Configuring an AutoWDS scenario using preconfigured integration

Description:

This document shows you how to set up an AutoWDS network by means of preconfigured integration. Configuration in this way uses the automatic topology management of a LANCOM WLC.

Requirements:

• LCOS as of version 9 (download latest version)
• LANtools as of version 9 (download latest version)
• LANCOM WLAN controller or LANCOM router with WLC Basic option

Procedures:

1) Configuration steps on the LANCOM WLC:

1.1) In LANconfig, open the configuration dialog for the WLC and switch to menu item WLAN Controller → Profiles → Advanced Profiles → AutoWDS.

Image of a complex technical configuration interface for a WLAN controller, detailing various settings such as logical WLAN profiles, LED control, network expansion options, and security features for wireless network management.

1.2) Click on AutoWDS activated to enable the feature on the device in general.

1.3) Enter the name of the AutoWDS base network under AutoWDS-Rollout-SSID. By default LANconfig uses the identifier AutoWDS-Rollout.

• The SSID specified here acts as the management network for all access points searching for the AutoWDS network and, apart from the WPA2 passphrase, it offers no further options for configuration.
• The WLC internally connects the specified SSID automatically using a WLC tunnel (WLC-TUNNEL-AUTOWDS). Normal WLAN clients are unable to use this management network.

1.4) Under WPA2 passphrase you enter a key to secure the AutoWDS base network.

• Select the most complex key possible, with at least 8 and a maximum of 63 characters. The key requires at least 32 characters to provide encryption of suitable strength.

1.5) Under Used radio bands specify the frequency band used by the access points for the AutoWDS base network.

1.6) Select the WLAN profile with the SSID which is to be enhanced with AutoWDS.

• The access points with this WLAN profile serve as anchor access points and support the AutoWDS base network. At the same time, associated access points receive this WLAN profile via AutoWDS as a default configuration, which they use to transmit the corresponding SSID after successful configuration.

1.7) Switch to the menu WLAN Controller → Profiles → Logical WLAN networks (SSIDs).

For all SSIDs that the access point connected via AutoWDS is to broadcast later (all SSIDs specified in the WLAN profile), set the value "AP standalone time" to "0" and deactivate the option "Indefinite autonomous operation".

Image showing a complex user interface with various technical configurations for a wireless network, including settings for WPA versions, session key types, frequency bands, and power-saving features.

1.8) Navigate to the menu Interfaces → LAN → Port table.

1.9) Make sure that the WLC tunnel with the name WLC-TUNNEL-AUTOWDS is located in the same bridge group as the logical interface of your local network.

• In the example below, logical interface LAN-1 and the WLC tunnel WLC-TUNNEL-AUTOWDS are combined in bridge group BRG-1.

Image displaying a screen with partially legible and fragmented text, possibly related to a configuration menu or user interface with repeated mentions of the word 'women'.

1.10) Switch to the menu IPv4 → General → IP networks.

1.11) In Interfaces assignment assign the bridge group that combines the logical interface(s) of your local network and the WLC tunnel WLC-TUNNEL-AUTOWDS (in this example BRG-1) to your local network.

The image displays a technical configuration interface for managing IP networks, network addresses, VLAN IDs, and other networking parameters, useful for system administrators.

1.12) Close the dialog window with OK and save the configuration to the device.

2) Configuring the LANCOM access points:

The following instructions describe the AutoWDS configuration of a LANCOM access point for preconfigured integration. The configuration steps are identical for all access points that are to be added.

If devices are out of range of the WLC, thus making pairing impossible, the SSID and passphrase can optionally be entered manually.

2.1) Open the configuration dialog of the access point in LANconfig and click Wireless LAN → AutoWDS.

2.2) Click AutoWDS activated to enable the feature on the device in general.

Screenshot of a technical configuration interface showing settings for an automatic wireless distribution system (AutoWDS) to expand a WLAN network, with options like Wireless LAN, security mode, and SSID configuration visible.

2.3) Under Network name (SSID) enter the name of the AutoWDS base network that you configured on the LANCOM WLC.

2.4) Enter the key for the AutoWDS base network under WPA2 passphrase that you have configured on the WLC.

2.5) Change the Timeout values for the Time till search mode 'Preconfig' to 1 and for the Time until search mode 'Express' to 0.

2.6) Under Wireless LAN → General → Physical WLAN Settings, make sure that at least one physical WLAN interface is in Managed mode. Otherwise the device will never search for an AutoWDS base network.

Image of a technical user interface showing options for radio adaptive RF optimization and signal strength indicators in client mode for a WLAN interface.

2.7) Close the dialog window with OK and save the configuration to the device.

After a successful configuration update, the access point switches its physical WLAN interface(s) into client mode and searches for the specified AutoWDS base network.