What Is A Wireless Bridge Anyway?
A wireless bridge is a hardware device that enables you to connect two or more complete network segments that are logically or physically segregated. The device assures apparent communication among the long distance users without requiring any wires. It can be incorporated in the same or adjacent buildings by using proper antennas. There is a range of sight bridges that can even connect networks up to 30 miles apart. Besides, there are advanced operating system available which render software to bridge various protocol. Wireless bridge is attached to the wired network by the Ethernet port that imitates the data to remote network bridge or AP through 802.11a/b/g wireless (Wi-Fi) protocol.
Modes of Bridging Available
There are various topologies available for connecting two networks in separate locations. These topologies include:
Point to Point (PTP) Bridging
It is the simplest topology to configure and attach two networks in two separate locations such as warehouse or remote buildings in which one wireless bridge is incorporated in one location.
Point to Multi-point (PTMP) Bridging
Point to Multi-point topology can wirelessly attach multiple locations together and thus enables the share of same network resources. The central location where the main bridge is located is known as Base Station Bridge or Root Bridge. All the data to be shared passes between the Wireless Bridge Clients must pass through this Root Bridge. Point to Multipoint Networks are mostly used in wireless internet service providers (WISP), school districts, distribution facilities, large corporate campuses, public safety applications, and many more.
Requirements for Selection and Installation of Wireless Bridge
Consideration of the below mentioned factors while installing Wireless Bridge will help you to get the perfect connection.
Site Survey for Accurate Distance: Analyze the right distance as it is the primary factor when selection of integrated antenna or external antenna is required. Line of sight in between the two locations should be a prime factor to be considered while installing Wireless Bridge as you may need to establish a tower or pole on your roof for proper installation.
Wireless Protocol: Here, choices are available in terms of selection of bridge base on 802.11 standards or protocol proprietary to a particular dealer as you will be provided with added security benefits for proprietary.
Wireless Antenna: There is option available for integrated antenna, a grid, directional panel or solid parabolic dish antennas.
Outdoor or Indoor: Outdoor Bridge can be installed next to the antenna that minimizes the requirements of antenna and most importantly signal loss. Coming to indoor wireless bridges, it is less expensive but you may require LMR-400 cable to connect with outdoor antenna.
Frequency: There is a option for licensed or unlicensed (2.4, 5-5.8 GHz) band.
Peripherals: RF antenna cables and Perfect lightning arrestors are required to connected and protected.
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