Network Bridge in the wireless environment is used to expand or to link wirelessly between separate groups of computer networks together. In a situation where linking the separate networks using wired connection is not possible or impractical, the option of using the wireless network bridge would be possible. For example in a situation where you have two office buildings separated away around 300 ft, and running the network cable between the buildings is not possible (for example between the buildings is the street) – you can use Network Bridge. Both buildings will be linked together wirelessly using wireless network bridge.
Have a look at the diagram shown below; the main office has the warehouse building across the street that need to be linked together to the main office to share network resources such as Finance and Material Application. You need to arrange the antenna at the main office with Omni-type antenna and in a line of sight with the antenna at the warehouse building, no obstacles. Probably you need to build a small tower on top of both buildings to get a clear no obstacles signal. At the main office you can install a Wireless Access Point with Omni-antenna, while at the warehouse building you can install Network Bridge (would be better with hi-gain directional antenna).
Wireless Network Bridge - Diagram
To implement the above diagram for small business, you can use Network Bridge special for outdoor usage such as DAP-3520 D-Link. DAP-3520 is ideal for exterior deployments with IP65 Rated enclosure – a weather resistant and designed to easily install beneath overhangs or in locations with limited protection from elements. With a built-in heater, the DAP-3520 AirPremier Dual-Band Access Point is perfect for exterior installations where extreme weather is an issue.
Network Bridge is very helpful in connecting many separate buildings together wirelessly – to form a single network you can easily manage. Since the link connection is using radio signal, the security would be an issue. Unlike wired connection like conventional network, which can be physically secured, wireless networks are not confined to the inside of buildings. They can be picked up as far as 1,000 feet outside of the premises with a laptop and a hi-gain adapter. This makes inherently vulnerable to interception. But the recent industrial wireless encryption technology – Wi-Fi Protected Access WPA2 would be a mandatory to deploy and selection of the Network Bridge that support WPA2 is a must.
- Wireless distribution system – WDS Bridge
- DAP-2590 wireless dual-band Airpremier Access Point
- General types of wireless antenna
- Directional hi-gain wireless antenna
- Wireless network troubleshooting – common problem
