Access Point Role; Bridge Role - Cisco C3201FESMIC-TP= - 3201 Fast EN Switch Mobile Interface Card Expansion Module Software Configuration Manual

Understanding Wireless Device Network Roles

Access Point Role

Access point is the most common role, as it is typically deployed as a LAN device. In the access point
role the router accepts associations from wireless clients and non-root devices, such as a non-root bridge.
If the access point provides its clients a connection to a wired network through a wired connection it is
said to be a root access point. A device in root mode accepts associations with non-root devices, such as
a non-root bridge.
Figure 1
networks.
Figure 1

Bridge Role

Wireless bridges provide higher data rates and superior throughput for data-intensive and line of sight
applications. High-speed links between the wireless bridges deliver throughput that is many times faster
than the E1/T1 lines for a fraction of the cost. In this way, wireless bridges eliminate the need for
expensive leased lines and fiber-optic cables.
The wireless bridge can link LANs either through the wired interface or through the wireless interface.
Wireless bridges can be configured for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications.
Roles and the Associations of Wireless Devices
2
shows a typical scenario where an access point connects wireless clients to wireless and wired
Root Access Point Mode
Access point
Access point
Roles and the Associations of Wireless Devices