Introduction
Difference between a Cisco Aironet Workgroup Bridge and a Cisco Aironet Wireless Bridge
Resolution
A Workgroup bridge (WGB) is a small stand-alone unit that can provide a wireless infrastructure connection for Ethernet-enabled devices. Devices that do not have a wireless client adapter in order to connect to the wireless network can be connected to the WGB through the Ethernet port. The WGB associates to the root AP through the wireless interface. In this way, wired clients get access to the wireless network. The bridge connects to a device through a standard Ethernet port using a 10BASE-T/RJ-45 (twisted pair) connector. The bridge provides wireless LAN connections for up to eight devices connected to a hub through an Ethernet cable.
- The WGB communicates only with Cisco Aironet access points; it does not communicate with other Cisco Aironet wireless networking devices (not even other WGBs) or devices manufactured by other vendors.
- The bridge transports data packets transparently as they move through the wireless infrastructure.
- The bridge attaches directly to a 10BASE-T (twisted pair) Ethernet LAN segment. This segment must conform to IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet Blue Book specifications.
- The bridge uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) transmission. It combines high data throughput with excellent immunity to interference. The bridge operates in the 2.4-GHz license-free Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band and transmits over a half-duplex radio channel operating at up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps).
- Because the bridge is a radio device, it is susceptible to common causes of interference that can reduce throughput and range.
- The bridge comes with two possible antenna configurations: one captured antenna or two reverse-TNC antenna connectors to which the user can attach one or two antennas.
- The bridge offers the following security features:
- DSSS technology, previously developed for military "anti-jamming" and "low probability of intercept" radio systems.
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), an IEEE 802.11 feature that provides data confidentiality equivalent to a wired LAN without crypto techniques.
- A service set identifier (SSID) that must match the SSID used by the parent access point.
- The ability to set passwords and privilege levels.
A wireless bridge connects two or more LANs, which are often in different buildings, through the wireless interface. Wireless bridges provide higher data rates and superior throughput for data-intensive and line of sight applications. High-speed links between the wireless bridges deliver throughput that is many times faster than the E1/T1 lines for a fraction of the cost. In this way, wireless bridges eliminate the need for expensive leased lines and fiber-optic cables.
Note: In order to make the bridges talk to each other, make sure that one is configured as a root bridge and the other is configured as a non-root bridge.
Problem Type
Technical product specification / features
Products
Bridge
Workgroup bridges
Reference
Workgroup Bridge Overview
http://cisco.com/en/US/customer/docs/wireless/workgroup_bridge/350/configuration/guide/WGB_Ch01.htmlCisco Aironet Workgroup Bridge FAQ
Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Outdoor Access Point/Bridge 12.3(7)JA
