LCOS LX 5.34
Multicast Snooping for LX-based access points
With the new LCOS LX version 5.34, LX-based access points offer maximum efficient Wi-Fi transmission. Multicast Snooping, more precisely IGMP Snooping for IPv4 connections and MLD Snooping for IPv6 connections, ensures that data transmitted from a sender to multiple receivers is only transmitted in cells where it is needed. In addition, it is optionally possible to convert multicast data streams to unicast, so that in most scenarios the conversion consumes significantly less airtime overall, which is then available for other transmissions.
Feature highlight LCOS LX 5.34
Multicast Snooping
Multicast Snooping supports the targeted forwarding of multicast data packets between SSIDs or between the LAN and SSIDs so that they are not transmitted to the entire network, but only to explicit recipients. This leads to a significant reduction in the load on the entire Wi-Fi network and thus to a considerable increase in efficiency. This is made possible by the IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) through which the receivers can inform a multicast-capable router of their interest in certain multicasts by registering and deregistering. Multicast Snooping makes use of these messages to decide to which port (also to which Wi-Fi SSID) multicasts must be sent.
Further features
Multicast-to-unicast conversion
In addition, it is optionally possible to convert multicast data streams to unicast. Multicast data streams that are to be transmitted via WLAN interfaces are converted into individual unicast data streams for each client after the feature is activated. The packets are duplicated per client, but since they are now unicasts, they can be transmitted at the highest possible data rate for this client. Even though the packets are now duplicated, the much faster transmission in most scenarios consumes significantly less airtime overall, which is then available for other transmissions.
Extension of IoT applications
With LCOS LX 5.34, the operation of selected USB Ethernet devices on LCOS LX-based access points with USB port is supported, so that the IoT application spectrum is successively expanded. The following USB Ethernet devices are qualified for operation with LCOS LX-based access points:
- Hanshow HS_C09978 ESL Controller
- SoluM EGU200NA0X ESL GEN2 USB Gateway
Feature highlight LCOS LX 5.32
Layer-3 tunneling for LCOS LX-based access points
Layer-3 tunneling involves the extended application of the CAPWAP protocol (control and provisioning of wireless access points) as used by wireless LAN (WLAN) controllers to manage WLAN access points. It allows WLAN data to be fed into the LAN from a central WLAN controller by establishing a data tunnel between the WLAN controller and the access point. Layer-3 tunneling is ideal for environments where unmanaged switches are used or where no further VLAN configuration of the switches is possible. Data tunnels are established easily and in a very short time without the need for a VLAN infrastructure between WLAN controller and access point.
Note: To use this feature, the LANCOM WLAN controller requires LCOS 10.42 RU3.
Application scenario
Layer-3 tunneling for Wi-Fi guest access
A popular application of layer-3 tunneling is the establishment of wireless LAN guest access. Layer-3 tunneling guarantees the necessary level of security of guest accesses while reducing the administrative effort. Thus, the data traffic of a guest access is separated from the rest of the network. In contrast to having to configure all the components of the infrastructure when using VLAN, with layer-3 tunneling one only needs to ensure that the access points are connected to and managed by the WLAN controller. This is made possible by routing the hotspot SSID data through a layer-3 tunnel to the WLAN controller instead of feeding it directly into the local network at the access point (see figure below). There, the data can be received by the integrated Public Spot module, filtered by the optionally available Content Filter Option, and then routed to the Internet, for example.
Further information
Software Lifecycle Management
With LANCOM Systems you have a manufacturer at your side who offers unparalleled investment protection. The lifecycle policies from LANCOM also provide full transparency and reliable planning with regard to the firmware updates and product support for your LANCOM infrastructure. Read more: Software Lifecycle Management
Firmware version overview
Keep track of our current OS versions with our firmware version overview. It provides a comparison of the different versions and recommended usage: Click here for the firmware version overview
LANCOM release process
Our aim is the optimal preparation of our in-house operating systems LCOS, LCOS SX, LCOS LX, and LCOS FX and other software, not only for its use in practice, but also to adapt it to the wishes of our customers. This is why we enter into active dialog with our customers even during the development phase as part of our release procedure. Find out more about the LANCOM release process here