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Configuring Mesh Networking
9-3
If an AP-5131 is configured as a base bridge (but not as a client bridge) it operates normally at boot
time. The base bridge AP-5131 supports connections made by other client bridge AP-5131s.
The dual-radio model AP-5131 affords users better optimization of the mesh networking feature by
enabling the AP-5131 to transmit to other mesh network members using one independent radio and
transmit with associated MUs using the second independent radio. A single-radio AP-5131 has its
channel utilization and throughput degraded in a mesh network, as the AP’s single radio must process
both mesh network traffic with other AP-5131s and MU traffic with its associated devices.
9.1.1 The AP-5131 Client Bridge Association Process
An AP-5131 in client bridge mode performs an active scan to quickly create a table of the access
points nearby. The table contains the AP-5131s matching the ESS of the client bridge AP’s WLAN. The
table is used to determine the best AP-5131 to connect to (based on signal strength, load and the
user's configured preferred connection list).
The association and authentication process is identical to the MU association process. The client AP-
5131 sends 802.11 authentication and association frames to the base AP-5131. The base AP-5131
responds as if the client is an actual mobile unit. Depending on the security policy, the two AP-5131’s
engage in the normal handshake mechanism to establish keys.
After device association, the two AP-5131s are connected and the system can establish the bridge
and run the spanning tree algorithm. In the meantime, the AP-5131 in client bridge mode continues
to scan in the background attempts to establish an association with other AP-5131s using the same
ESS on the same channel.
The AP-5131 in client bridge mode attempts to establish up to 3 simultaneous wireless connections.
The second and third connections are established in the background while the system is running. The
first connection needs to be established before the system starts bridging traffic.
CAUTION Only Symbol model AP-5131s can be used as base bridges, client
bridges or repeaters within an AP-5131 supported mesh network. If
utilizing a mesh network, Symbol recommends considering a dual-
radio model to optimize channel utilization and throughput.
CAUTION An AP-5131 is Base Bridge mode logs out whenever a Client Bridge
associates to the Base Bridge over the LAN connection. This problem
is not experienced over the AP-5131’s WAN connection. If this
situation is experienced, log-in to the AP-5131 again.
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