Ch.

6 - Bridges

Cisco Fundamentals of Wireless LANs version 1.1

Rick Graziani
Cabrillo College
Overview

802.11a
• Designed to connect two or more networks, typically located in different
buildings, wireless bridges deliver high data rates and superior throughput
for data-intensive, line-of-sight applications.
• The bridges connect hard-to-wire sites, noncontiguous floors, satellite
offices, school or corporate campus settings, temporary networks, and
warehouses.
• The high-speed links between the wireless bridges deliver throughput many
times faster than E1/T1 lines for a fraction of the cost, thus eliminating the
need for expensive leased lines or difficult-to-install fiber-optic cable.

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Bridge Connection
Bridging Defined

• Bridges are used

to connect two or
more wired LAN’s,
usually located
within separate
buildings, to create
one large LAN.

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Technology Comparisons

Technology Installation Monthly Barriers to

Cost Cost (USD) Implement
Dialup or Remote
$0 to $250 $25 to $50 locations
56K

Cable/DSL $0 to $250+ $25 to $150 Reliability

E1, T1 $250 to $1,000+ $400 to $1000+

Recurring Cost Availability

$5,000 to Physical
Fiber $200,000+ $0 obstructions

Microwave $15,000+ $0 Licensing,

Weather

802.11 $2,000 to
$15,000 $0 Interference

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 Traditional WAN Connectivity

Monthly Leased Line OpEx

2 DS1: $600
RBOC
DS1 1 DS3: $5000
TOTAL: $5600
DS1
DS3

RBOC provides guaranteed

level of service via a
Service Level Agreement
New remote office
(SLA)
- No DS1 connection
available

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802.11b Connectivity

Monthly Line Cost

2 DS1: $600
RBOC
1 Fractional DS3: $3000
2 Mbps
TOTAL: $3600

2 Mbps

Wireless Installation Cost

22 Mbps
7 350 Series Bridges Installed:
$12,500 USD
Pay Back Period: 3 months
5 Mbps New building connected
Self managed
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802.11a Connectivity

Monthly Line Cost

2 DS1: $600
RBOC
1 DS3: $5000
14 Mbps
TOTAL: $5600

14 Mbps

Wireless Installation Cost

50 Mbps
7 1400 Series Bridges Installed:
$40,000 USD
Pay Back Period: 8 months
27 Mbps New building connected
Self managed
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Role in Radio Network

File
Server Bridge
• Role in Radio Network
– Determines
functionality within
Workgroup
WLAN Bridge
Bridge
– Determines which
type of clients will be
supported Access Point

PCI Card PC Card

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Introduction

• The BR350 is sometimes called the multifunction bridge.

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Bridges

• Cisco bridges can be

controlled and configured
though command line and
Web interfaces.
• Management can also be
done through traditional
protocols like SNMP.

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Bridge roles in the network

• The Cisco bridges can be configured to operate in different modes.

• The BR350, or multifunction bridge, has the same receiver sensitivity, power
levels, and capabilities, as the Cisco Aironet APs with .11b radio chips.

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Parent-Child Relationship: Root - Non-Root

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Bridge roles in the network

Root Access Point

• Root Access Point—Use this setting to set up the bridge as a rugged

access point connected to the wired LAN. When you select Access
Point, the bridge's Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) function is disabled.

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Bridge roles in the network

Root Bridge

• Root bridge—One bridge in each group of bridges must be set as the

root bridge. A root bridge can only communicate with non-root
bridges and other client devices and cannot associate with another
root bridge.
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Bridge roles in the network

Non-Root Bridge with

Clients

• Non-Root Bridge w/Clients—Use this setting for non-root bridges that

will accept associations from client devices, and for bridges acting as
repeaters. Non-root bridges can communicate with other non-root
bridges, root bridges, and client devices.
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Bridge roles in the network

Non-Root Bridge
without Clients

• Non-Root Bridge w/o Clients—Use this setting for non-root bridges

that should not accept associations from client devices. A bridge set to
Non-Root Bridge w/o Clients will only communicate with a root or non-
root bridge.
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Bridge roles in the network

Repeater Access Point

• Repeater Access Point—Use this setting to set up the bridge as a

rugged repeater access point. A repeater access point is not connected
to the wired LAN; it is placed within radio range of an access point
connected to the wired LAN to extend the range of your infrastructure
or to overcome an obstacle that blocks radio communication. When you
select Repeater Access Point, the bridge's STP function is disabled.
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Power Options

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Distances Limited by
802.11 Specification

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BR350—Front Cover LED’s

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802.11b Bridge

Data Max. Distance Optional Standard Cable

Bridge Model Rate Antenna (6.7 dB/100 ft. loss)
Miles Km (6.7 dB/30.5 m)

11 Mbps 20.5 33.0 21 dBi Dish 50 ft (15.2m)/side

11 Mbps 32.7 52.5 21 dBi Dish 20 ft (6.1m)/side

BR350 5.5 Mbps 32.6 52.4 21 dBi Dish 50 ft (15.2m)/side

2 Mbps 41.0 66.0 21 dBi Dish 50 ft (15.2m)/side

1 Mbps 51.7 83.2 21 dBi Dish 50 ft (15.2m)/side

Note: Distances over 25 miles or 40 Km are very hard to align and install!

