There are two WDS modes are implemented in Vigor routers. These are:

  1. Bridge Mode
  2. Repeater Mode

In Repeater mode, the packets received from one peer AP can be repeated to another peer AP through WDS links. Repeater mode performs WDS-to-WDS packet forwarding.

In Bridge mode, packets received from a WDS link will only be forwarded to local wired or Wireless hosts. Bridge mode does not allow WDS-to-WDS packet forwarding.

Below shows the function of WDS-bridge interface:

The application for the WDS-Repeater mode is depicted as below:

The example below shows 3 devices connected by WDS links using Bridge mode.

  1. Hosts connected to Bridge 1 or 3 can communicate with hosts connected to Bridge 2 through the WDS links to bridge 2.
  2. Hosts connected to Bridge 1 CANNOT communicate with hosts connected to Bridge 3 through Bridge 2.
  3. Only Repeater mode will allow WDS-to-WDS packet forwarding.