bridge and AP

[aksher]

Does an AP always require a bridge to switch data to other systems in LAN?

[Richard Atkin]

Yes, Access Points basically just bridge traffic between wired and wireless interfaces, which is achived through the implementation of Bridge-Groups; basically one per VLAN / sub-interface / SSID.

BVI 1 is typically reserved for AP management, and doesn't normally bridge to a Wireless interface.

[aksher]

Want i want to know is the difference between and AP and bridge and their function.

[Richard Atkin]

An Access Point is used to allow client devices (laptops, etc..) to connect to a LAN, the SSID they connect to maps to a VLAN via the AP.

A bridge is used to provide a connection between two (or more) locations, just like you would use a wire, but without the wire.

Most Cisco devices can perform both roles, although not at the same time.

[aksher]

Is bridge a mandatory here?

[Richard Atkin]

Sorry, I don't understand the question / context. Can you explain the situation in more detail?

[aksher]

Pretty simple, can an AP work in the absence of bridge connecting to other locations.

[Richard Atkin]

Yes, an AP is an autonomous device and doesn't require a bridge to operate, just power and ethernet.