Copyright © 2004 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
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1 Introduction to Technology
The BR1400 Bridges are used to wirelessly connect two networks (usually in different buildings).
When two or more bridges are used, one bridge must be defined as the
ROOT BRIDGE.
Cisco
wireless bridges default to operation in root bridge mode. In any bridge domain (group of
connected bridges) there should exist only one Root Bridge. Other bridges must be configured to
operate in non-root mode. The
NON-ROOT
Bridge will initiate a link to the root bridge and all
bridges can subsequently transmit data.
Longer ranges can be activated with appropriate selection of antennas and clear line of sight. It
should be noted that only bridges have this extended range capability. The extended range is
achieved by stretching the timing parameters set forth in the IEEE 802.11 specifications. The
802.11 specification was based on a presumption that a wireless LAN communication link
(keeping in mind this is defining a LOCAL Area Network) would be not more than 1000 feet.
Therefore distances for Access Point to client communication are limited to approximately one-mile
range for quality performance; irrespective of transmit power, cable, and antenna combinations.
This is due to timing restrictions in the 802.11 protocol which synchronize the timing of the
communications to support delays induced by the distance.
1400 Series Wireless Bridge Outdoor Deployment Guide
The purpose for this document is to cover 5 GHz Regulations, 1400 Series Wireless Bridge
Product, interference issues, installation guide, troubleshooting tips and added features. This guide
will help a Network IT professional, who has limited knowledge about RF, but desires to deploy
a wireless Bridge link. This document covers topics that one needs to understand to determine if
the wireless link will work, how to design it, how to install it
,
optimize the link, maintain and
troubleshoot it.
