Objective

Fast Roaming allows a client device to maintain continuous wireless connectivity when the device transitions from one access point to another, by ensuring that the client device does not need to re-authenticate to the Remote Access Dial-In Service (RADIUS) server each time the client device is handed off from one access point to another. This is particularly useful for portable client devices that require seamless connectivity while in motion.

This article aims to guide you in configuring fast roaming on the WAP125.

Note: Before configuring Fast Roaming on a Virtual Access Point (VAP), verify that the VAP is configured with the following:

- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security

- Pre-authentication disabled

- Management Frame Protection (MFP) disabled

Applicable Devices

- WAP125

Software Version

- 1.0.0.3

Configure Fast Roaming

Step 1. Log in to the web-based utility of the WAP125 and choose Fast Roaming.

Step 2. Click the button to add a new row to the roaming table.

Step 3. Verify that the Enable check box is checked to ensure that the roaming on the chosen radio band is activated. This option is checked by default.

Step 4. Choose a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) where fast roaming will be applied to.

Note: In this example, there are three BSSIDs, but only one BSSID will be configured with fast roaming and 2.4G VAP 0 (WAP125) is chosen.

Step 5. Enter the Mobility Domain Identifier (MDID) in the Mobility Domain field. The MDID is used to indicate a group of Access Points (APs) within an Extended Service Set (ESS). Fast roaming is only allowed between APs that have the same MDID within the same ESS. Fast roaming is not allowed between APs with different MDIDs or in different ESSs.

Note: In this example, the mobility domain is 12345.

Step 6. Choose a Fast Transaction (FT) mode from the FT Mode drop-down list. The FT protocol allows a mobile device to fully authenticate only with the first AP in the domain, and use shorter association procedure with the next APs in the same domain. FT Mode options are:

- Over Air — This option is the default setting. It lets the mobile device communicate over a direct 802.11 link to the new AP.

- Over DS — This option lets the mobile device communicate with the new AP via the old AP.

Note: In this example, Over Air is chosen.

Step 7. Enter the R0 key holder in the R0 Key Holder field. This specifies the Network Attached Storage (NAS) identifier to be sent in the RADIUS access request message. The NAS Identifier is used as R0 key holder ID. The default value is R0KH.com.

Note: In this example, the R0 Key Holder is left at its default value. It also detects the MAC address of the R1 Key Holder automatically.

Step 8. Choose a Remote Key Holder List from the drop-down menu. The options depend on the Remote Key Lists configured. In this example, there is none.

Step 9. Click Save.

You should now have successfully configured fast roaming on your WAP125 access point.

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