Example for Configuring Band Steering (5G-Prior Access)

Service Requirements

Enterprise users can access the network through WLANs, which is the basic requirement of mobile office. Furthermore, users' services are not affected during roaming in the coverage area. To relieve pressure on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, enable STAs to connect to the 5 GHz frequency band.

For the WLAN access configuration, see Related Topics.

Networking Requirements

Use APs that support both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands.

Figure 3-51 Networking for configuring Band Steering

Data Planning

Configuration Roadmap

Configure the band steering function and proper band steering parameters so that STAs can preferentially access the 5 GHz frequency band.

Configuration Notes

• Use APs that support both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands and configure the same SSID and security policy on the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz radios.
• To allow a STA to preferentially associate with the 5 GHz radio and achieve a better access effect, configure larger power for the 5 GHz radio than the 2.4 GHz radio.
• No ACK mechanism is provided for multicast packet transmission on air interfaces. In addition, wireless links are unstable. To ensure stable transmission of multicast packets, they are usually sent at low rates. If a large number of such multicast packets are sent from the network side, the air interfaces may be congested. You are advised to configure multicast packet suppression to reduce impact of a large number of low-rate multicast packets on the wireless network. Exercise caution when configuring the rate limit; otherwise, the multicast services may be affected.

  • In direct forwarding mode, you are advised to configure multicast packet suppression on switch interfaces connected to APs.
  • In tunnel forwarding mode, you are advised to configure multicast packet suppression in traffic profiles of the AC.

  For details on how to configure traffic suppression, see How Do I Configure Multicast Packet Suppression to Reduce Impact of a Large Number of Low-Rate Multicast Packets on the Wireless Network?.

• Configure port isolation on the interfaces of the device directly connected to APs. If port isolation is not configured and direct forwarding is used, a large number of unnecessary broadcast packets may be generated in the VLAN, blocking the network and degrading user experience.

• In tunnel forwarding mode, the management VLAN and service VLAN cannot be the same. Only packets from the management VLAN are transmitted between the AC and APs. Packets from the service VLAN are not allowed between the AC and APs.