Loop WDS configuration

If the end points of a chain are connected to each other a loop is created.  Normally it is advised to avoid loops involving bridges as it can lead to performance breakdowns, and broadcast and multi-cast storms. However if the bridges in the loop (in our case these bridges are the access points) support spanning tree protocols, a loop can be created adding connection redundancy that can be used in case one of the access points in the loop fails. For example when looking at the four access points in the left-hand picture of the diagram, the one in the top right hand will fail, the one just below that still has a connection to the backbone via the other access points.

Some AP supports Spanning Tree and is expected to assure that the negative effects of a loop are prevented. In addition the user can configure the AP-2000’s spanning tree operation by defining the preferred path that the traffic should follow, by setting different values for the path cost and priority fields.