APC: How to configure Point-to-Multi-Point?

This article provides information on how to create a bridged Point to Multi-Point link using iPoll or 11n.

The recommended amount of stations is no more than 32.
In a bridged (layer 2) network, it is recommended to use WDS for 11n, so as to maintain compatibility with other vendors, and to use iPoll with APC devices.

PTMP-diagram

Step 1. Configure the network settings on the master (AP) device: change the device’s IP address (can be static or dynamic) and enable IP alias, if necessary:

ptmp-step1

If necessary, configure the settings found in System > Administration: device name, device location, coordinates (especially when using WNMS), username and password.

Step 2. Configure the wireless settings for iPoll Master:

– set the Wireless Mode to Access Point iPoll

– define the SSID

– set the Channel to Auto

– enable Security, if necessary

All other settings should be kept as default values:

ptmp-step2-1

Configure the wireless settings for an 11n AP:

– set the Wireless Mode to Access Point (auto WDS)

– define the SSID

– choose the IEEE mode:

     N for 802.11n compatible radios

     A/N mixed or B/G/N mixed for legacy radios in the network

– set the Channel to Auto

– enable Security, if necessary

– set the ACK timeout in accordance with the maximum distance from the station using the slider:

ptmp-step2-2

Step 3. Configure the network settings on the station: change the device’s IP address (can be static or dynamic) and enable IP alias, if necessary:

ptmp-step3

If necessary, configure the settings found in System > Administration: device name, device location, coordinates (especially when using WNMS), username and password.

Step 4. Configure the wireless settings for the station:

– select the country code

– set the wireless mode to Station (auto iPoll)

According to the access point:

– define the SSID

– enable Security if necessary

If the Station (auto iPoll) wireless mode is selected, the APC will act as a station and will automatically turn on the iPoll mode, if it detects that the selected AP is an iPoll Access Point.

ptmp-step4

Step 5. Monitor the connection.

Observe signal levels on the access point and the station. The recommended signal level range is between –35dBm and –60dBm.

On the access point: navigate to Status > Wireless:

ptmp-step5-1

On the station: navigate to the Status > Information page:

ptmp-step5-2

If it is a MIMO device, there will be two signal streams: one will be the Main and the other—the Aux.

Step 6. Optimize the channel size for best performance.

Before changing the auto channel option to some particular channel, it is recommended to perform a scan on the AP and on the station (found under Tools > Site Survey) and to also run the Spectrum Analyzer. Try to find the cleanest frequency for the device to operate on.

ptmp-step6