Wireless LANs

Wireless LAN Bridges to Connect Multiple Buildings

Wireless LAN bridges are somewhat different devices that connect multiple LAN segments spread across multiple buildings in a metropolitan area without requiring a wireline T-1 type connection. These bridges can extend LANs that are up to 20-30 miles (typically 1-5 miles, though) apart but within line of sight.  These LANs segments are conventional LANs that connect workstations by using wireline (Ethernet, standard wiring, or fiber) connections. The key benefit of wireless LAN bridges is to span multiple building LANs without incurring monthly costs of T-1 or higher speed TELCO-provided telecommunication lines.

There are two implementations of wireless LAN bridging - point to point, and multipoint. We are showing two graphics to illustrate the concept.   The first graphic from C-spec illustrates point to point concept.

(Graphic courtesy of C-Spec's Web Site)

The second graphic from Aironet site shows an application of Wireless LAN bridging to connect a school, a medical building and a distributor to an ISP, bypassing local Telco to supply terrestrial T-1 connection.

(Graphic courtesy of Cisco-Aironet)