Brocade Mobility 7131 Access Point Product Reference Guide (Supporting software release 4.4.0.0 and later) - Manual (Page 31)

Brocade Mobility 7131 Access Point Product Reference Guide 19
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The access point Mobility 7131 Access Point can be set to only accept replies from DHCP or BOOTP
servers or both (this is the default setting). Disabling DHCP disables BOOTP and DHCP and requires
network settings to be set manually. If running both DHCP and BOOTP, do not select BOOTP Only.
BOOTP should only be used when the server is running BOOTP exclusively.
The DHCP client automatically sends a DHCP request at an interval specified by the DHCP server to
renew the IP address lease as long as the Mobility 7131 Access Pointaccess point is running (this
parameter is programmed at the DHCP server). For example: Windows 2000 servers typically are
set for 3 days.
Mesh Networking
Utilize the new mesh networking functionality to allow the access point to function as a bridge to
connect two Ethernet networks or as a repeater to extend your network’s coverage area without
additional cabling. Mesh networking is configurable in two modes. It can be set in a wireless client
bridge mode and/or a wireless base bridge mode (which accepts connections from client bridges).
These two modes are not mutually exclusive.
In client bridge mode, the access point scans to find other access points using the selected WLAN’s
ESSID. The access point must go through the association and authentication process to establish a
wireless connection. The mesh networking association process is identical to the access point’s
MU association process. Once the association/authentication process is complete, the wireless
client adds the connection as a port on its bridge module. This causes the access point (in client
bridge mode) to begin forwarding configuration packets to the base bridge. An access point in base
bridge mode allows the access point radio to accept client bridge connections.
The two bridges communicate using the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The spanning tree
determines the path to the root and detects if the current connection is part of a network loop with
another connection. Once the spanning tree converges, both access points begin learning which
destinations reside on which side of the network. This allows them to forward traffic intelligently.
After the access point (in client bridge mode) establishes at least one wireless connection, it will
begin beaconing and accepting wireless connections (if configured to support mobile users). If the
access point is configured as both a client bridge and a base bridge, it begins accepting client
bridge connections. In this way, the mesh network builds itself over time and distance.
Once the access point (in client bridge mode) establishes at least one wireless connection, it
establishes other wireless connections in the background as they become available. In this way,
the access point can establish simultaneous redundant links. An access point (in client bridge
mode) can establish up to 3 simultaneous wireless connections with other access points. A client
bridge always initiates the connections and the base bridge is always the acceptor of the mesh
network data proliferating the network.
Since each access point can establish up to 3 simultaneous wireless connections, some of these
connections may be redundant. In that case, the STP algorithm determines which links are the
redundant links and disables the links from forwarding.
For an overview on mesh networking as well as details on configuring the access point’s mesh
networking functionality, see on page 9-443.
Additional LAN Subnet
In a typical retail or small office environment (wherein a wireless network is available along with a
production WLAN) it is often necessary to segment a LAN into two subnets. Consequently, a second
LAN is required to “segregate” wireless traffic.