Be aware that there are big incompatibilities in most vendor's Multi-SSID features. This is due to their use of a single BSSID - and hence only a single WEP bit setting is possible. As long as you use Cisco clients, Cisco's multi SSIDs will work fine - but try and use non cisco cards, and dependent on the card and driver you have you are likely to be unlucky. This is not a viable proposition for anyone selling hotspot service to Joe Public. In addition if a single BSSID is used then only 1 SSID can be advertised to clients - ie people will only see 1 network in their list of available networks.
You need to look for a specific Multi-BSSID feature - this is the only way to offer multiple SSIDs without any incompatibilities. With multi BSSID an client cannot tell that the different SSIDs are not infact multiple, completely separate, co-located APs. Look out for true, multi BSSID access points hitting the market early next year. Simon -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Matt Peterson Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 2:36 PM To: Brian Barrera Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: ZyXEL B-3000 (was Re: [BAWUG] inter-VLAN (single STA to AP traffic only) On Fri, Dec 19, 2003 at 11:29:45AM -0800, Brian Barrera wrote: > > I've used Zyxel Zyair B-3000 as an AP and the feature works well. > There are several other nice features like POE, transmit power > control, multi-ESSID and VLAN support, scan for open channel, WDS, > local user database for EAP-MD5, and ability to limit # of associating > stations. The b-3000 uses ZyDAS radio (ZyDAS is fabless semi spinout > of Zyxel). Indeed, I actually met up with a few of the ZyXEL folks @ WiFi Planet a few weeks. I'm planning a review of the B-3000 vs. Cisco 1200 in the coming weeks (still trying to get my hands on a Cisco unit). hehe, indeed.. it also looks they're using a "Waveplus" chip too <http://www.waveplus.com/>. > With multi-ESSID you can configure 8 ESSIDs, and each can be VLAN > tagged to work with a VLAN switch. Each ESSID has independent VLAN tag > and WEP keys. Very nice, this will AP will finally make the 'vendor neutral' concept of WiFi networks (Airports, Shopping Malls, etc) more viable. > Of course standard features like MAC filtering, 802.1x/RADIUS, roaming > and removable antennas are also supported. The WDS bridging works with > b-420 or another b-3000. Haven't tried it with any other WDS gear. I'm told a WPA & SSH f/w will be available in early '04. My only major concern is a 32 STA limitation. It's also a bummer the product is only 11b. -- Matt Peterson -- general wireless list, a bawug thing <http://www.bawug.org/> [un]subscribe: http://lists.bawug.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless -- general wireless list, a bawug thing <http://www.bawug.org/> [un]subscribe: http://lists.bawug.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
