Extended service set vs Wireless distribution system

[Gabriel Barrandeguy]

i m reading about it in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_LAN
i dont quite understand , it seem like the do the same thing.

thank you in advance guys
and merry xmas !!

 

[bill001g]

You have to be somewhat careful of wikipedia.

ESS when you use the IEEE definition is just a group of AP that share the same SSID. It does not really discuss the methods of linking them since most those are proprietary. But they call this a distribution system and most the time it is wired but some vendors do use wireless. These distribition systems are very advanced and do everything from roaming to dynamic power adjustment or even rogue access point location. Still there is no real standard for anything other than the basic ESS which is normally assumed to be connected via a switch.

WDS doesn't even really exist. Most router manufacture did their own thing based on a loose standard put out by the IEEE. This is why there are massive issue with compatibility between vendors.

This is the best document I have found on WDS....or what WDS is not. You should always try to go to the source. Things like wikipedia unless they copy the information word for word tend to be inaccurate or too general.

http://www.ieee802.org/1/files/public/802_architecture_group/802-11/4-address-format.doc