Pros/Cons of WDS versus extending

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using WDS versus extending a network? When would using WDS make the most sense and when would extending making the most sense?

Thanks.

Posted on Mar 19, 2009 9:02 PM

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4 replies

Mar 30, 2009 11:45 AM in response to Jonathan Dodds

"Extending" on n base stations is easier to set up and is supposed to be more efficent than WDS.

WDS is backward compatible with older non n base stations.

Except for the most recently released base stations while n and g base stations can be set to connect to each other, n base stations will be forced into the slower g mode whenever a g connection is active, meaning a WDS between n and g stations would keep you at g speeds all the time, which is why dual wireless networks became a popular configuration. Basically, you connect your slower network to your faster network through a wired connection.

It makes the most sense to use "extending" between your n base stations, connect a g base station to that through a wire and then connect your b base stations using WDS, assuming you need your network range expanded that much.

The latest batch of Apple routers support g and n connections independently allowing g connections without slowing down n connections.

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Pros/Cons of WDS versus extending

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