Using a Wireless Bridge to
Provide Remote
Network Connectivity
Providing reliable network connectivity to remote IP security
cameras or extending coverage to guest homes, boat docks,
and outbuildings can be
a considerable challenge.
Trenching and running cable
has historically been the only
viable option—one that is
often disruptive, expensive
and certainly labor intensive.
The relatively recent advent
of wireless mesh solutions
helps resolve some of these
challenges, while introducing
others. Such mesh
technologies are designed
for large municipal and
campus projects and
can be prohibitively
expensive for residential or
smaller commercial networks.
So what is a cost-effective alternative to running cable or installing an expensive mesh network? A high performance wireless bridge might be the right answer.
WHAT IS A WIRELESS BRIDGE?
Simply think of a wireless bridge as an Ethernet cable that runs over the air. It is a way of using two or more wireless access points (APs) to broadcast data from one point to another. A wireless bridge can be implemented as “point-to-point,” with one root AP and one client AP (see Image 1); or as “point-to-multipoint,” with one root AP and multiple client APs (see Image 2). Once a connection is made between the APs, the client AP can then be connected via a standard Ethernet cable to a switch and/or other devices for delivering network connectivity to the remote location.
Root AP
Client AP
Image 1: A “Point-to Point” wireless bridge
Root AP
Client AP
Client AP
Simply think of a
wireless bridge as an
Ethernet cable that
runs over the air.
Appropriately implemented, a wireless bridge can be a reliable and
cost-effective solution that opens up many new opportunities to the integrator. As an example, here are a few scenarios where wireless bridging would be useful:
The parking lot or remote gate that needs security camera coverage The outbuilding or warehouse that needs to be connected to the network The rental car lot where wireless network access is needed for
bar code scanners
AT WHAT DISTANCE CAN A WIRELESS
BRIDGE BE EFFECTIVE?
The distance possible for making a high data rate wireless bridge connection is dependent on several factors:
Transmit power of the AP Antenna type and gain Line of sight
Frequency being used (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz are most common) Environmental conditions
Key to the successful implementation of a wireless bridge is the equipment being used. The Luxul Xen™ High Performance Outdoor 802.11n Wireless Access Point (XAP-1040) is designed specifi cally for optimal coverage and distance. Because it transmits at the FCC maximum allowable output power (1W) while also imple-menting unique antenna properties, the XAP-1040 allows for a wireless bridge connection that is several times the distance of traditional APs. With reasonable line of sight, integrators have established high data rate links over several miles using two XAP-1040 APs.
USING A WIRELESS BRIDGE FOR CONNECTING
REMOTE SECURITY CAMERAS
A common application of the XAP-1040 wireless bridge system is to connect IP security cameras in remote locations. Setup is simple and straight forward as shown in Image 3. In this example, Access Point A is the root and is connected di-rectly to the network. Access Point B is the client at the remote location and will be used to share the network with the IP security camera. Power is also required at the remote location. Both the AP and the IP camera are powered using Power Over Ethernet (POE) and are connected to POE injectors via Ethernet cable within a weather proof box located at the remote location. The data ports of both injectors are connected to allow for camera data/images to be transmitted over the network.
A common application
of the XAP-1040 wireless
bridge system is to connect
IP security cameras in
Client AP Root AP IP Security Camera POE Enclosure
Image 3: Using a wireless bridge to connect a remote IP security camera
REAL WORLD USAGE: CONNECTING CORPORATE
OFFICES TO A MANUFACTURING FACILITY
Luxul recently moved into new corporate offi ces and manufacturing facilities. The two buildings are located approximately 1 kilometer apart with roof tops being mostly line of site. To streamline the Luxul network, we opted to bridge the main network in the corporate offi ce to the manufacturing facility. This was easily accomplished by placing XAP-1040s on the rooftops of both buildings and aiming them towards each other. The connection between the two APs resulted in a sustained 10Mbps of data throughput—more than suffi cient to handle all network functions, provide complete building Wi-Fi access, and run IP security cameras at the facility. The XAP-1040 at the manufacturing facility was then con-nected to a Luxul Xen™ 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Smart POE Switch (XMS-1008P). The XMS-1008P is used to provide both power and data connectivity to IP security cameras and a Luxul Xen™ Commercial Grade Omni 802.11n Access Point (XAP-1030), which provides complete wireless coverage to the entire facility. Image 4 shows the map and network components.
Many networking vendors
don’t want the average
“uncertifi ed” installer to
understand the issue of
device roaming for one
simple reason—their
Luxul Warehouse Luxul Corporate 15 XMS-1008P 8 Port POE Switch XMS-1008P 8 Port POE Switch XBR-2300 Dual WAN Router XAP-1020 LAN AP XAP-1020 XAP-1020 XAP-1040 Root AP INTERNET CAMERA XAP-1030 LAN AP CAMERA XAP-1040 Client AP CAMERA
Image 4: Using a wireless bridge to connect Luxul corporate offi ce to manufacturing building
By using a wireless bridge we were able to simplify and optimize the entire network—providing ample data throughput for the manufacturing facility while minimizing costs and installation time. Besides being a great way to optimize our network, this was a perfect opportunity to use our own gear in a real world setting.
Installers of commercial and residential networks and IP security systems can benefi t by understanding how to best provide remote connectivity. When implemented properly and using the right technologies, wireless bridging can be an effi cient, simple and cost-effective method for extending network coverage, connecting remote IP security cameras, and network sharing.