Tree-like Topology

The wireless APs in WDS configuration can be regarded as nodes, and these nodes form a tree-like structure. The tree builds in a top down manner with the Root AP being the tree root, and the Satellite AP being the tree leaves.

The nodes in the tree-structure have a parent-child relationship. The AP that provides the WDS service to the other APs in the downstream direction is a parent. The APs that establish a link with the AP in the upstream direction for WDS service are children.

Note

If a parent AP fails or stops to act a parent, the children APs will attempt to discover their backup parents. If the backup parents are not defined, the children APs will be left stranded.

The following figure illustrates the parent-child relationship between the nodes in a WDS topology. In Parent-Child Relationship Between Wireless APs in WDS Configuration:

• Root Wireless AP is the parent of Repeater Wireless AP 1.
• Repeater Wireless AP 1 is the child of Root Wireless AP.
• Repeater Wireless AP 1 is the parent of Repeater Wireless AP 2.
• Repeater Wireless AP 2 is the child of Repeater Wireless AP 1.
• Repeater Wireless AP 2 is the parent of the following Wireless APs:
  • Satellite Wireless AP 1
  • Satellite Wireless AP 2
  • Satellite Wireless AP 3
• All the three Satellite APs are the children of Repeater Wireless AP 2.

Parent-Child Relationship Between Wireless APs in WDS Configuration

The WDS system enables you to configure the AP‘s role — parent, child or both — from the wireless controller‘s interface. If the WDS AP will be serving as a parent and a child in a given topology, its role is configured as both.

Note

It is recommended that you limit the number of APs participating in a WDS tree to 8. This limit guarantees decent performance in most typical situations.

Note

If an AP is configured to serve as a scanner in Radar, it cannot be used in a WDS tree. For more information, see Working with ExtremeWireless Radar.