Intermec 6710 - Manual (Page 29)

SECTION 2
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Features and Functional Overview
6710 Access Point User’s Guide 2-5
Access points automatically configure into a self-organized
network using a spanning tree topology. They
automatically reconfigure the network to maintain reliable
operation as devices are added or removed, or in the event
of some types of wired LAN failure. The spanning tree
provides efficient, loop-free forwarding of frames through
the network and rapid roaming of mobile stations within
the network.
The spanning tree is initiated by the
super root, an access
point that coordinates the network and distributes common
system parameters to other access points and stations. The
super root is elected from a group of access points
designated at the time of installation. The election process
also occurs in the event of a super root failure, preventing a
single point of failure.
Forwarding
The bridge maintains a forwarding database of all physical
station addresses known to the access point, and the correct
port for each address. This database makes efficient
forwarding decisions in the bridging software.
The database is updated through monitoring addresses on
each port, and by messages exchanged between access
points when stations roam. The database also includes the
power management status of each station, supporting the
pending message feature of the network.
Pending Messages
Wireless stations may use power management to maintain
battery life. These stations wake up periodically to receive
messages that may have arrived while their radio was
powered down. The bridging software provides a pending
message delivery service, allowing frames to be held until
the station is ready to receive them.