Page 136 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Wireless Networks

Notes 8.2.4 Workgroup Bridges

In workgroup bridge mode, the workgroup bridge associates to an access point, or bridge as
a client and provides a wireless network connection for up to eight Ethernet-enabled devices
connected to its Ethernet port. It informs the associated root device of the attached wired clients
using IAPP messaging. The workgroup bridge does not accept wireless client associations.
A workgroup bridge:

z z Associates to the following devices:
™ z Root access points
™ z Root devices
z z If the router contains a 2.4 GHz WMIC, it operates with 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g) Cisco IOS-
based bridges. If the router contains a 4.9 GHz WMIC, it operates with 4.9 GHz IOS-based
bridges.
z z Accepts only wired clients.

z z Informs its root parent of all attached wired clients by using Inter-Access Point Protocol
(IAPP) messaging.
In addition, you can configure the wireless device to support the following workgroup bridge
features:

z z Interoperability: The universal workgroup bridge can forward routing traffic using a non-
cisco root device as a universal client. The universal workgroup bridge appears as a normal
wireless client to the root device.

z z World Mode: In standard world mode configuration, the wireless device passively scans
for world mode only when the workgroup bridge boots up and performs a first scan. When
the workgroup bridge receives a response from the root device for its world mode scan,
it updates its frequency list and output power level according to the current country of
operation. Thereafter, the workgroup bridge always performs an active scan.

To support continued operation during inter-country travel (such as airplane travel
from New York to London), the workgroup bridge must perform a passive scan. In this
configuration, the workgroup bridge associates to the root device, and it obtains the
country-specific list of frequency and output power levels through passive scan.
To support this operational change, add the roaming keyword to the world-mode command.
This option instructs the workgroup bridge that it must always passively scanning.
The workgroup bridge uses the 802.11d option for world mode. The wireless device tries
to receive information about the country-specific list of frequency and output power levels
through the 802.11d Information Element.

Notes With roaming added to the world-mode command, roaming takes a longer time;
therefore, it is recommended only for situations in which it is required to assure continuous
operation.

z z Multiple Client Profiles: The workgroup bridge can support multiple client profiles. A
client device with multiple configurable profiles can automatically select a client profile
based on available infrastructure and set of profiles. For more information, see Cisco 3200
Series Wireless MIC Software Configuration Guide.

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