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802.11b Common Questions

Cisco Aironet Bridge How Fast?

Max data rate 11 Mbps 2 Mbps

Typical throughput 5.5 Mbps 1.4 Mbps

How Far?
Yagi antenna 3.6 Miles 7.3 miles
5.8 Km 11.7 Km
Dish antenna 20.5 Miles 25+ miles
33 Km 40+ Km
Note: All distances may be limited by governing bodies and standards.

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Optional 2.4GHz Antennas for Long Range

• 13.5 dBi Yagi • 21 dBi Solid Dish

Distances over For distances up to
7.3 miles @ 2 Mbps 25+ miles @ 2 Mbps
11.7 Km @ 2 Mbps 40+ Km @ 2 Mbps
3.6 miles @ 11 Mbps 20.5 miles @ 11 Mbps
5.8 Km @ 11 Mbps 33 Km @ 11 Mbps

Note: Distances include 50 feet of low loss cable and 10 dB fade margin
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 802.11b Bridge Application: School District

Richardson Weaver-
Roberts
Elementary Special
Middle School
Yagi Education
Dish
Dish

High School 2
UNIVERSITY

Bode
Elementary Bridges
Yagi One 12 dBi omni Lincoln
One Dish Administration Elementary
2 Bridges Yagi
Channel #1 One 12 dBi omni
Channel #6 One Yagi
Bolich
Channel #11 Price
Dewitt Elementary Middle
Elementary School
Yagi
Yagi Yagi
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Lightning

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Lightning Arrestor

To Antenna

• Designed to protect LAN

devices from static
electricity and lightning Lug
surges that travel on coax
transmission lines Lockwasher
• RP-TNC connectors used Nut Ground Wire
on all Cisco Antennas

From RF Device

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Direct Strike Protection

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Coax Connection Sealing

• Number one problems with

bridges - water in the
connectors
• Proper sealing
is important
• Coax Seal is one product
that is inexpensive and
works great

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 Path Loss Considerations

The following are needed to

determine coverage ·
Antenna Gain
· Transmitter Power
· Receiver Performance
· Cable Losses
· Environmental Structures

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 Calculations of Coverage Performance

Coax Length
100 ft (30.5 m)?
Towers needed to
clear trees and
other buildings

Coax Length
150 ft (45.7)?

Wants 11 Mbps data rate

Distance = 13 miles (20.9 Km)

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LED indicators

• When the bridge is powering on, all three LEDs normally blink.
• After bootup, the colors of the LEDs represent the following:
– Green LEDs indicate normal activity.
– Amber LEDs indicate errors or warnings.
– Red LEDs mean the unit is not operating correctly or is being
upgraded.

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Connecting to the Bridge

• There are 3 basic GUI interfaces depending on the bridge image:

– IOS 1400
– VxWorks BR350
– SOS WGB350
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1400 with IOS GUI

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BR350 with VxWorks GUI

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WGB350 with SOS GUI ad SOS Menu

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Resetting the Bridge

• Resetting the Cisco bridges depends on the model.

• The BR350, can be reset via the console, telnet, or browser
connection.
– If the password is unknown, then the console reset method is
required.
– The console port on the BR350.
– The :resetall command can be used after rebooting the bridge,
however the command must be entered within 2 minutes of
rebooting.
• The 350 Series Workgroup Bridge or the 1400 series bridge can be
reset to default values via the Reset button, telnet, or browser
connection.
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Default Settings for BR350 and 1400

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Default Settings for WGB 350

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 Basic Configuration

Will will not use or discuss all of the configuration

options and features.
BR350 Home Page (Summary Status)

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 BR350 Map Link

• The Map link opens the Map window, which contains links to every
management page.
• The Map window can be used to jump quickly to any system management
page, or to a map of the entire wireless network
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BR350 Network Link

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BR350 Associations Link

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BR350 Setup Link

• The Setup link displays the Setup page, which contains links to the
management pages with configuration settings.

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BR350 Logs Link

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BR350 - Basic Configuration

• Connect just like an AP, suggest wired GUI.

