H3C Technologies H3C WX3000E Series Wireless Switches - Manual (Page 180)

168
Configuring WLAN mesh link
Introduction to WLAN mesh
A WLAN network can be used to extend or replace an existing wired LAN to provide both connectivity
and mobility for wireless users. A WLAN mesh network differs from the traditional WLAN in that it allows
for wireless connections between access points (APs), increasing mobility and flexibility. Moreover,
multi-hop wireless links can be established between APs. From end users' perspective, a WLAN mesh
network appears no different; the wireless connectivity is available, just as in a traditional WLAN.
WLAN mesh is also designed for WLAN application in subways, and complies with 802.11s draft.
Basic concepts in WLAN mesh
Figure 85 Typical WLAN mesh network
The concepts involved in WLAN mesh are described below.
Concept Description
Access controller (AC)
A device that controls and manages all the APs in the WLAN. The AC
communicates with an authentication server for WLAN client
authentication.
Mesh point (MP)
An IEEE 802.11 entity that contains an IEEE 802.11-conformant medium
access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface to the wireless
medium (WM) that supports mesh services