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D-Link DAP-±590 User Manual

Section ³ - Using the AP Array

Using the AP Array

The deployment of wireless local area network (WLAN) in a small office environment is often hindered by the lack of simplicity, stability

and affordability. Multiple access points (APs) will require more effort in configuration and management, and the complexity of security

settings adds to the burden. With limited resources in a small office, solutions provided for bigger organizations will be too complicated

and not economical.

D-Link’s AP Array is an ideal WLAN management tool for the small office. The WLAN management feature is built within the firmware,

making configuration for multiple APs an effortless process. All AirPremier 11n Business APs support this tool, which can manage up to

eight stand-alone APs. This will make WLAN deployment easier and more affordable.

Simple WLAN Management Tool

When one needs to set up a wireless local area network (WLAN) in a small office with limited IT resources, D-Link’s AP Array is the answer.

It allows the efficient deployment of a secured WLAN and easier administration from a single point; thus, minimizing the effort to maintain

the wireless network.

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D-Link DAP-±590 User Manual

Section ³ - Using the AP Array

Easy Deployment and Management

With D-Link’s AP Array, deployment and management of APs are made simple. The following steps show how straightforward it is to deploy

the array of APs:

Step 1 - Deployment of Master AP:

•

Designate one AP as Master

•

Set up Array ID & password

•

Configure the AP

Step 2 - Deployment of Slave APs:

•

Specify Array ID & password of Master in Slave APs.

Step 3 - Settings Are Synchronized:

•

Backup Master & all Slave APs will follow configuration from Master automatically.

Up to eight stand-alone APs can be managed in an array. Members in the same AP Array group must be on the same subnet of the same

model, and each AP is assigned with a unique IP address.

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D-Link DAP-±590 User Manual

Section ³ - Using the AP Array

Situations Encountered with the Different Implementations:

•

Multiple Master APs

: If there are two or more Master APs assigned in an array, the AP with the longest run-time will become the

Master AP.

Note:

The other Master APs will become Backup Master APs

.

•

Manually Configured Slave AP

: At intervals of one minute, the Master AP will send out a beacon to check the status of the Slave APs.

If any changes are done to the slave APs manually, the Master AP will automatically synchronize its configuration to the slave AP and

overwrite it.

•

Master AP Crashed

: In a situation where the Master AP becomes unavailable to the array, the Backup Master AP will take over the

Master role and synchronize the configuration to the Slave APs.

•

No Backup Master AP Available

: If the Master AP crashes and there are only Slave APs in the array, the Slave APs will work as

stand-alone APs until a new Master joins the array. The administrator may want to configure two Master APs for the array, so that there

is always a Backup Master AP available.

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D-Link DAP-±590 User Manual

Section ³ - Using the AP Array

Whenever the user makes any changes in the Master AP and selects “Save & Activate”, the Master AP in an array will automatically

synchronize its configuration to all Slave APs.

Settings that can be synchronized are:

•

Wireless Settings

•

Multiple SSID & VLAN

•

WiFi Schedule

•

MAC Filter

•

WLAN Partition

•

DHCP Server

•

Log Settings

•

Time & Date

•

QoS Settings

•

Performance Settings

•

All Administrator Settings

Settings that are not synchronized are:

•

Operation Mode

•

Radio Channel

•

LAN Settings

If required, settings that are not synchronized will have to be configured individually for each AP.

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D-Link DAP-±590 User Manual

Section ³ - Using the AP Array

Different AP Roles in an Array

There are three modes for the administrator to define the role of each AP.

•

Master AP

The Master AP can do all the management settings for members in an array. Each array can only have one Master AP.

•

Backup Master AP

In an event when the Master AP crashes, the Backup Master AP will take over the Master AP function. Each array can have up to two

Backup Master APs.

•

Slave AP

The Slave AP follows all the settings in the Master AP.

Easy Configuration of D-Link AP Array

The following section shows how simple it is to configure the D-Link AP Array for the different AP roles:

Master AP Role

Click

Advanced Settings > AP Array

to view and edit the information on the AP in an array.

Step 1:

Click

Enable AP Array

and select the

Master role

.