Simple Network Bridge???

Bama · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 04:44 AM

How can I bridge two LAN devices with a simple bridge that is secure and cheap. I thought this would be VERY easy. All I want to do is take away the cable between one LAN switch and another. Just a very simple Layer 2 bridge. Everything I've seen is either a $9000 industrial wireless bridge, or a wireless router. I don't NEED a router and would like to keep the connection as simple, and secure, as possible. I simply want to replace the cable with a wireless connection. All the inexpensive equipment I've seen is designed to allow everyone, and their, brother, onto your system (Such as wireless router, or access point). Am I missing something? Is there no dongle that lets you plug into one RJ-45 jack, plug into the other RJ-45 jack, and these two devices talk to each other, and only to each other. Range is only about 50 ft. Surely this is a simple thing to do. Am I just stupid?

NZLamb · #2 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 06:29 AM

Many access points have a bridge mode exactly designed to do this. Such examples include the Linksys WAP54G and D-Link DWL-2100AP. Just check the specs of the unit you intend to buy first to make sure it includes a birdge option.

Bama · #3 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 03:42 PM

Thanks, does that utilize the WDS mode? Most examples I've seen for that mode are to extend a wireless network. In other words, it let's another wireless device to attach to the network through it. Is there specificaly a bridge mode that's RJ-45 to wireless to RJ-45 at the other end. I'm sorry for being slow about this.

NZLamb · #4 (**permalink**) 08-16-2006, 08:51 AM

Yes they use WDS (although they don't ususally don't document it as WDS) and feature a mode specifically for creating a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint bridge. I have used both of the above devices for this in the past and they work well.

Many other access points in the same price bracket also feature this, except the very cheap models. Wireless routers almost always do not. Unfortunately often it is not clearly advertised and you have to read through the detailed specs to find whether it is supported or not. Saves a heap over buying a dedicated bridge device though!