Wireless LAN bridge

1. Wireless LAN bridge

2. Bridge basics • Wireless bridge :work at data link layer (layer 2 of OSI model) • Wireless bridge: is a device that connect two or more networks that may use the same or different data link layer protocol located in different buildings. • Keep traffic separated on both sides of the bridge. • Deliver high data rate . • Transmit packet simultaneously without causing collision.

3. Types of WLAN bridge 1- Basic Ethernet – to - wireless Connect directly to a single device by an Ethernet port , then provide wireless connection to an access point The single device such as (printer, PC) has Ethernet port and no wireless NIC. This offer substitute for a radio NIC. • 2- Work group bridge • Connecting of wireless network to large wired network. • Work group bridge act as wireless client on the wireless LAN and then interfaces to a wired network • - The advantages of Work group bridge is offering high management and security. • The disadvantages of work group bridge is tاhe higher price.

4. Types of WLAN bridge • 3-Access Point (AP) / Wireless bridge • Some access point can be configured as a bridge. • Can be operate: • 1- Point – to – point • 2- Point- to – multipoint • Advantages of wireless bridge • 1- Very practical • 2- Extend the range of existing WLANs • 3- Easy to configure

5. Point – to – point wireless bridge • -If there is a company contain of two buildings, the two buildings are separated by a road • The options for connecting any two building with network link include . • 1-Direct connect private cabling (like fiber) • When using fiber cables and connect it under road it costs higher price. • 2- Leased line telecom • It works good but with higher cost and limited bandwidth. • 3- Wireless technology • It is the excellent choice .

6. Point – to – point wireless bridge Point -to -Point (PTP) Bridging: A point to point topology is the simplest to configure and connects two networks in two separate locations, normally a remote building or warehouse, via one wireless bridge in each location.

7. Point-to-point configuration • When using point-to-point wireless bridges, two LANs can be located up to 40 km (25 miles) apart. • Obstacles such as buildings, trees, and hills will cause communication problems.

8. Point – to – point wireless networking Advantages of Point – to – point wireless bridge : 1- Good bandwidth (11 – 54 mbps) that run most application. 2- Cheap. 3- Portable The wireless equipment be moved when you leave. Disadvantages of Point – to – point wireless bridge: 1- Reliability problem. 2- Must have wireless expertise

9. Point – to – multipoint wireless bridge • Point – to – multipoint wireless bridge : the solution for creating a wireless Ethernet like multiple location . • A point to Multipoint topology wirelessly connects multiple locations together allowing them to share the same network resources. • The bridge at the main, central, location is called the root bridge or base station bridge and all data passing between the wireless bridge clients must pass through the root bridge first.

10. Point-to-multipoint configuration root Non-root Non-root • For multipoint bridging, an omni directional antenna is typically used at the main site. • Directional antennas are used at the remote sites. • Traffic from one remote site to another will be sent to the main site and then forwarded to the other remote site. • Remote sites cannot communicate directly with one another. • Line of sight must be maintained between each remote site and the main site.

11. Point – to – multipoint wireless bridge • These point-to-multipoint networks are used in wireless internet service providers (WISP), large corporate campuses, distribution facilities, school districts, public safety applications and many others • Advantages: • Low cost • High speed

12. Root modes • Cisco Aironet access points and bridgeshave two different root modes, in which to operate the following: • Root = ON — • The bridge or AP is a root. • If it is a bridge, then it is called the master bridge. • Root = OFF — • The bridge or AP is not a root, non-root. 12

13. What do I need to build a Point to Point Bridge Link? Line of sight between the two locations. A site survey is recommended before installation. Select a wireless bridge: Here are some things to consider when selecting a wireless bridge : Distance: Distance will determine what gain antenna will be required . Wireless protocol: Do you want to use a bridge base on 802.11 standards . Frequency Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor wireless bridges are less expensive . An outdoor bridge can be placed right next to the antenna and therefore cuts down on the amount of cable you need to buy. Select a wireless antenna: If the bridge you selected does not already have an integrated antenna you will need to choose one now. antenna cables to get you connected and protected.

14. Connecting to the bridge When the bridge is powering up there are three LEDs: Green LED : indicate normal activity Red LED : the unit isn’t operating correctly Amber LED: indicate error or warning Ways of configuration : 1- Configuring using GUI (through web browser) 2- Configuring using CLI 3- Accessing through telnet