Glossary

The Wireless Distribution System (WDS) is a technology used in wireless networks to expand the range and flexibility of WLAN networks. It enables seamless connection and communication between multiple WLAN access points (APs) without the need for a wired connection between them. This creates an extendable and efficient wireless network that offers greater coverage and improved connectivity.

WDS is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard for WLANs and uses the same wireless protocol to establish connections between the access points. It acts as a kind of "bridge" between the access points, allowing devices connected to them to seamlessly switch from one AP to another while remaining within the same WLAN.

To set up WDS, all involved access points must support WDS and be configured with the same security settings and SSID (Service Set Identifier). The WDS master AP functions as the central point and coordinates communication between the connected APs. The other APs are referred to as WDS clients and establish connections to the master AP.

The key features and benefits of WDS are as follows:

1. Extended Range and Coverage: WDS enables the connection of multiple access points in a wireless network, thereby extending the range and coverage of the WLAN. This is particularly useful in large buildings, residential complexes, or environments with many obstacles that may hinder signal transmission.

2. Roaming Capability: Since WDS enables seamless connection between the access points, devices in the network can seamlessly switch from one AP to another without losing their connection. This is especially important for mobile devices such as smartphones and laptops that can move within a large area without losing their connection.

3. Load Balancing and Redundancy: WDS facilitates load distribution among the access points, resulting in more balanced utilization. If an AP becomes overloaded or fails, the other APs can take over the traffic, providing higher fault tolerance and redundancy.

4. Easy Expansion: Setting up WDS does not require a wired connection between the access points, simplifying the implementation and expansion of the wireless network. New access points can be easily added to increase network capacity or extend coverage.

5. Flexibility and Scalability: WDS offers a flexible and scalable solution for building large wireless networks. It can be used in various environments, from home networks to enterprise settings, and supports a wide variety of WLAN devices.

Despite its advantages, WDS also has some limitations and potential drawbacks:

1. Throughput Reduction: WDS results in the bandwidth being shared between the access points, which can lead to some reduction in throughput. The more access points integrated into WDS and the greater the distance between connections, the more significant the impact on speed.

2. Setup Complexity: Configuring WDS can be complex and often requires careful planning to avoid interference and other issues. Proper placement and adjustment of the access points are crucial for optimal performance and stability.

3. Interference and Latency: The use of WDS can lead to increased interference and latency, particularly in environments with many access points or high traffic. This can affect performance and connection stability.

4. Dependency on Manufacturer Support: As WDS is not included in the original WLAN standard, support and compatibility may vary between different manufacturers. It is important to ensure that all access points support WDS and work well together to avoid interoperability issues.

Advantages of Wireless Distribution System (WDS):

1. Extended Range and Coverage: WDS allows for a seamless connection of multiple access points, enabling an extended range and improved coverage of a WLAN network. It is particularly useful in large buildings, residential complexes, or environments with many obstacles, ensuring consistent signal coverage.

2. Roaming Capability: With WDS, devices within the network can seamlessly switch from one access point to another without losing their connection. This enables smooth usage of mobile devices such as smartphones and laptops while moving within a large area.

3. Load Balancing and Redundancy: WDS evenly distributes the network traffic among the connected access points, leading to better load balancing. In case of an access point failure, the other access points can take over the traffic, increasing fault tolerance and redundancy.

4. Easy Expansion: Setting up WDS does not require wired connections between access points, simplifying the implementation and expansion of the network. New access points can easily be added to increase network capacity or coverage.

5. Flexibility and Scalability: WDS offers a flexible solution for building large wireless networks. It can be used in various environments and supports a wide range of WLAN devices, from home networks to enterprise setups.

Disadvantages of Wireless Distribution System (WDS):

1. Throughput Reduction: Sharing bandwidth between access points can lead to some reduction in throughput. This effect becomes more pronounced with a higher number of access points or when operating over larger distances.

2. Setup Complexity: Configuring WDS can be complex and requires careful planning to avoid interference and other issues. Proper placement and adjustment of access points are crucial for achieving optimal performance and stability.

3. Interference and Latency: The use of WDS may result in increased interference and latency, especially in environments with numerous access points or high network traffic. This can affect performance and connection stability.

4. Dependency on Manufacturer Support: Since WDS is not originally included in the WLAN standard, support and compatibility can vary between different manufacturers. Ensuring that all access points support WDS and work well together is important to avoid interoperability issues.

Despite these drawbacks, the Wireless Distribution System offers a powerful means to extend WLAN networks and ensure reliable wireless connectivity. It is essential to consider the specific requirements and challenges of each network to create an efficient and stable WDS configuration.

The Wireless Distribution System provides a powerful means to extend the range and flexibility of WLAN networks and ensure reliable wireless connectivity in various environments. It is essential to consider the specific requirements and challenges of each network to create an efficient and stable WDS configuration.