Bridge Topologies
Distance limitations

If the distance to be bridged is less than 1.6 km (1 mile), the Cisco Aironet 350 Workgroup Bridge and AP can sometimes be used, to save money. However, if the distance is greater than 1.6 km (1 mile), it is recommended that a bridge product be used, for reliability. Using an AP at more than one mile will not provide reliable communications, because of timing constraints. The 802.11 standard sets a time limit for the acknowledgement of packets. Remember that 802.11 also defines a Local Area Network, which means a typical wireless range of up to 305 m (1000 ft), not several kilometers or miles.

The bridge products have a parameter that increases this timing, whereas the workgroup bridge and AP does not. The timing is increased, by violating the 802.11 standard. This allows the Cisco devices to operate at greater distances. Any wireless bridge that supports distances over one mile must violate 802.11. This means that radios of other 802.11 vendors may not work with the Cisco bridges when the distances are greater than 1.6 km (1 mile).