Wireless Network Topologies

Yaser Rahmati | یاسر رحمتی

Wireless network topologies define how devices in a wireless network are arranged and connected to communicate with each other. In MikroTik, these topologies can be implemented using various configurations based on your network needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding and setting up the common wireless network topologies in MikroTik.

1. Understanding Wireless Network Topologies

The most common wireless network topologies include:

  • Point-to-Point (PtP): Direct communication between two devices, typically used to connect two locations.

  • Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP): One central device (Access Point) communicates with multiple other devices (clients or stations).

  • Mesh Network: Multiple devices communicate with each other, forming a mesh of connections without relying on a single access point.

  • Ad-Hoc Network: A decentralized network where devices communicate directly with each other without an access point.

  • Infrastructure Network: Devices communicate through an access point, which acts as a bridge between wireless devices and a wired network.

2. Point-to-Point (PtP) Topology

Scenario:

You want to create a direct wireless link between two buildings, using MikroTik devices.

Step 1: Configure the Wireless Interface on the First Device

  1. Open Winbox and connect to the first MikroTik device.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Interfaces.

  3. Select the wireless interface (e.g., wlan1), and click on Enable.

  4. Double-click the interface to open its properties.

Set the following:

  • Mode: bridge (or station-bridge if it’s the client side).

  • SSID: Choose a unique SSID (e.g., BuildingLink).

  • Frequency: Choose a frequency that minimizes interference.

  • Security Profile: Create a security profile if needed, ensuring encryption (e.g., WPA2) is enabled.

  1. Click OK to save.

Step 2: Configure the Wireless Interface on the Second Device

  1. Connect to the second MikroTik device using Winbox.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Interfaces.

  3. Enable the wireless interface and open its properties.

Set the following:

  • Mode: station-bridge.

  • SSID: Enter the same SSID (BuildingLink) as the first device.

  • Frequency: Match the frequency of the first device.

  • Security Profile: Use the same security profile as the first device.

  1. Click OK to save.

Step 3: Test the Link

  1. Ensure both devices are within range and have line-of-sight.

  2. The second device should connect to the first one, establishing a PtP link.

  3. You can verify the connection by navigating to Wireless -> Registration on the first device, where you should see the second device listed.

3. Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) Topology

Scenario:

You want to set up a central access point that multiple clients can connect to.

Step 1: Configure the Central Access Point

  1. Connect to the MikroTik device that will act as the access point.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Interfaces.

  3. Enable the wireless interface and open its properties.

Set the following:

  • Mode: ap-bridge.

  • SSID: Choose an SSID (e.g., CentralAP).

  • Frequency: Choose a frequency that is less congested.

  • Security Profile: Create and apply a security profile (e.g., WPA2).

  1. Click OK to save.

Step 2: Configure the Client Devices

  1. Connect to each client device using Winbox.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Interfaces.

  3. Enable the wireless interface and open its properties.

Set the following:

  • Mode: station (or station-bridge if bridging is required).

  • SSID: Enter the SSID (CentralAP) of the access point.

  • Frequency: Set to auto or match the AP’s frequency.

  • Security Profile: Use the same security profile as the AP.

  1. Click OK to save.

Step 3: Test the Connections

  1. The client devices should automatically connect to the access point.

  2. You can monitor connections by navigating to Wireless -> Registration on the access point.

4. Mesh Network Topology

Scenario:

You want to create a network where multiple MikroTik devices communicate with each other, extending the wireless coverage.

Step 1: Configure Mesh on All Devices

  1. Connect to the first MikroTik device.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Mesh.

  3. Click on Add New to create a new mesh interface.

Set the following:

  • Name: Give the mesh a name (e.g., MeshNetwork).

  • Mesh ID: Set a unique ID for the mesh network.

  • Port: Add the wireless interface (e.g., wlan1) to the mesh.

  1. Click OK to save.

  2. Repeat this process for all other MikroTik devices that will be part of the mesh network.

Step 2: Test the Mesh Network

  1. Devices in the mesh should automatically discover each other and form connections.

  2. You can monitor the mesh status by navigating to Wireless -> Mesh and checking the mesh topology.

5. Ad-Hoc Network Topology

Scenario:

You need a temporary network where all MikroTik devices can communicate directly without an access point.

Step 1: Configure Ad-Hoc Mode on Each Device

  1. Connect to each MikroTik device.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Interfaces.

  3. Enable the wireless interface and open its properties.

Set the following:

  • Mode: ad-hoc.

  • SSID: Choose a common SSID (e.g., AdHocNet).

  • Frequency: Select a frequency that all devices will use.

  1. Click OK to save.

Step 2: Test the Ad-Hoc Network

  1. All devices should connect to each other within range.

  2. You can verify connections through Wireless -> Registration on each device.

6. Infrastructure Network Topology

Scenario:

You want to set up a traditional wireless network where devices connect to an access point that bridges them to a wired network.

Step 1: Configure the Access Point

  1. Connect to the MikroTik device acting as the access point.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Interfaces.

  3. Enable the wireless interface and open its properties.

Set the following:

  • Mode: ap-bridge.

  • SSID: Choose an SSID (e.g., OfficeNetwork).

  • Frequency: Select a frequency.

  • Security Profile: Apply a security profile.

  1. Connect the device to the wired network via the Ethernet port.

Step 2: Configure Client Devices

  1. Connect to each client device using Winbox.

  2. Navigate to Wireless -> Interfaces.

  3. Enable the wireless interface and open its properties.

Set the following:

  • Mode: station.

  • SSID: Enter the SSID (OfficeNetwork) of the access point.

  • Security Profile: Use the same security profile.

  1. Click OK to save.

Step 3: Test the Infrastructure Network

  1. Clients should connect to the access point and gain access to the wired network.

  2. Verify connectivity by testing network access or checking registrations on the access point.

Summary

In MikroTik, setting up various wireless network topologies—like Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, Mesh, Ad-Hoc, and Infrastructure networks—can be done using straightforward configuration steps through Winbox. Understanding the needs of your network will guide you in selecting the right topology, whether you need a simple link between two points, a central access point for multiple clients, or a fully meshed network with no single point of failure.

Keywords

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External Links

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