It is a reality that wireless networks have a very important weight in our connections today. We can make use of multiple devices that connect to the Internet without using cables. We also have different technologies that allow us to achieve this connectivity without cables. In this article we are going to talk about what is WDS , a technology that allows you to connect two devices wirelessly.
What is WDS
WDS stands for Wireless Distribution System. We can translate it into Spanish as a wireless distribution system. Its mission is to achieve the wireless connection between access points of an IEEE 802.11 network.
This is very useful for expanding a wireless network with different points. A solution to network problems that may exist in a home or workplace, without the need to use cables to link them.
Note that WDS allows you to provide two modes of access point to access point connectivity . One of these modes is as a network bridge. In this case the WDS APs communicate with each other and do not allow wireless stations to access.
The other way is as a wireless repeater. The access points in this case communicate with each other and with the clients.
Basically we can say that the main mission is to offer different wireless access points without these in turn being linked by cable. It also allows keeping the MAC address in the information sent. In this way we ensure that a connected device does not notice the difference when changing from one access point to another.
Keep in mind that not all routers are compatible, although today most are. In many cases this comes in the configuration of the device as Wireless Bridge.
What is needed to use WDS
Keep in mind that in order to use this technology we are going to have a series of requirements. In this way we can configure it and connect our equipment without problems.
It is essential to use routers compatible with this technology
Something fundamental is that the routers that we are going to use have WDS technology . It does not matter if they are 2, 3, 4 … All of them must have the possibility of making use of this type of configuration to distribute wireless connection.
We have mentioned that today most routers come prepared for it. However, each model can use a different name, as well as the configuration that allows it to be used. There is not something standardized for all the same. We may find this configuration as Wireless Bridge or similar names.
Same channel and security keys
It is also very important that all the access points that we are going to use are connected to the same network, to the same channel and use the same security key . The latter also includes the type of encryption that we are going to use in the Wi-Fi network. As we know there are different types, such as WPA-2, WEP …
Routers must have the same standard
Another limitation to be able to use this technology correctly is that all routers have the same standard (802.11b, 802.11g…). In this way they could work and connect with each other correctly.
Why use WDS
Making use of WDS technology has certain advantages. One of them, as we mentioned earlier, is that it allows you to keep the MAC addresses of the clients’ packets in all the access points they use.
Another very important point is undoubtedly that it will allow expanding wireless coverage . This is something that we can apply both in private homes as well as in companies and businesses.
Today it is very common for us to connect to Wi-Fi networks instead of cable. We have more and more devices compatible with this technology and thus avoid the use of cable. However, it is also true that sometimes complications occur. Especially wireless coverage can be weak in certain places and circumstances. Hence, we can choose several devices connected through WDS and that allow us to have a connection.
In short, WDS technology allows us to connect several access points, several routers, to have a connection without having to link them via cable. It is interesting to be able to maintain good coverage in other places of a home or workplace.