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Wi-Fi Wireless Bridging Explained

Wi-Fi range extenders are a variation on bridging

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 28, 2020 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless In computer networking, a bridge joins two networks so that the networks can communicate with each other and serve as a single network. As Wi-Fi and other wireless networks expanded in popularity, the need to link these networks with one another and with older wired networks increased. Bridges make internetwork connections possible. This wireless bridging technology consists of hardware as well as network protocol support. Maskot / Getty Images

Types of Wireless Bridging

Hardware that supports wireless network bridging includes: Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridge: This hardware allows Wi-Fi clients to connect to an Ethernet network. The hardware integrates with Wi-Fi wireless access points and is useful for older computers or devices that don't have Wi-Fi capability. Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi bridge: This bridge joins two Wi-Fi networks, often to increase the coverage area of a Wi-Fi hotspot. Some wireless AP hardware supports bridging in Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi mode. Bluetooth to Wi-Fi bridge: This bridge connects devices that communicate with consumer Bluetooth gadgets and interface with a Wi-Fi home network.

Wi-Fi Bridge Mode

In Wi-Fi networking, bridge mode allows two or more wireless access points to communicate and join their respective local networks. These APs, by default, connect to an Ethernet LAN. Point-to-multipoint AP models support wireless clients while operating in bridge mode, but others can function only point-to-point and disallow any clients from connecting while in bridge-only mode; a network administrator controls this option. Some APs support bridging with other APs only from the same manufacturer or product family. Changing a configuration option can enable or disable AP bridging capability if it's available. Normally, APs in bridging mode discover one another through Media Access Control addresses that must be set as configuration parameters. While operating in Wi-Fi bridging mode, wireless APs generate substantial network traffic. Wireless clients connected to these APs usually share the same bandwidth as the bridge devices. As a result, client network performance tends to be lower when the AP is in bridging mode than when it's not.

Wi-Fi Repeater Mode and Wi-Fi Range Extenders

Repeater mode is a variation on bridging in Wi-Fi networking. Rather than connect separate networks in a way that allows devices in each one to communicate with each other, repeater mode extends the wireless signal of one network to longer distances for greater reach. Consumer products known as wireless range extenders work as Wi-Fi repeaters, expanding the range of a home network to cover dead spots or areas with a weak signal. Most new broadband routers are designed to work in repeater mode as an option that the administrator controls. Having the flexibility to choose between full support of a second router and Wi-Fi repeater support is appealing to many households as their home networks continue to grow. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Get Better Wi-Fi: Here's The Best Place for Your Wireless Router How to Make Your Laptop a Wi-Fi Extender How to Fix Wi-Fi Connection Drops How to Connect Your Roku to Wi-Fi Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network How to Measure Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength Understanding Infrastructure Mode in Wireless Networking How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network Use a Bridge to Expand Your Local Network How to Use a Router as a Wi-Fi Extender The 9 Best Ways to Boost a Wi-Fi Signal How to Extend Wi-Fi Outdoors 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Wireless Router How to Connect Chromecast to Hotel Wi-Fi Mesh Network vs Range Extender: Which Is Best? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies