[AC-wlan-view]bridge-whitelist name bw01
[AC-wlan-br-whitelist-ap1]peer ap 5489-9845-9573
[AC-wlan-br-whitelist-ap1]quit
Configure the bridge whitelist for AP2.

[AC-wlan-view]bridge-whitelist name bw02
[AC-wlan-br-whitelist-ap2]peer ap 80fb-0689-81c3
[AC-wlan-br-whitelist-ap2]quit
Step 9 Configure the radio on each AP. Enable the 5 GHz bridge, set he bridge mode, and bind the
bridge whitelist to the radio.
Configure AP1 as a root AP.
[AC-wlan-view]ap 1 radio 1
[AC-wlan-radio-1/1]radio-profile name rp02
[AC-wlan-radio-1/1]bridge enable mode root
Info: This action will take effect after resetting ap.
[AC-wlan-radio-1/1]bridge-whitelist name bw01
[AC-wlan-radio-1/1]bridge whitelist enable
[AC-wlan-radio-1/1]quit
[AC-wlan-view]
Configure AP2 as a middle AP.

[AC-wlan-radio-2/1]bridge enable mode middle
[AC-wlan-radio-2/1]bridge-whitelist name bw02
[AC-wlan-radio-2/1]bridge whitelist enable

WLAN AP
[AC-wlan-view]
Configure AP3 as a leaf AP.

[AC-wlan-radio-3/1]bridge enable mode leaf
[AC-wlan-view]
Step 10 Configure the bridge profile. After a security profile is created, create a bridge profile and
bind the bridge profile to the radio profile to create a bridge VAP. Configure a service set and
bind the service set to another radio profile to create a service VAP.
Configure the radio profile rp01 for WLAN services and WLAN-ESS interface.
[AC-wlan-view] radio-profile name rp01
[AC-wlan-radio-prof-rp01] wmm-profile name wp01
[AC-wlan-radio-prof-rp01] quit
[AC-wlan-view] quit
[AC] interface wlan-ess 1
[AC-Wlan-Ess1] port hybrid pvid vlan 101
[AC-Wlan-Ess1] port hybrid untagged vlan 101
[AC-Wlan-Ess1] quit
[AC-Wlan-Ess2] quit
[AC-Wlan-Ess3] quit
Create the security profile sp01, set security and authentication policy to WPA2PSK, set the
authentication key to 12345678, and set the encryption mode to CCMP.
NOTE
Currently, the AP that establishes the bridge supports only WPA2+PSK+CCMP.

[AC-wlan-view] security-profile name sp01
[AC-wlan-sec-prof-sp01] security-policy wpa2
[AC-wlan-sec-prof-sp01] wpa2 authentication-method psk pass-phrase simple 12345678

encryption-method ccmp
[AC-wlan-sec-prof-sp01] quit

WLAN AP
Create a bridge profile with the name bp01 and identifier ChinaNet01, and bind the bridge
profile to the security profile sp01.
[AC-wlan-view] bridge-profile name bp01
[AC-wlan-bridge-prof-bp01] bridge-name ChinaNet01
[AC-wlan-bridge-prof-bp01] vlan tagged 100 to 106
[AC-wlan-bridge-prof-bp01] security-profile name sp01
[AC-wlan-bridge-prof-bp01] quit
Create the traffic profile tp01 and use the default settings.
[AC-wlan-view] traffic-profile name tp01
[AC-wlan-traffic-prof-tp01] quit
Create and configure a service set with the name ss01 and SSID ChinaSer01.
[AC-wlan-view] service-set name ss01
[AC-wlan-service-set-ss01] traffic-profile name tp01
[AC-wlan-service-set-ss01] security-profile name sp01
[AC-wlan-service-set-ss01] ssid ChinaSer01
[AC-wlan-service-set-ss01] service-vlan 101
[AC-wlan-service-set-ss01] wlan-ess 1
[AC-wlan-service-set-ss01] forward-mode direct-forward
[AC-wlan-service-set-ss01] quit

WLAN AP
Bind radio 1 of AP1 to the bridge profile to create a bridge VAP. Bind radio 0 of AP1 to the
radio profile and service set to create a service VAP.
[AC-wlan-view] ap 1 radio 0
[AC-wlan-radio-1/0] radio-profile name rp01
[AC-wlan-radio-1/0] service-set name ss01
[AC-wlan-radio-1/0] quit
[AC-wlan-radio-1/1] bridge-profile name bp01
[AC-wlan-radio-1/1] channel 40mhz-plus 157

WLAN AP
Step 11 Set parameters for the wired interface of AP1.

[AC-wlan-ap-1] lineate-port mode root
[AC-wlan-ap-1] quit
Step 12 Set parameters for the wired interface of AP3.
[AC-wlan-ap-3] lineate-port vlan tagged 104 to 105
[AC-wlan-ap-3] lineate-port vlan untagged 106
[AC-wlan-ap-3] lineate-port stp enable
[AC-wlan-ap-3] lineate-port mode endpoint
[AC-wlan-ap-3] lineate-port user-isolate enable
[AC-wlan-ap-3] quit
Step 13 Deliver created bridge VAPs and service VAPs to the APs.
[AC-wlan-view] commit ap 3
Warning: Committing configuration may cause service interruption,continue?[Y/N] y

