Networking / Beginners

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Adding a WAP

To add a WAP to a Wi-Fi network generally means to run a UTP cable from the new WAP to the main WAP. So they connect with wires. Configuration is pretty straightforward. Both WAPs require the same ESSID and channel, though the frequency can vary if the two are 802.11n WAPs.

NOTE Some manufacturers market special Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters that pick up the Wi-Fi signal wirelessly and repeat it into a wider space.

Wireless Bridge

Dedicated wireless bridges are used to connect two wireless network segments together, or to join wireless and wired networks together in the same way that wired bridge devices do. You can also use wireless bridges to join wireless networks with other networked devices, such as printers.

Wireless bridges come in two different flavors: point-to-point and point-to-multipoint. Point-to-point bridges can only communicate with a single other bridge, and are used to connect two wireless network segments. Point-to-multipoint bridges can talk to more than one other bridge at a time, and are used to connect multiple network segments. Some vendors also offer repeating bridges, and bridges with access point and router functions.

Verify the Installation

Once you've completed the initial installation of a Wi-Fi network, check it. Move some traffic from one computer to another using the wireless connection. Never leave a job site without verifying the installation.