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1.4 | |
Components and Topologies | |
| 1.4.4 | |
Bridges |
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There are currently 3 series of Cisco
bridges: The 350 Wireless Bridge (BR350), Cisco 350 Series Workgroup
Bridge (WGB350), and Cisco Aironet 1400. All 350 series bridges
operate in the 2.4 GHz range, whereas the 1400 operates in the 5 GHz
range. The Cisco bridges, like other vendor bridges, are proprietary
implementations of the 802.11 standard and therefore vendor
interoperability cannot be attained. All 3 bridges require no U.S. FCC
or other applicable agency licensing.
First, the BR350
is designed to connect two or more networks, typically located in
different buildings. The BR350 wireless bridges provide up to 11 Mbps speed,
long-range, LOS wireless connections. The bridge is ideal
for indoor or outdoor installations subject to plenum rating and harsh
environments. Figure
Second, the Cisco Aironet 350 Series
Workgroup Bridge (WGB350) brings low cost wireless connectivity to any
Ethernet-enabled device which is designed to meet the needs of remote
workgroups, satellite offices, and mobile users
Third, the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series
Bridge operates at speeds up to 54 Mbps
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shows the
BR350. Data rates are faster than E1/T1 lines without the need for
expensive leased lines or fiber-optic cable, as long as radio
frequency (RF) LOS can be achieved. This bridge is
also called the multifunction bridge since it can operate as a rugged
AP or repeater in addition to the bridging modes. 
. The
Workgroup Bridge quickly connects up to eight Ethernet-enabled laptops
or other portable computers to a wireless WLAN, providing an 11 Mbps
link from these devices to any Cisco Aironet 802.11b AP or Wireless
Bridge. This bridge is for indoor use only. 
. The Cisco
Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge is a high-performance 801.11a
wireless bridge designed to connect multiple LANs in a metro area. The
1400 can only operate outdoors in a fixed point-to-point or
point-to-multipoint application.