• Remember to set the IP address on your Ethernet NIC.
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Root Bridge and Non-Root Bridges

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Non-Root Bridge without Clients
Repeater Bridge

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Bridge as Root Access Point

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Bridge as Repeater Access Point

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 Root Radio Identification configuration

• The current IP subnet mask displayed under the setting shows the IP subnet
mask currently assigned to the bridge. This is the same subnet mask as the
default subnet mask unless DHCP or BOOTP is enabled. If DHCP or BOOTP
is enabled, this is the subnet mask used by the DHCP or BOOTP server.
• You can also enter this setting on the Express Setup page.
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Root Radio Identification Page

• Primary Port Settings: Two options allow for the designation of the
radio port as the primary port on the bridge:
• Primary Port? The primary port determines the MAC and IP
addresses of the bridge.
– The default primary port of the bridge is the Ethernet port.
– The Ethernet port is connected to the wired LAN, so this setting is
usually set to no.
– Select no to set the Ethernet port as the primary port.
– Select yes to set the radio port as the primary port.
• Adopt Primary Port Identity?
– Select yes, to adopt the primary port MAC and IP addresses for the
radio port.
– Select no to use different MAC and IP addresses for the radio port.
Bridges acting as root units adopt the primary port settings for the
radio port.
• When putting a bridge in standby mode, select no for this
setting.
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 Root Radio Hardware configuration

• Similar to an AP.
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Root Radio Hardware configuration

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 Ethernet Identification configuration

• Addressing is similar to Root Radio options

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Ethernet Hardware configuration

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Ethernet Hardware configuration

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Configuring time services

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Configuring boot services

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Configuring name services

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Configuring routing services

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 Configuring routing services

• Manage Installation Keys is used to read specifications of the software license

and to install a new license.
• Manage System Configuration is used to restart the device, download a
configuration file, or reset settings to factory defaults.
• Distribute Configuration to other Cisco Devices is used to send the
configuration of the device to other Cisco Aironet devices on the network.
• Distribute Firmware to other Cisco Devices is used to send a new firmware
version to other Cisco Aironet devices on the network.
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CDP

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Distribute Firmware to Other Cisco Devices

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Hot Standby Management

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1400 Series Bridge

801.11a wireless bridge

Overview

• The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge is a high-performance

801.11a wireless bridge designed to connect multiple LANs in a
metropolitan area.
• Designed to be a cost-effective alternative to leased lines, it is
engineered specifically for harsh outdoor environments . The features
of the 1400 include:
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Overview

• Support for both point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configurations

• Support data rates up to 54 Mbps
• Enhanced security mechanisms based on 802.11i standards
• Rugged enclosure optimized for harsh outdoor environments with
extended operating temperature range
• Integrated or optional external antennas for flexibility in deployment
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Overview

• Data rates of 54 Mbps can be enabled for point-to-point links up to 7.5

miles, and for point-to-multipoint links up to 2 miles.
• Aggregate throughput can be obtained in excess of 28 Mbps.
• Also, by using higher gain antennas or lower data rates, ranges in
excess of 20 miles point-to-point can be covered.
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Models and options

• There are two options for ordering the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series
Wireless Bridge:
– Cisco Aironet 1410 Wireless Bridge with 22.5 dBi Antenna, FCC
Config
– Cisco Aironet 1410 Wireless Bridge with N-Type Connector, FCC
Config
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Models and options

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Components and accessories

Cisco Aironet Power Injector

Mounting Kit

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IOS features

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802.11a Bridge

Bridge Model Data Max. Distance Optional

Rate Antenna
Miles Km
54 Mbps 12 xx.0 28 dBi Dish

1400 9 Mbps 23 xx 28 dBi Dish

54 Mbps 7.5 xx 22 dBi Int.

16 Mbps 9 xx 22 dBi Int.

Note: Distances over 25 miles or 40 Km are very hard to align and install!

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Optional 5GHz Antennas for Long Range

• 9.5 dBi sector (H or V

polarization) • Network configurations
–Point to point
–Point to multi-point
• Roof, pole, and wall mounting
options
• 5.8 GHz Unlicensed Band
Operation
–Rapid deployment and
• 9 dBi omni (Vertical re-commissioning
polarization) • Operating temp range: -30 to
+55 oC
• Humidity: 0 to 100%

• 28 dBi dish (H or V
polarization)

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Bridge Range Calculation Utility

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Bridge Distance Calculations (cont.)

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Bridge Distance Calculations (cont.)

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 Ch. 6 - Bridges

Cisco Fundamentals of Wireless LANs version 1.1

Rick Graziani
Cabrillo College