Wireless Mesh Network

[Billprozac]

Has anyone here put together a wireless mesh network using SOHO product like the linksys WAP11G and or WRT11G? I have a central hotspot server running public IP and just nee to connect all of the access points, but I want to know if anyone has used the linksys to create a mesh rather than establishing individual cells.

[Eversurf]

Yeah I have done it a few times, there is a specific configuration to each of the Wireless AP. I think they need to be on different Channel. If you look into the Linksys knowledge base you will find the correct answer. Look for multiple AP or something to that flavor.

Have fun !!!

[Eversurf]

Here you go dude, I got this directly from the Linksys DB

How to use multiple access points on the same LAN

Question

How do I use multiple access points on the same LAN

Answer

Multiple access points can be used on the same LAN, provided they are attached to the same hubs or switches that are connected by Cat 5 Ethernet cable.

The channel for each access point should be unique, within the range of 1-11 for North America. This allows up to 11 access points to be set up on one LAN. It is recommended to go in increments of three to the next closest access point:

Example: 3 - 6 ? 11

The SSID should be the same for all the units on the LAN

If WEP is enabled, all WAP11 units must have the same algorithm, passphrase, keys, and tx key in order for the wireless equipped machines to roam.

Author:

KBJLH

Copyright ? 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc.

[Billprozac]

Awesome Eversurf! That is what I was looking for.

[clonk]

Here you go dude, I got this directly from the Linksys DB

How to use multiple access points on the same LAN

Question

How do I use multiple access points on the same LAN

Answer

Multiple access points can be used on the same LAN, provided they are attached to the same hubs or switches that are connected by Cat 5 Ethernet cable.

The channel for each access point should be unique, within the range of 1-11 for North America. This allows up to 11 access points to be set up on one LAN. It is recommended to go in increments of three to the next closest access point:

Example: 3 - 6 ? 11

The SSID should be the same for all the units on the LAN

If WEP is enabled, all WAP11 units must have the same algorithm, passphrase, keys, and tx key in order for the wireless equipped machines to roam.

Author:

KBJLH

Copyright ? 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc.

This doesn't sound like a mesh network to me. I thought in mesh networks the WAPs did not need to be connected to one another via wires. Can someone clarify this point, and why this article says the WAPs need to be on different channels.

[Billprozac]

Clonk, that is WDS. That may be technocally what a mesh network is, buteversurf knew what I was thinking about. I am going to be installing a bunch of Access points in our network and I would like them to act as on large acees point... more or less. On another note, I have upgraded the firmware to the sveasoft which does supprt WDS, so I can add access point to the network without having to run wires to them (except power of course).

[clonk]

Ok Billprozac, I understand what you are saying now. Let me ask you this: I have 3 WAPs in the house, one on each floor. I have them all set to the same channel (and SSID naturally) currently because I thought thats how you setup what you are reffering to. Should I set these WAPs to different channels like the article says? What is the advantage / nessessity of this?

[ThunderRiver]

You should set them to the same channel and same SSID.

Also, you should bridge those three WAP together.

I know Netgear and Microsoft Netowrk Base Station do what you need. I use MN-500 at home for 802.11b, and it has the feature for mesh network

[Billprozac]

Same channel? It seems to me that they would interfere with each other. THink of it like cell phones. Each cell has to be independantly identified, yet exist in one harmonious network (yeah SAT word!). I realize that users will not be able to completely flow from one "cell" to the next without interaction or much setup, that would be the perfect result. I will have fdifferent users on this network from time to time and they will not want to always be reconfiguring.

[clonk]

Well then, I will change my WAPs channels, and will see what happens. I was always under the assumption you wanted them to be on the same channel.

[Billprozac]

According everything I have been reading today, seperate channals, but same ssid is the way to go. If you do change yours, see if you get better signal strength and/or less dropping. Should have that effect.

[clonk]

According everything I have been reading today, seperate channals, but same ssid is the way to go. If you do change yours, see if you get better signal strength and/or less dropping. Should have that effect.

I did change mine to different channels, 3 apart like the article said. Things seem to be good so far, seems like the computer does a better job of finding and sticking to an access point, so I'll have to see if I notice anything more. Glad I read this thread!