The Cisco bridges can be configured to operate in different modes. The
BR350, or multifunction bridge, has the same receiver sensitivity, power
levels, and capabilities, as the Cisco Aironet APs with .11b radio chips. This
means that while operating in AP mode, the Cisco Aironet multi-function bridge
can be configured as a fully IEEE 802.11 compliant AP, which will support
wireless clients. A single parent bridge can support numerous child bridges.
Theoretically, the maximum number of child bridges that could be supported is
2007. The number of child bridges that should actually be attached to a parent
bridge is determined by usage and throughput needs. Figures
–
illustrates and describes communication options between root and non-root
bridges.
Whether configured as a root or a non-root device, a bridge can
always communicate with other bridges through the RF. The bridge communicates
with the wired network through the Ethernet port. Even when configured to
operate in AP mode, the bridge can still pass network traffic through both the
RF and Ethernet ports. This is one of the main differences between a Cisco
Aironet bridge and access point, as shown in Figure
.
There are
six options for configuring the root state and related parameters on the BR350.
These options correspond to the following six roles, which a bridge can assume
in a LAN:
- Root bridge
- Non-root bridge with clients
- Non-root bridge without clients
- Root access point
- Repeater access point
- Site survey client
These six bridge roles are briefly described in Figures
through
.
Workgroup
bridges, such as the WGB350, are small, stand-alone units that provide wireless
infrastructure connections for up to eight Ethernet-enabled devices. A device
connected to a bridge communicates with a network infrastructure through Cisco
Aironet access points. The WGB can operate only in Non-root bridge without
clients mode.
The 1400 can be set to root or non-root, or installation
mode. The installation mode is used to help align the antennas. Also, since the
1400 operates on the UNII-3 – 5.725 GHz to 5.825 GHz frequencies, it cannot
communicate with a .11a capable AP1200 which can operates at either:
- UNII-1 – 5.15 GHz to 5.25 GHz (Four 802.11a Channels) Indoor only, 40 mW
max with 6 dBi integrated antenna
- UNII-2 – 5.25 GHz to 5.35 GHz (Four 802.11a Channels)
When the radio is capable of transmitting on UNII-1 and UNII-2 it must
follow UNII-1 rules for transmit power and antenna gain. If the radio is UNII-2
only the radio can transmit at 200 mW and use removable antennas.
The
1400 can only operate outdoors only, 1 W max with 6 dBi antenna for
point-to-multipoint and 23 dBi antenna for point-to-point. There are four
available 802.11a channels.