Question : Multiple Cisco Aironet root access points for same SSID - possible?

Hi Experts,

I need to commission a wireless LAN based on multiple Cisco Aironet 1130AG devices. The site is physically awkward as a single radio is not able to cover the whole area, although it is CAT5 wired. So my question is this; can I configure more than one 1130AG as a root radio for the same SSID, and then connect them to the Ethernet network? Will this work, and will Windows clients (running non-Cisco WNICs) be able to roam around the site connected to the same SSID? (at the moment my reading has not suggested that this is a posible solution)

If not, I'm thinking of configuring some of the 1130AGs as repeaters. Problem is I'm also aware of what this'll do to the throughput, so I'm interested to try and find some solution that involves the CAT5 cabling that already exists - seems stupid to create a slow wireless network when there's gigabit Ethernet cabling running parallel to it.

Interested to hear your thoughts. I'm assigning 250 points as I think it's quite a technical one. Thanks.

George

Answer : Multiple Cisco Aironet root access points for same SSID - possible?

The 1130G can run also be run as a standalone IOS version, that does not require the controllers.  Using WDS (wireless domain services) you can achieve what you are looking for.  See http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk722/tk809/technologies_q_and_a_item09186a00804d4421.shtml and http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4570/products_configuration_example09186a00801c951f.shtml for configuration and Q&A.  Setting up a root WDS AP and a backup WDS AP, then authenticating the other APs to the root AP will allow for fast roaming of already authenticated clients from AP to AP within the same SSID.  The authenticated status of each client is passed to the root WDS AP, and then other APs can query this status, so that they do not force a client to reauthenticate as they pass from bridge to bridge.  This is especially crucial when using VoIP over wireless.  See this page for ordering information on the 1130:   http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6087/products_data_sheet0900aecd801b9058.html as it lists both the lightweight and the standalone part numbers.  Depending on the number of APs you are considering for rollout I would also look at the Wireless Lan Solution Engine (WLSE) from Cisco to globally control policies, as well as assist with walkthroughs, antenna power and configuration, etc.  It comes in an "Express" version for smaller implementations.  http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/cscowork/ps3915/index.html

Hope that helps.