User's Manual

9-4
Cisco 3200 Series Wireless MIC Software Configuration Guide
OL-7734-02
Chapter 9 Configuring WDS, Fast Secure Roaming, and Radio Management
Understanding Radio Management
Figure 9-2 Client Reassociation Using CCKM and a WDS Access Point
The WDS access point maintains a cache of credentials for CCKM-capable client devices on your
wireless LAN. When a CCKM-capable client roams from one access point to another, the client sends a
reassociation request to the new access point, and the new access point relays the request to the WDS
access point. The WDS access point forwards the client’s credentials to the new access point, and the
new access point sends the reassociation response to the client. Only two packets pass between the client
and the new access point, greatly shortening the reassociation time. The client also uses the reassociation
response to generate the unicast key.
Understanding Radio Management
Access points participating in radio management scan the radio environment and send reports to the
WDS access point on such radio information as potential rogue access points, associated clients, client
signal strengths, and the radio signals from other access points. The WDS access point forwards the
aggregated radio data to the WLSE device on your network. Access points participating in radio
management also assist with the self-healing wireless LAN, automatically adjusting settings to provide
coverage in case a nearby access point fails. Refer to the “” section on page 9-13 for instructions on
configuring radio management.
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Reassociation request
Reassociation response
Pre-registration request
Pre-registration reply
Roaming client
device
Access point
WDS Device - Router/
Switch/AP
Authentication server
Wired LAN