Difference Between wireless Bridge and Access Point?

[RobDMB]

Can anyone explain to me the difference between a wireless bridge and a wireless access point. I'm a little confused on the difference. Thanks, Rob

 

[LeatherNeck]

An access point connects multiple users on a wireless LAN to each other and to a wired network.

The industry-accepted definition of a bridge is a device that connects two networks that may use the same or a different Data Link Layer protocol.

LAN bridges have ports that connect two or more otherwise separate LANs. The bridge receives packets on one port and re-transmits them on another port.

Bridges are basically a cheap way to connect two ethernet LANS or to extend the range of a wireless network to another enclave.

 

[JackMDS]

The same word Bridge is unfortunately used to describe two different Wireless Modes.

1. Real Bridge that Bridges two Networks or two segment of one Network.

2. Group Bridge that might be used with Game Boxes and similar devices, and basically it is a Wireless Client Card that does not need Drivers.

More here: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

:sun:

 

[ktwebb]

It's fairly simple. If you understand what a hub is it's easier to understand what an AP is. You plug an AP into an existing wired network to add wireless connectivity to clients. Laptops or desktops.

A bridge connects two wired networks. You have two building that are lets say 500yds apart. You want to connect them but not bury fiber but you do have line of site. You would use a point to point bridge at each site. The buildings would be on the same network, connected by the two bridges.

Workgroup bridges, so similar work as dedicated bridges, however they asscociate to Access Points. So, you have a wired network and an Access Point or two. You have a desktop that is in a room that isn't wired. You'd use a workgroup bridge. That would associate to one of your AP's. It has an ethernet port that you'd connect to your PC via a cat5 cable. You will also see these called things like CLient mode or wireless ethernet bridge in the consumer wireless community. In the enterprise they are workgroup bridges.