Ive done successfuly a mesh network using WDS+bridge+RSTP, but still unsure about entry/exit points on a mesh network using hwmp+. Until I explain what I would like to know if that is possible, let me show you this picture as simple example:
All 3 “wlan1” interfaces are acting as AP+WDS each other. This is easy by implementing this scenario using bridge+RSTP, but Im trying to do the same with HWMP+ with no success. In the real scenario, there are more nodes inside the mesh and we want the beneficts of optimal routing from hwmp+ plus tracerouting. The problem is L2 looping when adding more than ONE “ether1” on the mesh network. Is that even possible? To add multiples entry/exit points on one single mesh network (L2 mesh) without looping? The wired network is composed of L2 switches between those nodes.
Unfortunately, at the moment it is not possible to avoid looping in this
situation, unless the layer 2 switches forward frames with 802.1d link-local
addresses.
This seem rather a serious problem, and it is likely that we are going to
change the behavior of the mesh protocol in the future to support this case.
The fix would be to use non link-local address for mesh protocol
communication. Unfortunately again, this approach also has some drawbacks,
so we haven’t completely decided on that.
Interesting. As a matter of information, the picture above was ilustrating a intention to modify a scenario, by adding more APs on the same channel. We found that two or more APs on the same channel gave us great improvements against latency and we thought that this could also be introduced on mesh networks. Thats not aimed for mobility indeed, but just for quality on a single coverage 802.11 standard area. Throughput is the same, no matter how many radios we have on the same channel. We are looking forward for this multiples entry/exit points on a single L2 mesh as we also implement radio flows control using the access list for the same channel. Its kinda looks like a static mesh-beam-forming technique.
Last week i setup HWMP+ in your setup on my desk (lab). It works great. I have no issues. The redundancy is flawless. I run OSPF on top.
Really? No rstp nor bridges between nodes? Now I am intrigued between you and mrz.
Ive just added all interfaces on HWMP+, first wlan1 then wds1 on all APs. Next step Ive added the ether1 on the AP1, everything ok so far with connectivity between the mesh and the wired network. Then Ive just added the second ether1 on the AP2 to start L2 loop. Where is my mistake?
Guess it is all L2 also none OSPF in any of these intra mesh devices right?
No rstp or bridge. Use a default config. You need to setup a 192.168.0.0/24 network as if they were bridge. The setup HWMP+. Then you should be good. Call me at 402-534-2502 ext 22 or cell 402-641-7692.
