Wireless distribution systems (WDS) are widely implemented across a wide variety of industries to increase the range of a network when the use of wiring is not advantageous or possible. To gain a better understanding of what a wireless distribution system is and how to implement one for your own application, consult this helpful guide.

Wireless Distribution Systems

So, what is a wireless distribution system? Essentially, it is an infrastructure that facilitates the expansion of a wireless network through the need for multiple industrial access points without requiring any wiring to link them together. Using WDS, you can easily link together two or more wireless access points to expand the range of a wireless network without using a traditional wire backbone Ethernet connection that is typically used to link them. Ultimately, WDS can provide two different modes of wireless connectivity between access points: wireless bridging and wireless repeating.

● Wireless Bridging: wireless bridging involves connecting two wireless access points together so that they can communicate exclusively with each other. Essentially, the wireless bridge acts as a client and logs into the primary router to gain an internet connection. Upon doing so, the bridge passes the connection along to the other connected devices. This mode of connectivity does not allow wireless clients or stations (STAs)—such as laptops, PDA, wireless phones, and other devices with the capability to use the 802.11 protocol—to achieve access.

● Wireless Repeating: wireless repeating allows access points to communicate with one another as well as with wireless STAs. Essentially, the existing signal from a wireless router or access point is taken and re-broadcasted to create a second network.

The Process of Configuring Wireless Distribution Systems

While a large amount of 802.11g devices have WDS bridging and repeating capabilities, the process of configuring them can often prove quite challenging. To help you configure your WDS successfully, we have provided a helpful guideline below.

Before we continue, it is important to note that not all devices with WDS capabilities will work together. To increase your chances of setting up a successful wireless distribution system, we suggest using products from the same manufacturer.

In most cases, a wireless distribution system is implemented to bridge WLAN across two buildings. As such, we will use this scenario in our example of how to configure a wireless distribution system. If you had a single wireless router in one building with a limited range and you wish to expand its range to a separate building, you would likely purchase another wireless router and place it in a separate location.

To connect the second router to the one in your building without using wiring, you would then implement a wireless distribution system. To do so, follow the steps outlined below. With the expectation that your original router has already been configured and is in use, our example will walk you through how to configure WDS on the added router used to extend the range of your network.

Connect the Router To Your Computer's LAN Port

It is worth noting that throughout the process of configuring a wireless router for the first time, you will need to use a wire to connect it to your computer’s LAN port. Once the process has been completed, you can then remove the wire and place the added router within the range of the original router to enjoy its wireless capabilities.

Log Onto the Router's Management Page

Once you have connected the added router to your computer’s LAN port, log into the router's management page. You can generally find information on how to log into the router’s management page by consulting its documentation or looking on the side of the router itself.

Upon logging in to the router’s management page, open the wireless settings. Main Access Point would need to have the wireless mode set up as WDS AP and the remote Access Points connecting to it would need to have the wireless mode set up as WDS Station.

Enter the SSID and BSSID Values

Then, enter in the SSID and BSSID values of the original router which has already been configured. If you know the exact values, you can enter them manually. If you don’t know the precise values, click the survey button to acquire a list of all the available wireless networks within range. Once you have received the list, simply click the connect button located next to your current wireless network. Upon doing so, the SSID and BSSID fields will fill automatically.

Input the Authentification Type and Pre-Shared Key of Your Current Network

Next, you must input the key type and password of your current network. After all of the aforementioned information has been filled out, you can then input the name of the wireless network for the second router. Keep in mind that the name that you choose will be shown to anyone who tries to connect to the router.

Disable the DHSP

Next, set the AP channel of the new router to the same channel as the original router. Upon doing so, you will need to disable the DHCP on the additional router by simply opening the DHCP and disabling the server.

Differentiate the LAN IP of the Routers

Modify the LAN IP address of the router by clicking on the Setup and then the Basic Setup tab and selecting LAN. Before connecting the two routers together, you will first have to ensure that the LAN IP of the additional router is distinct from the existing router, yet still in the same subnet. Once those settings have been adjusted, reboot the router that you have just configured. Upon doing so, you can safely unplug the wire connected to the computer’s LAN port and put the additional router in your desired location within the range of the original router.

Antaira is an industry-leading provider of industrial communication technology. Our wide variety of industrial IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless AP/bridge/client products will help you achieve the high degree of reliability that you need in even the harshest environmental conditions—from electromagnetic disturbances to extreme temperature fluctuations. Using the latest Wi-Fi technology, we also design and manufacture all of our wireless devices for optimal performance. For more information on how our products can help you set up a successful wireless distribution system, contact us today.

Antaira Technologies is a leading provider of industrial communication and networking devices. Our extensive array of innovative products ranges widely, from industrial access points to Modbus gateway devices. To develop a highly reliable and durable network for your industrial application, contact us today.