There are two network configurations possible for a client host or network when using an external wireless device. The most simple is a bridged configuration where the hosts on the members network are bridged directly to the wireless network and take IPs from the subnet of remote access point. The other type is a routed configuration in which the members network is given a seperate subnet that is routed onto the network. This page deals with devices capable of bridging (but not necessarily routing.)
Unlike internal wireless devices such as PCI, Mini-PCI, PCMCIA and USB adapters, an important feature required when using the alternative wireless Ethernet device is the ability to bridge or clone the Mac address of the device it is connected to allow seemless packet forwarding between the wireless network and the members network or computer.
The aim being to connect the Mac addresses of the router and the members without wireless Ethernet device(s) Mac address used in the network.
All ethernet wirless devices that are designed to bridge will work correctly for most client setups.
However the confussion lies when members purchase an AP which works in both AP mode and client/bridge mode such as the Classic Minitar “the ideal” but remember that this is only the ideal if you intend that at a later stage to use it in other modes.
In most cases an AP that works in both modes are capable of connecting using only one IP address. However unless the AP, when operating in client mode can bridge correctly or can clone the members Mac address, it will not forward packets correctly and disallow the use of other subnets.
Some examples of bridges and APs that could be used as a Wireless Client Ethernet Bridge:
- Linksys WRT54G / WRT54GL Router AP only, but can run in Bridge if setup with openwrt (b/g) $108.00
- Linksys WET54G Wireless to Ethernet bridge only (b/g) $148.50
- Linksys WGA54G Wireless to Ethernet bridge only (b/g) $134.00
- Linksys WET54GS5 Wireless to Ethernet Bridge with 5-port Switch (b/g) $149.75
- Senao NL-2611 CB3 Deluxe AP/Bridge (b) $190.00
- Senao NL-3054 CB3 Plus Deluxe AP/Bridge/Client (b/g) $225.00
- Netgear WGE101 Wireless to Ethernet bridge Only (b/g) $139.00
- Dlink DWL900+ Wireless Access Point AP/Bridge/Client/Repeater (b/b+) $134.99
- Dlink DWL-810+ Wireless to Ethernet bridge only (b/b+) $134.95
- “Freenet Antennas” UltraWAP 802.11 b/g AP/Bridge/Client/Repeater $99.00 (90 mW TX) to $170.00 (200 mW TX)
- NetComm NP5410 Wireless to Ethernet bridge only (b/g) $155.76
- Edimax EW-7206APg Wireless Access Point AP/Bridge/Client/Repeater (b/g) $100
Most 802.11g devices will operate in 802.11b automatically but should be set to 802.11b only in the firmware to improve performance.
Note: Air-Stream is not a supplier of equipment and prices listed are only listed as a guide only. Please visit member discounts for some of our preferred suppliers.
Some definitions:
Access Point Mode
Access Point mode is used to connect to one or more wireless clients. Wireless clients can only communicate to APs in Access Point mode.
Access Point Client / Wireless Client Mode
AP Client or Wireless Client mode allows the Access Point to effectively become a wireless client to another AP. In essence the AP has now become a wireless adapter card. You would use this mode to allow the device to communicate with an existing AP. Wireless cards will not communicate with access points in AP Client / Wireless Client mode.
Point-to-Point / Wireless Bridge
Point-to-Point / Wireless Bridge mode allows the Access Point to communicate with another Access Point capable of point-to-point bridging. However, be aware that most manufacturers use proprietary settings when enabling bridging mode in the Access Point. A typical scenario for this selection is connecting two routers at Mac level through a wireless connection (ie mac3 and mac2 in the diagram above)
Point-to-Multipoint / Multi-point Bridge
Point-to-Multi-point / Multi-point Bridge mode is the same as Point-to-point / Wireless Bridge mode, however this mode allows you to use more than two Access Points.
Repeater Mode
As a Wireless Repeater, the Access Point extends the range of the wireless network by repeating the wireless signal of the remote AP (Access Point). The Ethernet MAC address of the remote AP is required for the Access Point to act as a wireless range extender. The repeater appears to the remote AP as just another client, so this mode does not require any special proprietary bridging protocols.