Multi-Link Networks

This page describes using Air-Frame 100 models to create multiple radio links for high bandwidth applications:

Multi-Link Network Diagram

Description:

Multi-Link configurations are used in a point to point configuration to connect one location to one remote locations using multiple radio links. The bandwidth available between locations is the sum of all the radio links i.e. 4 links provides 4 x 1.2 M bit/s = 4.8 M bit/s (8M+ if the optional compression feature is installed). The above diagram shows two connected multi-user networks (using a Hub or Switch). Either location may be configured as a Direct connection (without a Hub or Switch).

The Multi-Link configuration appears to the network as single connection i.e. it uses a single Default Gateway. One Air-Frame at each location is configured as the LINK MASTER (used as the Default Gateway). When using compression in a Multi-Link configuration only the LINK MASTER requires the compression enhancement.

In a typical environment all links would be configured as bi-directional but when used for video or audio conferencing a pair of links may be configured with dedicated Transmit and Receive thus minimizing Transmit to Receive turnaround overheads.

Multi-Link configurations may operate in either Bridged or Router modes.

Air-Frame 100 can be used to create many, co-located multi-link networks. Multi-Links may be configured in Cells or in Back-Haul networks.

Typical Applications:

Internet, Intranet or Extranet configurations. ISP access networks (bridged or routed). High Speed LAN to LAN applications (bridged or routed). Video or Audio Conferencing (using dedicated Transmit and Receive - see above).

Bridged or Routed:

In a bridged connection the traffic sent from location A to Location B AND from Location B to Location A consists of:

Traffic for a PC or system on the remote network

Broadcast traffic (e.g. network management)

Multicast traffic.

In effect the two locations operate as a single, fully transparent LAN. Where both LANs consist of many system the broadcast traffic can be considerable and consideration should be given to a routed network.

In a routed connection the traffic sent from location A to Location B AND from Location B to Location A consists of:

Traffic for a PC or system on the remote network only.

In this case the two LANs operate independently but communication is enabled between them.

Inter-working:

The following table defines inter-working between the Air-Frame Family in Multi-Link mode:

Location A	Location B
Air-Frame 100 (any model)	Air-Frame 100 (any model)

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