SBG6580 (v8.5.x): Wireless Bridging Setup

If a wireless device is too distant to establish a connection with the SBG6580 directly, an additional wireless access point can be configured to extend the range of the network.  This setup allows devices to connect to the SBG6580 that would normally be too distant to connect.  Wireless bridging is disabled by default.  This document describes how to enable and configure wireless bridging.

Functional Overview

First, the SBG6580 is configured as the main base station, and configured with a list of remote base stations that are allowed to establish a wireless connection to the SBG6580.  Next, the wireless access point is configured to function as a remote base station, and is configured to connect to the SBG6580.  Finally, the wireless access point establishes a wireless connection with the SBG6580.

The client who is distant from the SBG6580 establishes a connection with the wireless access point.  This can be a wired or wireless connection, depending if the wireless access point has built-in Ethernet ports.  Next, the wireless access point will pass any traffic it receives from the client to the SBG6580.  As a result, the client can now communicate with the SBG6580, and thus can access the Internet.  This setup is called Wireless Bridging, which uses WDS.

WDS (Wireless Distribution System) - A system that enables the wireless interconnection of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network.

NOTE: The wireless access point must support WDS in order to establish a wireless connection with the SBG6580.

To Configure Wireless Bridging

1. Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.  Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  The Login page appears.
   
   NOTE: By default the LAN IP address is 192.168.0.1.  If the default address has been changed, enter the custom address in the address box.
    
2. On the Login page:
   a.   Enter admin in the Username field.
   b.   Enter motorola in the Password field.
   c.   Click the Login button.  The Home page appears.
   
   NOTE: On firmware version 8.9.0.4 and later, the default admin password is required to be changed.  The Change User Password prompt will immediately appear after logging into the Web manager with the default admin password.  For assistance with the Change User Password screen, please refer to article # 18055 - SBG6580 (v.8.9.x): Prompt to Change Default Admin Login.
    
   
    
3. Move the mouse-cursor over the Wireless tab and select the Extend Network Range sub-link.  The Wireless - Extend Network Range page appears.
4. On the Wireless - Extend Network Range page:
   a.   Click on the drop-down menu next to Wireless Bridging, and select Enabled.
   b.   For Remote Bridges, enter the MAC addresses of the access points that will establish a wireless connection with the SBG6580.
   
   NOTE 1: Please enter the MAC address with dashes to separate the numbers and letters (e.g. 00-00-C5-CA-88-6C). Up to 4 may be entered.
   
   NOTE 2: A MAC address is normally listed on a sticker on the access point(s). It can consist of numbers 0-9, letters A-F, and will be in one of the following formats:
   
   00-00-C5-CA-88-6C
   00:00:C5:CA:88:6C
   
   NOTE 3: For additional assistance with locating the MAC address, please contact the manufacturer of the access point.
   
   c.   Click the Apply button.
   
   

The SBG6580 has now been configured for wireless bridging.  Keep in mind that all wireless access points involved (including the SBG6580) will need to be configured with the same wireless channel, method of encryption (WEP, WPA, or none), and encryption key (if WEP or WPA is used).  DHCP will need to be disabled in any access points involved, as the SBG6580 will handle all DHCP requests from clients.