OPERATING MODES : TRUE VERSATILITY

The Lobo 900 series have five operational modes, in the double radio models, any operational mode can be applied individually and independently in each of the radios creating combinations that deliver exceptional flexibility.

• Wireless AP

In this operational mode the Lobo 900 series attach to a wired network and transmits/receives data from users equipped with wireless network cards or adapters, in other words, it builds a wireless network and links it to a traditional wired network. Several access points can be used in a network.

• Wireless Distribution System (WDS)

In this operational mode (WDS = Wireless Distribution System) the Lobo 911 not only links wireless network cards and adapters, it also relays, linking other WDS access points to the network. In this mode wireless networks can be expanded in a meshed way, networking infrastructure is therefore de-centralized and inexpensive, as each node range needs only to cover the next node. Each node acts as repeater/relay to transmit data from nearby nodes to peers that are too far away to reach, resulting in a network that can span through large distance and areas, and is specially effective in rough or difficult terrains. Mesh networks are also very reliable, as each node is connected to several other nodes. If one node is disconnected of the network its closest nodes simply find another route. Extra capacity can be installed by simply adding more nodes.

In WDS mode, the Lobo 900 series create both a wireless network (like an AP) and, simultaneously, WDS links with the other Lobos in WDS mode. The topology is redundant and if one of the WDS links fails, all communications will be automatically redirected transparently and all devices from all networks will not loose their connections.

• Wireless repeater

In this operational mode, the Lobo 900 series extends an access point reach by repeating its signals. In general, a repeater simply regenerates a network signal in order to extend the range of the existing network infrastructure. A WLAN repeater does not physically connect by wire to any part of the network. Instead, it receives radio signals (802.11 frames) from an access point, end user device, or another repeater and retransmits the frames. This makes it possible for a repeater located in between an access point and distant user to act as a relay for frames traveling back and forth between the user and the access point.

The downside of wireless repeaters, though, is that they reduce throughput on the W-LAN. A repeater must receive and retransmit each frame on the same RF channel, which effectively doubles the number of frames that are sent. This problem compounds when using multiple repeaters because each repeater will duplicate the number of frames sent.

The Lobo 911 avoids this performance hit by using a double radio in a Range Extender configuration, receiving and retransmitting concurrently in different channels, creating an effective full speed repeating node capable of unlimited hops.

In wireless repeater mode, only signals from an access point can be repeated, but not those coming from another repeater, in other words, repeaters cant be daisy chained unless you use the double radio in Range extender mode. With the Lobo 911 extended repeater functionality any signal can be repeated with an unlimited number of hops.

• Wireless client

In wireless client mode, the Lobo 900 series connect a complete wired network to a wireless network, you simply have to connect the Lobo Ethernet port to the network hub or switch, the Lobo takes care of all routing information to build a transparent link.

• Wireless station

In wireless station mode, the Lobo 900 series connect any Ethernet device to a wireless network by linking the Ethernet port  to the wireless network through an access point. Only one Ethernet device can be placed behind a Lobo 900's in wireless client mode.

All the modes can be combined to achieve the following topologies : link