Understanding Workgroup Bridge Mode - Allen-Bradley Stratix 5100 User Manual

Understanding Workgroup
Bridge Mode
Configuring Repeater and Standby Access Points and Workgroup Bridge Mode
You can configure the Stratix 5100 access point as workgroup bridges. In
workgroup bridge mode, the unit associates to another access point as a client and
provides a network connection for the devices connected to its Ethernet port.
For example, if you need to provide wireless connectivity for a group of network
printers, you can connect the printers to a hub or to a switch, connect the hub or
switch to the access point Ethernet port, and configure the access point as a
workgroup bridge. The workgroup bridge associates to an access point on your
network.
If your access point has two radios, either the 2.4 GHz radio or the 5 GHz radio
can function in workgroup bridge mode. When you configure one radio interface
as a workgroup bridge, the other radio interface remains up.
An access point in workgroup bridge mode can introduce a bridge loop if you
IMPORTANT
connect its Ethernet port to your wired LAN. To avoid a bridge loop on your
network, disconnect the workgroup bridge from your wired LAN before or soon
after you configure it as a workgroup bridge.
If multiple BSSIDs are configured on a root access point that is designated as the
parent of a workgroup bridge, the parent MAC address can change if a BSSID on
the parent is added or deleted. If you use multiple BSSIDs on your wireless LAN
and a workgroup bridge on your wireless LAN is configured to associate to a
specific parent, check the association status of the workgroup bridge when you
add or delete BSSIDs on the parent access point. If necessary, reconfigure the
workgroup bridge to use the BSSID's new MAC address.
Although it functions as a bridge, an access point in workgroup bridge mode has
a limited radio range. Workgroup bridges don't support the distance setting, that
enables you to configure wireless bridges to communicate across several
kilometers.
Rockwell Automation Publication 1783-UM006A-EN-P - May 2014
Chapter 20
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