We currently run a multiple SSID with single BSSID environment but you are correct, the only want to truly have multiple SSIDs is to have multiple BSSID.
We haven't see too much incompatibilities - likely because we don't use WEP. We are just in the initial stages of TKIP/WPA 802.1x testing so we'll know soon enough... Sony PDAs and SMC are two that we've had problems with.
The biggest problem is that XP always favors broadcast SSIDs which makes the non-broadcast SSID a pain to connect to if there are any preferred SSIDs around.
There are already some AP vendors offering multiple BSSIDs. It think Open AP from instant802 and another manufacturer. I can't see how the other manufacturers can avoid doing this and we'll likely see a race as to who can get it in to meet RFPs (multiple BSSID, "virtual AP" support is an RFP MUST as far as I'm concerned).
What confuses me though is when vendors talk about possible QOS problems with multiple BSSIDs? I simply don't get that, it seems an AP should be smart enough to know and regulate clients in relations to QOS on the various BSSIDs they manage on the single AP. Maybe it's the 802.11e folks that haven't realized that multiple BSSIDs will be a requirement for any large installations and that standard might be going in the wrong direction.
Has anyone followed the 802.11e evolution close enough to comment? I was focused on 802.11i and missed the evolution of 802.11e.
... Jonn Martell, www.wireless.ubc.ca
Simon Barber wrote:
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.
-- general wireless list, a bawug thing <http://www.bawug.org/> [un]subscribe: http://lists.bawug.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
