A Wireless Distribution System (WDS) allows you to use the Access Point (AP) to connect to other APs using a wireless signal. A WDS can create a seamless network between multiple WDS-compatible APs. A WDS can improve network connectivity over a larger geographical area, but the network speed is reduced up to 50% each time that you add a new AP to the WDS.
Note: Only IP-based networks can be used with a WDS.
To set up the unit, you need to connect the AP150WN1X1OD using a wired Ethernet connection.
Wait 30 seconds for the unit to start before you make any configuration changes.
The maximum range of the AP150WN1X1OD is 3 km, however, obstructions (such as buildings) may reduce the range. The AP150WN1X1OD can be used with multiple WDS-compatible APs (for example, additional AP150WN1X1OD devices) to overcome any physical barriers that may limit the Wi-Fi range.
To use multiple AP150WN1X1OD units to create a WDS, one unit needs to be assigned as the main AP and be connected to a wired network. The additional attached units need to be assigned as relay APs and be connected to the main AP.
Before you set up a WDS, you need the MAC address of all of the APs that you plan to use. The MAC address is located on a label on the back of the unit. The label has a barcode with text underneath it, showing MAC: 001AEF[xxxxxx]. Decide where you plan to locate the APs and write down the MAC address that correlates with each AP.
You also need to assign each AP a unique IP address that is on the same network as the wired network. For example, if the main network is 192.168.1.xxx and the default gateway is on 192.168.1.1, the APs need to be assigned static IP addresses from 192.168.1.[2-255]. Ideally, the IP addresses are outside of a DHCP server range to prevent IP address conflicts. This information can be obtained from the router on your network.
Although each AP that you use in your setup requires a unique MAC address, SSID, and IP address, the APs all need to have identical settings for the following:
The following is an example of a setup list:
AP | Location | SSID | MAC address | IP address |
Main | Data center | StarTech.com Guest | 001AEF41687F | 192.168.1.200 |
Relay 1 | Upstairs | StarTech.com Upstairs | 001AEF416880 | 192.168.1.201 |
Relay 2 | Downstairs | StarTech.com Downstairs | 001AEF416881 | 192.168.1.202 |
Note: You should assign each AP a unique SSID (Wi-Fi name) instead of using a common SSID.
The steps described below apply to firmware version 1.2f.05 and use the factory default settings.
Note: If the IP address was changed to a different network, you will need to change the computer IP address to the network of the access point to make further changes.
When you are done setting up the main and relay APs, place the units where you want them and connect the wired LAN to the main AP. To confirm the connectivity of the relay AP, under WDS Settings, click Show Statistics.