WL1271 - WDS mode

Piotr Kubik

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: WL1271

Hi Ti Developers

Is the WDS (Wireless Distribution System) mode available with wl1271?

'iw' lists device available commands like "set_wds_peer" and "set 4addr" but an attempt to switch interface in WDS mode or "set_wds_peer" ends with "Operation not supported (-95)" info .

However, I can setup an interface in 4addr mode and put it into a network bridge which seems typical for WDS system.

The problem is that our product needs to bridge client mode wlan interface with ethernet interface and as far as I know WDS mode is essential in this case. (I''m able to put wlan interface into the bridge but there's no network traffic - probably due to missing 4th MAC address in 802.11 network frame while not in WDS mode. Bridging AP mode wlan interface works well)

I guess that 4-addres mode is available only for possibility of putting wlan interfaces into network bridges, not for WDS support, am I right?

If so, is there a way of bridging client interfaces with WL1271?

I'm using "compat-wireless 3-8.1" drivers and "6.3.10.2.115" Firmware Rev.

Thanks in advance

Piotr

over 12 years ago

0 Victor_Lin over 12 years ago

TI__Genius 12935 points

Hi Piotr,

WL1271 does not support WDS.

0 K Md Feroz Irfan over 12 years ago in reply to Victor_Lin

TI__Expert 7225 points

Hi Victor,

is it a WL1271 chip limitation OR something to do with the software drivers/frimware we provide?

Can customers add this feature themselves? Kindly clarify

Best Regards

Feroz

0 Victor_Lin over 12 years ago in reply to K Md Feroz Irfan

TI__Genius 12935 points

Hi Feroz,

It involves both driver and firmware.
In short: no, our device does not support WDS.

0 K Md Feroz Irfan over 12 years ago in reply to Victor_Lin

TI__Expert 7225 points

Hi Victor,

Had a quick discussion with customer

They are working on i.Mx6x and are able to get WDS however it was not interoperating with other stations - as is known perhaps….

So now since we do not support WDS, can we do something here ? The use case is like a Smart LED bulb which will connect to a router as station and also an AP to other bulbs in other farther rooms in the house/office…

Since our device can support both AP and STA same time via 2 wlan interfaces like on AM335x SK, can we suggest them to simply use similar topology (~ to mesh). Can you please confirm/provide further comments on this?

Thanks

Best Regards,

Feroz

0 Victor_Lin over 12 years ago in reply to K Md Feroz Irfan

TI__Genius 12935 points

Hi Feroz,

The WL127x device can be used for AP and STA mode simultaneously, so you can chain many devices that way. However, it's still not the same as WDS.

If you want to establish mesh network using other technology, TI ZigBee is a good option. Otherwise you'll need to seek solutions outside of TI products.

0 K Md Feroz Irfan over 12 years ago in reply to Victor_Lin

TI__Expert 7225 points

Hi Victor,

Ok. Thanks for the clarification!

Best Regards

Feroz

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WL1271 - WDS mode