Using Wireless Bridging for Remote Network Connectivity

Transcription

1 Using Wireless Bridging for Remote Network Connectivity Providing reliable network connectivity to remote IP security cameras or extending coverage to guest homes, boat docks, and outbuildings can be a considerable challenge and a considerable opportunity for the custom install integrator. Trenching has been the only option. But it is too disruptive, messy, labor intensive and of course expensive. Using Luxul Xen High- Powered Access Points integrators can quickly connect remote locations and IP devices with relative ease. What is a Wireless Bridge? Think of a wireless bridge as an Ethernet cable that runs over the air, using two or more wireless access points (WAPs) to broadcast data from one point to another point- to- point, (Image 1); or as point- to- multipoint, with multiple client APs (see Image 2). Once a connection is made between the APs, the client AP can then be connected via a standard Ethernet cable to a switch and/or other devices for delivering network connectivity to the remote location. Image 1 Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge Image 2 Point-to-Multipoint Wireless Bridge

2 Setting up a Wireless Bridge Each bridge will consist of at least two XAP WAPs, with one set to Bridge Root and the other set to Bridge Client. In a point- to- point bridge, either of the two WAPs can be the Bridge Root and either can be the Bridge Client. In a point- to- multipoint, the WAP to which multiple WAPs are connecting must be the Bridge Root, with all of the connecting WAPs being set to Bridge Client. Client Device Access when running in Bridge Mode To allow devices to connect to two bridged Luxul AP s, we recommend setting up a second SSID to allow client devices to connect. In the AP s management page select Wireless >> Profiles, then click on the Add button. (Note: This SSID must be different than the SSID used for the bridge connection.) Configuring the Bridge Root 1. Connect the Access Point to a laptop or desktop. This can be done through either a wireless or wired connection. 2. Access the Quick Setup WAP Configuration Page through a browser. (If you need help with this please refer to the product s Quick Start Guide.) 3. Determine that all of the IP Address information is correct for moving forward. If you are Bridging between any two of the same model of Xen WAPs, two XAP s for example,

3 then you will need to manually change the static IP address of one of the units so that they don t both end up with the same IP address ( in the case of the XAP1040) 4. Click on the drop down menu for Operating Mode, changing it from Client Access to Bridge Root. 5. Next enter the desired SSID for the Bridge. 6. We recommend that you now apply security, and recommended is Mixed or WPA2 mode for Security. 7. For more flexibility, keep the Encryption as TKIP & AES. 8. Provide a passphrase. 9. Save and Reboot. Image 3 Bridge Root Configuration Screen Configuring the Bridge Client 1. Follow steps 1 3 as outlined above. 2. This time select Bridge Client as the operating mode. 3. Fill in the same SSID as the Bridge Root (it s case sensitive)

4 4. Apply the exact same security same mode and pass phrase - to the Bridge Client that you applied to the Bridge Root. 5. Save and Reboot. Image 4 Bridge Client Configuration Screen Additional APs may be set up and connected to the Bridge Root as Bridge Clients but you ll need to ensure that they are in an area covered by the Bridge Root. Which XAP Model Should I use? All of the Luxul XAP models have the ability to act as a Bridge Root or Bridge Client, including the indoor and outdoor models. The most common scenario is using two XAP1040 s outdoors in a bridge. The XAP1050 is unique not in its configuration, but in it s application. It is different in that it is NOT PoE powered. It has a 25 ft DC pigtail that you connect to the local power source at

5 the pole and then a PoE pass- through that allows a single PoE device to connect. The typical XAP1050 scenario is a single IP camera on a light post that connects back to an XAP1040. If you are connecting two cameras, you d need two of the XAP1050 s. If you re doing three or more, it may be easier to use two XAP1040 s connected to a hardened switch placed in a NEMA enclosure (see the images below). Image 5 XAP1040 to XAP1050 Bridge with IP Camera

6 Image 6 XAP1040 to XAP1040 Bridge with three IP Cameras and a hardened POE injector (enclosure not shown) Test and Roll Out Now that both the Bridge Root and Bridge Client have been configured, a Best Practice would be to connect them together at close range with minimal obstructions and interference in the office, parking lot, etc. BEFORE placing the units where they will ultimately be deployed. Doing so will allow you to validate and verify that you have configured them correctly. Once you have validated that they are connecting correctly, then you can place them in their intended locations.