Configuring the Engenius (ENH202) as a bridge using WDS mode.
What is WDS Bridge Mode?
In the WDS Bridge Mode, the ENH202 can wirelessly connect different local area networks by configuring each device's MAC address and security settings. The WDS Bridge Mode can bridge up to four local wired networks together as one logical network. Every computer on this logical network can see each other, sharing files as if they are in the same location. With 600mW output power and MIMO antenna technology, the connection distance can extend beyond 1000 feet with good performance, assuming the antenna are within line of sight (LoS). The WDS bridge network is a MAC-based network that provides transparent bridging. Source: ENH200 Manual
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| WDS setup. Source: ENH200 Manual |
Lab Topology:
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| The lab topology for this tutorial. |
Device model: Engenius ENH200 device (802.11 b/g)
The chart below will indicate to you what data rates and frequencies this model supports.
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| 802.11 b/g supports 11-54mbps and operates at 2.4GHz. |
Scenarios where this topology can be applicable.
- WDS Bridge mode for point-to-point wireless bridging
- Linking two buildings
- IP camera that has no wireless capability
- Linking main house to guest house
- Once you understand the functionality, you can be able to apply it to other suitable use cases.
Components of this setup.
To begin, take note of the top MAC address labelled on the back of the device
Each device has a mounting hardware/bracket which is used for clamping the device to a pole.
Cabling
- Use CAT5/6 STP (shielded) or better. Using UTP will not provide protection against ESD.
- Also protects against EMI and other RF interferences
- If possible run cables inside the pole (or conduit) to help insulate from any air surges of static
- Never coil excess cable which lowers impedance.
- Make sure your electrical system is properly grounded.
Other accessories
May be included to ensure resistance to dust and water. These have to have IP65 grading.
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| Newer dual band devices support PoE pass-through on the secondary Ethernet port. You can use this port to tether (add it to the port) an IP camera. |
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| PoE Injector (24V or 48V) |
- Let’s configure the EnGenius Wireless Bridges using the web browser to access the interface of the device.
- This is where my students took over on the documentation
The screenshots for the steps below were done by Mark W., Solomon G., Bentley B. and Jonah W. (IS3 students of 2020).
This is a tutorial designed specifically for IS304 Module 13 WLAN Configuration class.
Group Name: Solomon Garu, Bentley Besuin, Jonah
Wo’otong and Mark Winduman.
Date: 28-05-2020
(Thursday)
NOTE: Settings configured here are meant to emulate a mid-long range P2P wireless bridged network.
Let’s configure the EnGenius Wireless Bridges using the web browser to access the interface of the device.Reset EnGenius ENH200 router to factory defaults
To reset the EnGenius ENH200 to its default settings, you have to do the following steps:
- Turn on router
- Press Factory Reset button and hold for at least 15 seconds
- Device restarts automatically
- Default settings have been restored
The unit will reboot automatically. Once the power light stops blinking, the unit has been reset and is ready to use. Resetting the router does not reset the firmware to an earlier version, but it will change all settings back to factory defaults.
Step 1: Access device using a wired connection.
Connect the Network Cable end to a laptop. Ensure the laptop has an IP in the range 192.168.1.2-254 /24
Using a web browser, type in the default IP address of the device.
Default IP: 192.168.1.1
Username: admin Password: admin
Step 2: Note the MAC addresses of both devices.
Note down the MAC addresses of both devices by looking at the either the back of the device or when you log in to the device it should be in the main page under System Information.
Image main page / system info:
Step 3: Setting up the long range P2P link
Under System click on Operation Mode.
Under the Operation Mode, click on WDS and select Bridge.
Click on Save & Apply.
Once device boots in WDS mode, move on the next step to change the IP address.
Step 4: IP Settings
The IP address should be that of your group number. (e.g. Group 1, 192.168.1.x)
Click on IP Settings under System and change the IP address and subnet mask.
Click on Accept.
Step 5: WDS Link Settings
Under WDS Link Settings, click inside the first MAC address row under Mode and enable.
Then enter the MAC address of the other bridge device.
Click Accept.
Step 6 Wireless Network
Under Wireless, click on Wireless Network and change Channel/Frequency to one given by your instructor. Each group must use different channels to avoid overlapping.
Channel 1, Channel 6, Channel 11.
Ensure both bridges on each end are on the same channel.
Click on Accept.
Click on Save/Reload.
Take a screen shot of the changes listed that you have made.
Click on Save & Apply.
Verification
Under Status, click on WDS Link List, see whether or not you have established the wireless link.
If Link Status is UP, CONGRATULATIONS.
If not, no congratulations for you until it is UP. Troubleshoot to ensure link is UP.
Observe the RSSI (dBm). A number closer to 0 is better, higher number means you barely have a connection.
Additional Configurations
1. Under Wireless, click on WDS Link Settings, click on Security and add WEP security.
Add the WEP key and passphrase. Ensure to document it.
2. Under Wireless Network, lock the mode into 802.11 N only which are much faster than legacy B and G data rates.
Optional but important for consideration.
Under Wireless Network, Channel HT Mode is useful if setting up for long range P2P link, it is recommended to lock down the channel to the lower 20MHz.
In specific environments you need to do a site survey in order for you to select the best channel that has the least noise.
Under Wireless Advanced Settings, you can increase/decrease the transmit power from the default 20dBm.
The Distance (1-30km) can also be changed however only when the distance is greater than 1.5 km.
~End of Tutorial ~
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