Usage of Wireless Bridge and Its Difference from WiFi

In the vast field of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the wireless bridge serves as a crucial wireless connection device, bridging the gap between wired and wireless networks. However, for practitioners in traditional industries, the wireless bridge may still be a relatively unfamiliar concept. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the usage of wireless bridges and delve into the question of whether they can be used as WiFi.

I. Usage of Wireless Bridge

A wireless bridge, as its name suggests, is a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its primary function is to convert signals from a wired network into wireless signals and transmit them into a wireless network, achieving seamless connectivity between wired and wireless networks. Here are the basic steps to use a wireless bridge:

1. Hardware Connection: First, connect the wireless bridge to a power source and use an Ethernet cable to connect it to a switch or router on the wired network. Ensure that the antenna or wireless interface of the wireless bridge is in normal working condition.
2. Configure Network Parameters: Access the management interface of the wireless bridge through a wired or wireless connection. Configure the network parameters of the wireless bridge, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, etc. Simultaneously, set the wireless parameters of the wireless bridge, such as SSID (network name), encryption method, password, etc.
3. Signal Testing and Optimization: After configuration, perform a signal test to ensure that the wireless bridge can normally transmit and receive wireless signals. Based on the test results, optimize the parameters of the wireless bridge to improve the stability and reliability of signal transmission.
4. Device Connection and Testing: Finally, search and connect the devices (such as computers, mobile phones, etc.) that need to be connected to the wireless network to the wireless signal emitted by the wireless bridge. Perform a network connectivity test to ensure that the devices can normally access network resources.

II. Difference between Wireless Bridge and WiFi

Although wireless bridges and WiFi both involve the transmission and reception of wireless signals, they differ significantly in functionality and application scenarios.

1. Functional Positioning: Wireless bridges are primarily used to connect wired and wireless networks, enabling interconnection between wired and wireless networks. WiFi, on the other hand, is a wireless local area network technology primarily used to provide wireless access services within a local area network, allowing users to access network resources wirelessly.
2. Application Scenarios: Wireless bridges are widely used in industrial IoT, smart cities, security monitoring, and other fields for remote data transmission and monitoring. WiFi is more commonly used in homes, offices, and other places to provide convenient wireless access services.
3. Performance Requirements: Due to different application scenarios, wireless bridges and WiFi have different performance requirements. Wireless bridges require high stability and reliability, supporting long-term, large-volume data transmission. WiFi focuses more on user experience and portability, supporting multiple devices accessing and rapid transmission simultaneously.

While wireless bridges and WiFi both involve the transmission and reception of wireless signals, they differ significantly in functional positioning, application scenarios, and performance requirements. Therefore, wireless bridges cannot simply be used as WiFi. In practical applications, we need to select appropriate equipment and technical solutions based on specific needs and scenarios.