User Manual

Chapter 6: Managing Access Points & Clusters

Understanding Clustering

Psion Teklogix 9160 Wireless Gateway User Manual

6.3 Understanding Clustering

A key feature of the 9160 Wireless Gateway is the ability to form a dynamic,

configuration-aware group (called a cluster) with other 9160 Wireless Gateways in

a network in the same subnet. Access points can participate in a self-organizing

cluster which makes it easier for you to deploy, administer, and secure your wireless

network. The cluster provides a single point of administration and lets you view the

deployment of access points as a single wireless network rather than a series of sep-

arate wireless devices.

6.3.1 What Is A Cluster?

A cluster is a group of access points which are coordinated as a single group via

9160 Wireless Gateway administration. You cannot create multiple clusters on a

single wireless network (SSID). Only one cluster per wireless network is supported.

6.3.2 How Many APs Can A Cluster Support?

Up to eight access points are supported in a cluster at any one time. If a new AP is

added to a network with a cluster that is already at full capacity, the new AP is added

in standalone mode. Note that when the cluster is full, extra APs are added in stan-

dalone mode regardless of the configuration policy in effect for new access points.

For related information, see “Cluster Mode” on page 58, “Standalone Mode” on

page 58, and “Set Configuration Policy For New Access Points” on page 50.

6.3.3 What Kinds Of APs Can Cluster Together?

A single 9160 Wireless Gateway can form a cluster with itself (a “cluster of one”)

and with other 9160 Wireless Gateways of the same model. In order to be members

of the same cluster, access points must be:

• Of the same radio configuration (all one-radio APs or all two-radio APs).

• Of the same band configuration (all single-band APs or all dual-band APs).

•On the same LAN.

Having a mix of APs on the network does not adversely affect 9160 Wireless

Gateway clustering in any way. However, it is helpful to understand the clustering

behaviour for administration purposes: