wireless access points it can work in three different types of modes: root, repeater and bridge.
root mode – This is the most common type of mode where multiple users access the access point at the same time as one access point. In root mode, users with laptops or PDAs can access the Internet to watch videos of Torino games or simply to check email. As a side note, there is a difference between being a mobile user and a roaming user. A mobile user remains connected to a wireless access point. A roaming user moves from one hotspot cell to another hotspot cell. I point this out due to the additional load on the access point.
repeater – Repeater mode is used when you want to extend your signal beyond its current limits. You must place the repeater access point within range of your current root access point. It must be close enough to the root access point so that the repeater repeats a strong signal and not a weak signal. If you end up repeating the weak signal you will not be able to watch the Torino Olympics.
Bridge – The bridge acts as a wireless cable. Two access points in bridge mode will only communicate with each other, no other client will be able to access them. Bridging is useful when connecting two buildings or large temporary locations when running cables is not cost effective.
to set up a wireless bridge you will have two access points and two directional antennas. Depending on the distance, you will use voltmeters or the manufacturer’s software to target the access points. Before you do this, you’ll need to enter the MAC address of each access point so they know who to align with.
Mounting your antennas correctly is one of the most important things. If you mount your antenna on your roof, make sure it is attached to a stud. Please note that wind is a factor in aligning the antennas. It could give a great signal on a windless day and no signal on a windy or snowy day. Choosing the right wind rated antenna and the right tower or mounting brackets are the key to the bridge.
So when you buy a wireless access point you are actually buying three types of wireless connectivity: Root/Hot Spot which is used to connect multiple mobile clients at the same time, Repeater which is used to extend the signal of another access point. The last mode we talked about was wireless bridging, which is another way of saying wired wireless.
One of the cheapest yet most reliable wireless access points I’ve used is the linksys WAP54g. I have installed it in homes, small offices and schools. 15-20 people can access them at a time and they almost never break. The WAP54g comes with all the latest security features, including WPA2 with AES encryption. If you’re new to installing wireless access points, you can also take advantage of Linksys Kickass technical support.
