Wireless Network Bridge
The Wireless Network Bridge connects different LAN segments with a wireless feature. The LAN segments will work as a single network, increasing the capabilities of the Ethernet connection. The computers must be on the same intranet or broadcast frequency, and the users of a network will be able to obtain a new IP for the other LAN network using a DHCP feature.
The advantages of the Wireless Network Bridge
This feature can be used to connect two different terminals from different rooms without the help of an Ethernet cable. However, the connection is different from the Client Mode Wireless connection. This type of connection implies a router, therefore the computers are not able to see each other directly. In the Wireless Network Bridge, the computers are able to share the same DHCP server, so the computers could see one another using the wireless capabilities.
Connecting two computers with the Wireless Network Bridge
First, the computers will need two static IP addresses. This allows them to work on the DHCP connection. However, you will have to make sure the computers are able to sustain DHCP addresses. This can be easily done in Windows OS from the Internet Protocol Settings. The computers will still try to use the basic protocol, but they will fail, so they will need to use the static addresses instead.
For MAC filtering, it is necessary to list the MAC address of the secondary computer to be allowed by the primary computer. The secondary computer must be connected to the LAN port with the cable, and the settings of the connection must be set from a browser.
The default settings must be applied, and the secondary computer will reset and reboot.
The Wireless Network Bridge security
You will also have to enable the security protocol for your newly created network. The basic settings must be set to Client-Bridged, and the Wireless mode must be set to SSID. The Wireless Channel and the Network Mode must have the same value as the primary settings. It is also possible to use WPA encryption as a security method, but you will need to use a IEEE 802.11 device that does not support keys longer than 63 characters.
If things aren’t working just as you are expecting, you might need to test the Wireless Network Bridge connection. Try to Repair the connection, although we all know that this Windows feature is practically useless.
Usually, the Wireless connectors such as switches and routers do not need installation of other additional software. The power is drawn from the cable connected to the host device. But some bridges of this kind require a cable. The devices also has LED’s to warn you about the current state of the device. You can find different devices based on this technology, such as Flash Cards, Modems, Adapters that can be introduced in different slots. Those devices are commonly used for notebooks, but you can also think about a connection of this kind for your Desktop PC or MAC.