Configuration of bridged networks connected by two WA7210N

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Configuration of bridged networks connected by two WA7210N

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Configuration of bridged networks connected by two WA7210N
Configuration of bridged networks connected by two WA7210N
2014-04-25 05:43:09
Region : Germany

Model : TL-WA7210N

Hardware Version : V2

Firmware Version : latest

ISP :


Hello everybody,

after almost 2 days of puzzling, reading forum posts and FAQs, I am going to ask professionals to help.

Physical Setup seen from DSL-Access:
Fritzbox Router (1) --wired-- WA7210N (2) --wireless line of sight-- WA7210N (3) --wired-- WA801ND (4) --wireless-- mobile devices

Configs
(1) LAN IP: 192.168.179.1, Mask: 255.255.255.0 (providing standard Gateway, DHCP, NTP...) not to be configured otherwise, works perfectly
(2) LAN IP: Static mode 192.168.179.2, Mask: 255.255.255.0, Standard Gateway and DNS: 192.168.179.1 (checked with equally configured Notebook, Ínternet works)
Wireless Settings: Operation Mode: Bridge with AP, SSID: transfer1 (most secure), Remote SSID: transfer2, Channel 12
(3) LAN IP: Static Mode 192.168.0.1, Mask: 255.255.255.0, Standard Gateway and DNS: 192.168.179.1 (does not work with diagnostics/ping from APs Web-Config)
Wireless Settings: Operation Mode: Bridge with AP, SSID: transfer2 (most secure), Remote SSID transfer1, Channel 12
(4) AP IP using Channel 1: 192.168.0.2, Mask 255.255.255.0, Standard Gateway 192.168.0.1, DHCP enabled (I need a second AP here because of bridging mode of (3) and signal distribution in-house)

As Connection (and bridging) between (2) and (3) never worked, I didn't care about the second DHCP server yet. I am sure there should be just one (192.168.179.1) as configured at (1).
First configuration had all devices using the same Network (192.168.179.x, where x represented number of physical Setup, see above).
As this didn't work for some reason (probably DNS or Gateway configuration faults) and side help/explanations in APs Web-Config as well as my definition/understanding of some technical terms puzzled me, I have the unworking status described here.

I didn't try to let the APs 2-4 assign dynamic adresses because I scared about losing control to access the APs for further configuration.

Anyone here with professional experience, how to get this Setup work?
Or how to change it to fulfil my needs?
Any links to existing threads dealing with this?

Many Thanks in Advance!
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#1
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2 Reply
Solution described here
2014-04-28 18:15:32
Hello fotodamaris,

thank you for reply and useful advice, sorry for length.
Facts missing: clear line of sight, distance approx. 200 m (almost excellent radio conditions).
I read the linked FAQ article, one of those which puzzled me (first picture: all the same network (192.168.0.x), second picture config to 192.168.1.x). I took the wrong decision, won't work without routers...

I didn't check last my last config with original main router, but I am sure now it will work, because I was able to ping any "hop" with a wireless client connected to AP at the end of my "chain".

Solution brief:
1. All devices in a bridged topology (no routers) MUST be in the SAME segment - so if main router provides 192.168.X.1, all other devices must be configured to 192.168.X.y.
2. Gateway address on every statically configured device ALWAYS the one of main router (192.168.X.1).
3. SSIDs of both ends of the air bridge (the two 7110n) MUST be DIFFERENT but Channels MUST be the SAME. (WEP not to be used when using type n WLAN)
4. DHCP from main router enabled, all others turned off.
5. Reboot devices EVERY time you hit "SAVE" (and system says "changes will take affect after rebooting").

Would be fine to have FAQ article and Manual updated next release.

But: Great devices, great support!
Thank you!
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#3
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Neccessary Adjustments due to packet loss
2014-06-02 15:59:45
Hello everybody,

in addition to the solution described above, I want to share advice from Tech Support Team:
Having the construction in final place I faced unexplainable high packet loss rates, resulting in very poor surfing experience. That's why I asked German Tech Support for help.

Simple advice given: Reconfiguring (2) to operation mode "Access Point" and (3) to operation mode "Client" (vice versa may work too).
Result: 0% packet loss hereafter. Works fine. IP-Config unchanged as described above.

Regards!
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#4
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