A point-to-point (P2P) wireless bridge is a Wi-Fi networking technology that allows users to wirelessly connect two or more locations. It lets two or more locations share an Internet connection to share files and other data types across a network.
A P2P wireless bridge enables communication between two or more wireless access points (APs) to connect multiple local area networks (LANs).
Read More about a Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of P2P wireless bridges, let’s tackle some basic terms first.
What Is an Access Point?
An AP is a device that lets users create a wireless LAN (WLAN) in a building. It is connected to a router, switch, or hub via an Ethernet cable to project a Wi-Fi signal to a specific area.
If, for instance, you want to provide Wi-Fi access in your reception area but don’t have a router within range, you can install an AP near the front desk using an Ethernet cable that runs through the ceiling to the server room.
What Is a Local Area Network?
A LAN is a computer network that interconnects the computers in an intranet, such as those belonging to all an organization’s employees.
Now, we’re ready to learn more about a P2P wireless bridge.
How Does a Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge Work?
You can create a P2P wireless bridge by installing an antenna on one end of the link and a radio device on the other. Then, you must connect the two ends to your internal cabled infrastructure. It can be compared to extending a cable connected to each end from one building to another.
When a user in Building A requests data from someone in Building B, the communication goes through the Ethernet cable to the radio in Building A. The radio then converts the request into a wireless signal and sends it over the air to the antenna in Building B. When the recipient gets the request, he/she sends the data back to the radio in Building B through the Ethernet cable. The radio then converts the response into a wireless signal and sends it over the air to the antenna in Building A for the requester’s use.
How Do You Set Up a Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge?
Setting up a P2P wireless bridge requires a router, switch, or hub, Ethernet cables, and ready-to-use APs. In cases where a line-of-sight connection isn’t possible, such as when trees block the connection, you may need antennas.
Generally, one AP must have a line-of-sight connection with another AP to extend the network connection.
What Are the Usual Applications of a Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge?
A P2P wireless bridge can be used to:
- Connect two or more locations or buildings
- Provide devices with high-speed performance from 100mbps to 10Gbps
- Give devices 99.99% connection availability
- Connect premises with line-of-sight scenarios
- Provide temporary network installation
- Give quick and more cost-effective replacement for a fiber or leased line connection
- Enable parking garage video surveillance
- Allow connections to circumnavigate geographical barriers
In general, a P2P wireless bridge is helpful for Internet Protocol (IP) telephony, closed-circuit television (CCTV) service provision, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and telemetry applications, corporate wireless access network (WAN) connections, and Internet access extension.
Simply put, a P2P wireless bridge can connect any application to communicate with another location or device in a different location without using cables.
What Are the Features of a Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge?
Many users utilize a P2P wireless bridge due to features like:
- High dependability
- High potential for providing lightning-speed network access
- Simple and easy installation
- Effortless network management
- Hassle-free monitoring
- Flexibility and versatility
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Given how many wireless devices each user has to connect to the Internet, it’s not surprising that P2P wireless bridge usage gained ubiquity.
Key Takeaways
- A P2P wireless bridge is a Wi-Fi networking technology that allows users to wirelessly connect two or more locations.
- You can create a P2P wireless bridge by installing an antenna on one end of the link and a radio device on the other. Then, you must connect the two ends to your internal cabled infrastructure. It can be compared to extending a cable connected to each end from one building to another.
- P2P wireless bridges can connect two or more locations or buildings, provide devices with high-speed performance from 100mbps to 10Gbps, give devices 99.99% connection availability, and more.
- P2P wireless bridge usage has gained widespread adoption because they are highly dependable, have a high potential for lightning-speed network access, are simple and easy to install, and others.
