View source for Wireless distribution system (WDS) test

<p style="color:red">The information in this page is updated in accordance with [https://wiki.teltonika-networks.com/view/FW_%26_SDK_Downloads'''00.07.09.1'''] firmware version.</p> 
==Introduction==
Introduction
Wireless distribution system (WDS) enables access points to connect wirelessly within an IEEE 802.11 network. This system allows the expansion of a wireless network through multiple access points without needing a wired backbone. A key advantage of WDS is its ability to maintain the MAC addresses of client frames when transmitting between access points.
This article provides an extensive configuration example of a basic WDS usage scenario with two RUTxxx devices.
If you're having trouble finding this page or some of the parameters described here on your device's WebUI, you should turn on '''"Advanced WebUI" mode.''' You can do that by clicking the "Advanced" button, located at the top of the WebUI.
[[File:Networking_rutos_manual_webui_basic_advanced_mode_75.gif|border|center|class=tlt-border|1102x93px]]
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==Configuration overview and prerequisites==

Before we begin, let's overview the configuration that we are attempting to achieve and the prerequisites that make it possible.

'''Prerequisites''':

* Two RUTxxx routers
* Router's LANs should be in same subnet
* An end device (PC, Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone)

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'''Configuration scheme''':
[[File:WDS configuration topology.png|border|center|class=tlt-border|935x443px]]

The scheme depicts two RUTxxx routers - RUT1 and RUT2. RUT1 is configured as Access Point Mode with SSID: RUT_WiFi. RUT2 is configured as Client mode (AP) and connected to Wi-Fi with SSID: RUT_WiFi. RUT2's DHCP Server is disabled. This is done so that the end devices connected to RUT2 get IP addresses from RUT1's DHCP Server with the help of WDS.
So in short, this type of configuration combines devices into a single network, allowing them to communicate with each other.

'''NOTE''': the parameters displayed in the scheme above will be used in further examples of this guide. Parameters like LAN IP addresses and WiFi SSID should be chosen in accordance with your own needs.

==Router configuration==

If you have familiarized yourself with the configuration scheme and have all of the devices in order, you can start configuring your routers using instructions provided in this section.

===RUT1===
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The configuration for RUT1 is fairly simple. You only need to make sure that the router has:
* An active WiFi Access Point (AP) з включеним WDS
* An active DHCP Server

If you need to change the ip lan by logging in to the router's WebUI and visiting  the  '''Network →  lan → lan settings''' click '''Edit''' button on the right side of interface for lan settings.

[[File:WDS configuration lan edit.png|border|1100x1100px]]

A WiFi Access Point (AP) and DHCP Server are enabled by default on RUTxxx routers, but if you wish to make changes, you can find the configuration pages for the services in Network → DHCP → Server settings click Edit button on the right side of interface for DHCP settings.

[[File:WDS configuration dhcp edit.png|border|1100x1100px]]

Got to '''Network → Wireless → SSIDs''' section and click Edit button on the right side of a wireless network for WiFi settings.

[[File:RutOS Relay WIFI extender 7.8 wifi edit.png|border|1100x1100px]]

Go to the '''Advanced Settings''' tab and turn on '''WDS'''.

[[File:WDS configuration enable wds_1.png|border|1100x1100px]]

===RUT2===
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The key things you need to configure in RUT2 are:
*	Scan WiFi  and connect to RUT1  WiFi Access Point
*	Change network from auto(wifi0) to lan
*	Enable WDS in Advanced Settings
*	Change default IPv4 address to 192.168.10.2 and  Disable DHCP server

'''NOTE''': in this case, the steps should be taken in the order they are presented in, because if you disable RUT2's DHCP Server first, you may lose access to your router. So let's begin by setting up WiFi.

====WiFi====
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* To set up WiFi, login to the router's WebUI and navigate to the Network section found the Wireless tab by side ('''Network → Wireless → SSIDs''')

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* To begin configuring WiFi Client first click the 'Scan' button to scan the surrounding area and attempt to connect to a new wireless access point. You can choose whether to scan '''2.4 GHz''' or '''5 GHz''' wireless networks:
[[File:RutOS Relay WIFI extender 7.8 wifi scan.png|border|1100x1100px]]

* Once the scan is complete, you will be presented with a list of nearby WiFi Access Points. Locate and choose RUT1's Access Point and click "Join network":

[[File:RutOS Relay WIFI extender 7.8 wifi scan connect.png|border|1100x1100px]]

* You will be redirected again to following window, where you will need to enter '''WPA passphrase''' or other security password depending on AP that you are connecting to.

[[File:RutOS Relay WIFI extender 7.8 wifi scan connect join.png|border|1100x1100px]]

* Next window that opens will be Wireless client Configuration. Values there, mostly, should be left unchanged to avoid connection problems, because they are dictated by Access Point. Next window that opens will be Wireless client Configuration. Values there, mostly, should be left unchanged to avoid connection problems, because they are dictated by Access Point. The only thing you need to change is to select '''lan''' in '''network''':
[[File:WDS configuration wifi client interface.png|border|1100x1100px]]

Go to the '''Advanced Settings''' tab and turn on '''WDS'''.

[[File:WDS configuration enable wds_1.png|border|1100x1100px]]

* After we configured WiFi settings, we will need to change lan IPv4 address and disable DHCP settings on our LAN interface. Go to '''Network → LAN''' and click on the button '''Edit''':

[[File:WDS configuration lan client edit_1.png|border|1100x1100px]]

* After you clicked Edit button settings window will appear. Change IPv4 address and IPv4 netmask, disable DHCPv4 and DHCPv6 settings.
# Change IPv4 address
# Change IPv4 netmask
# Disable DHCPv4
# Disable DHCPv6
# Save


[[File:WDS configuration lan client edit.png|border|1100x1100px]]

==Testing the set up==

If you've taken all of the steps described above, the configuration is done. But as with any other configuration, it is always wise to test the set up in order to make sure that it works properly. To test this particular set up, login to any of the routers go to '''System → Maintenance → CLI'''. Login with user name: root and the router's admin password. You should then be able to '''ping''' the other router or any of the end devices that you have connected to either of the two routers. To execute a ping command, type '''ping <devices_ip>''' into the console and press the Enter key:

[[File:WDS configuration pinging example.png]]

Replace <devices_ip> with an actual IP address of a device that is in your network and if the ping requests are successful it means the configuration is working. You can check the IP addresses of the devices connected to your network in RUT1's Status → Routes section.