WDS - Cradle to Cradle?

tz1 · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:06 am Post subject: WDS - Cradle to Cradle?

Since I'm getting a PHS but will still have my CTR, I just remembered both support WDS so should be able to link together.

So can I use the PHS as the main connection but use the CTR as a repeater (and use the LAN port)? Or vice versa?

Besides checking the WDS box, what would I need to do at either/both ends?

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject:

Make sure they are on the same channel, maybe the box auto-configures that for you..I dunno
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Hardware · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 141

I've been using WDS for number of years, and it always seems a pretty similar setup is required.

I have WDS running between my WRT54G v8 (Running DD-WRT open firmware) and my CTR350, and here is what I did.

Set the CTR-350 as the client:
Set LAN IP to 192.168.1.10
Disable DHCP
Set Wi-Fi Channel to 5
Disabled User Logon
Go to Advanced/Wireless and enable WDS and put in the MAC of the AP.

Save configuration and restart.

Then I just went to my WRT54G and put in the WDS client MAC (CTR350) and change the wireless channel to 5 and it works like a charm. DD-WRT gives me signal strength so I know it's connected too.

tz1 · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject:

Short answer: it does work. I don't know what has to go into the WDS slot of the PHS, so I put the CTR in slot 2.

Interestingly I can configure the PHS while attached to the CTR.

tz1 · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:11 am Post subject: WDS - Cradle to Cradle?

One other annoyance - it is hard to find documentation on exactly how to do this. The Help screen on the router itself is all you get but doesn't really explain things.

Let me mention another thing I can add to the javascript hatelist for Cradlepoint. It told me I had to set the channel to a fixed value (not random or automatic). Then it nagged me about losing the information on the page which it refused to save because on the distant (2 click away page) it wasn't yet set to a fixed channel. STUPID STUPID STUPID. If I need to change a value, and the only way is navigating away from the page, it shouldn't nag me about unsaved values IT CAN'T POSSIBLY SAVE. Save the values, but leave it disabled, or take me to the page just after saving or discarding or whatever. Just don't be stupid.

Apparently you can have a number of APs all in the mesh. But there aren't any real examples, especially for a mix of routers. There are several slots, but it doesn't say if ordering matters, or if for four routers, I can use (a)BC, (b)AC, (c)BD, and (d)CA, or if I need (a)BCD, (b)ACD, (c)ABD, (d)ABC, etc.

The compact size plus the battery capability of the PHS might make it ideal for large temporary areas to form a mesh with one link (maybe a CTR if the connection is ethernet).

Hardware · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 141

Well I don't exactly follow what you mean on your annoyance problem...

Anyhow WDS is basically a layer 2 connection, so you should be able to access IP's of everything attached to it as long as they are on the same block.

WDS is based on Time Division Multiplexing, so the more devices you add, the slower your speeds will get, but it may or may not matter in this case as the wireless is way faster than the EVDO.

tz1 · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:29 pm Post subject: WDS - Cradle to Cradle?

I know I should be able to access everything with WDS, but how to configure each individual node isn't clear.

As far as the annoyance, In the basic wireless, set the router for auto or random channel, then go to the WDS page, enable WDS, and enter an AP MAC address. Then try to save the configuration. It won't let you saying you need to set a fixed channel. Then try to go to the basic tab - it will nag you that you have unsaved changes. Try saving the changes, it will say you need to set the fixed channel. Try going to "Basic", it will nag you but you need to say you want to discard the changes without (any further futile attempts at) saving.

mkessler · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 20 Sep 2008 Posts: 20

I am pretty sure you cant use WPA or WPA2 on the ctr-350. Please correct me if Im wrong.

maverick · EVDO User Joined: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 62

Your wrong, the CTR350 is perfectly capable of WPA and WPA2.