A wireless distribution system (WDS) connects two or more wired or wireless LANs wirelessly to establish a large network.
On a traditional WLAN, APs exchange data with STAs using wireless channels and connect to a wired network through uplinks. To expand the coverage area of a wireless network, APs need to be connected by switches. This deployment involves high costs and takes a long time. In some places, such as subways, tunnels, and docks, it is difficult to connect APs to the Internet through wired links. WDS technology can connect APs wirelessly in these places, which reduces network deployment costs, makes the network easy to expand, and allows flexible networking.