Telecommunication

What is WDS Wireless Distribution System

Admin

— 2 min read

WDS: Wireless Distribution System

Wireless Distribution System (WDS) is a technology that allows multiple Wireless Access Points (APs) to be interconnected wirelessly within an IEEE 802.11 network. This eliminates the need for a wired backbone to link the access points, providing a more flexible and cost-effective solution for expanding wireless network coverage.

How WDS Works

  • Wireless Bridging: WDS establishes a wireless bridge between multiple APs, enabling them to share and transfer network traffic.
  • Transparent Network: WDS creates a transparent network, making it appear as if the connected APs are wired together.
  • Client Connectivity: Clients can connect to any AP within the WDS network, and the traffic is seamlessly forwarded between APs as needed.

Opens in a new windowsuperuser.comWDS network topology

Key Components

  • Wireless Access Points (APs): These are the primary devices in a WDS network. They can operate as a main, relay, or remote base station.
  • Wireless Clients: These are devices (laptops, smartphones, etc.) that connect to the wireless network.

Advantages of WDS

  • Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for wired connections between APs.
  • Flexibility: Allows for easy expansion of the wireless network coverage.
  • Simplicity: Relatively simple to configure and implement compared to other wireless bridging solutions.

Disadvantages of WDS

  • Reduced Throughput: Wireless connections typically have lower throughput compared to wired connections, which can impact overall network performance.
  • Increased Latency: Wireless links introduce additional latency compared to wired connections.
  • Security Risks: WDS networks are susceptible to security vulnerabilities if not properly configured.
  • Limited Range: The range of a WDS network is dependent on the wireless signal strength and environmental factors.

WDS Configurations

  • Point-to-Point: Connects two APs directly for extending coverage.
  • Point-to-Multipoint: Connects a central AP to multiple remote APs.

Security Considerations

  • Encryption: Using strong encryption protocols like WPA2 is essential to protect data transmitted over the WDS network.
  • Isolation: Isolating the WDS network from other wireless networks can help prevent unauthorized access.
  • Regular Updates: Keeping firmware and software up-to-date with the latest security patches.

WDS vs. Other Wireless Bridging Solutions

  • WDS is relatively simple to implement and manage but offers limited performance and security compared to other options.
  • Mesh Networking: Provides more flexibility and redundancy but is typically more complex to configure.
  • Backhaul Links: Using dedicated wireless backhaul links can offer higher performance and security but requires additional infrastructure.

In conclusion, WDS is a valuable technology for expanding wireless network coverage in scenarios where wired connections are impractical or costly. However, it's essential to consider its limitations and explore alternative solutions based on specific network requirements.

Read more