WLAN AP
Figure 3-1 Flowchart for configuring WLAN WDS services
Enable the bridge and Configure a WMM profile

configure its mode
(Optional) Configure a
bridge whitelist Configure a radio profile
(Optional) Configure STP Bind the radio
Configure profile
Configure a Configure a the radio
security profile bridge profile
Configure a
security profile
Create VAPs
Configure a traffic Configure a
profile and deliver the
service set
configuration
Configure a WLAN-
ESS interface
Process of configuring Process of configuring

basic radio parameters a management bridge
Process of configuring Process of configuring

a bridge VAP a service VAP
----End
3.3 Configuration Files

Configuration file of the switch
#
vlan batch 100 to 106
#
dhcp enable
#
interface Vlanif101
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
dhcp select interface
#
interface Vlanif102
ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0
#
interface Vlanif103
ip address 192.168.3.1 255.255.255.0
#
interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1
port link-type trunk
port trunk pvid vlan 100

WLAN AP
port trunk allow-pass vlan 100 to 106

port-isolate enable group 1
#
port trunk allow-pass vlan 100
#
return
Configuration file of the AC
#
vlan batch 100
#
wlan ac-global carrier id ctc ac id 1
#
dhcp enable
#
interface Vlanif100
ip address 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
#
port trunk allow-pass vlan 100
#
interface Wlan-Ess1
port hybrid pvid vlan 101
port hybrid untagged vlan 101
#
interface Wlan-Ess2
#
interface Wlan-Ess3
#
wlan
wlan ac source interface vlanif100
ap-region id 101
ap-region id 102
ap-region id 103
ap-auth-mode no-auth
ap id 1 type-id 19 mac 0025-9e12-6667
region-id 101
ap id 2 type-id 19 mac 5489-9845-9573
region-id 102
ap id 3 type-id 19 mac 80fb-0689-81c3
region-id 103
lineate-port stp enable
lineate-port mode endpoint
lineate-port pvid vlan 104
lineate-port user-isolate enable
lineate-port vlan tagged 105
lineate-port vlan untagged 106
wmm-profile name wp01 id 0

WLAN AP
traffic-profile name tp01 id 0

security-profile name sp01 id 0
security-policy wpa2
wpa2 authentication-method psk pass-phrase 12345678 encryption-method ccmp
service-set name ss01 id 0
wlan-ess 1
ssid ChinaSer01
traffic-profile id 0
security-profile id 0
service-vlan 101
wlan-ess 2
ssid ChinaSer02
service-vlan 102
wlan-ess 3
ssid ChinaSer03
service-vlan 103
bridge-profile name bp01 id 0
bridge-name ChinaNet01
vlan tagged 100 to 106
radio-profile name rp01 id 1
wmm-profile id 1
radio-profile name rp02 id 0
radio-type 80211an
channel-mode fixed
wmm-profile id 0
80211n guard-interval-mode short
bridge-whitelist name bw01 id 0
peer ap mac 5489-9845-9573
bridge-whitelist name bw02 id 1
peer ap mac 80fb-0689-81c3
ap 1 radio 0
radio-profile id 1
service-set id 0 wlan 1
ap 1 radio 1
radio-profile id 0 channel 40MHz-plus 157
bridge enable mode root
bridge whitelist enable
bridge-whitelist id 0
bridge-profile id 0
ap 2 radio 0
radio-profile id 1
ap 2 radio 1
radio-profile id 0
channel 40MHz-plus 157
bridge enable mode middle

WLAN AP

bridge-profile id 0
ap 3 radio 0
radio-profile id 1
ap 3 radio 1
radio-profile id 0
channel 40MHz-plus 157
bridge enable mode leaf
bridge-profile id 0
#
return

WLAN AP
WDS Technology White Paper A Acronyms and Abbreviations
A Acronyms and Abbreviations
WLAN Wireless local area network

AC Access controller
AP Access point
WDS Wireless distribution system
STA Station
WVL Wireless virtual link
P2P Point to point
P2MP Point to multipoint


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Trademarks and Permissions

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential i

About This Document

Alerts you to a medium or low risk hazard that could, if not

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential ii

NOTE Provides additional information to emphasize or supplement

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential iii

About This Document .................................................................................................................... ii

2 WDS Application .......................................................................................................................... 9

3 WDS Configuration Example ................................................................................................... 19

A Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................. 33

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential iv

Table 1-1 Mapping between the products and versions

Device Product Version

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 1

Device Product Version

1.3 Technology Description

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 2

Management WVL: a WVL used to transmit management data on a WDS network.

Figure 1-1 WDS network

1.3.2 WDS Architecture

Figure 1-2 P2P topology

LAN segment 1 AP2 LAN segment 2

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3

Figure 1-3 P2MP topology

LAN segment 3 LAN segment 1

1.3.3 WDS Setup

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4

AC Delivers Configurations to Connected APs

STP Eliminates Loops

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 5

1.4 Configuration Notes

AP3 AP2 AP1

Table 1-2 VLAN configuration plan

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 6

1.4.2 P2MP Topology and Configuration Notes

AP1 AP3 STA

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 7

The configuration notes in P2MP networking are as follows:

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 8

The following network shows how APs connect to an AC through WDS.

Figure 2-1 APs connecting to an AC through WDS

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 9

2.2 Typical Scenarios

Aggregation AP1 AP2 AP3

2.2.2 Outdoor WDS Networking

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 10

Outdoor Scenario (1)

Figure 2-3 Outdoor WDS networking (1)

Aggregation AP1 AP2 AP3

Figure 2-4 Outdoor WDS networking (2)

Aggregatio Access AP1 AP2 Access

Management WVL Service WVL

Issue 01 (2013-05-10) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 11

Figure 2-5 Outdoor WDS networking (3)

Aggregation Access AP1 AP2

Management WVL Service WVL Service VAP

Outdoor Scenario (2)

Figure 2-6 Outdoor WDS networking (4)

Management WVL Service WVL Service VAP