Non CAPsMAN Wireless Modes

What this chapter covers

This chapter covers ways to extend and link wireless networks without CAPsMAN.

Not every network has a central manager. Sometimes you need to carry a signal to a far corner, join two buildings or bridge two LANs, using the modes built into each device.

The chapter has two topics. One is about repeaters and extenders on the usual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The other is about the 60 GHz Wireless Wire products that create fast point to point bridges.

How the topics fit together

Both topics answer the same question: how do I connect a place that has no cable?

A repeater or WDS link suits a coverage gap inside a site, where a wired access point is not possible. A 60 GHz Wireless Wire pair suits a fast link between two fixed points with a clear line of sight.

• Repeaters and extenders compares wired extenders, repeaters, WDS and the station modes, and explains why a plain client cannot be bridged.
• 60 GHz Wireless Wire bridging explains the bridge and station-bridge modes, alignment and the effect of weather.

How to use these pages

Each topic page has the same shape, so you can skim for what you need.

• What it is: the idea in plain words.
• How it works: the mechanism, with diagrams and example commands.
• What to remember for the exam: the facts to memorise.
• Common mistakes: the classic traps.
• Check yourself: three questions to test your understanding.

Read the repeater page first, because it introduces the station modes and the idea of bridging at layer 2. The 60 GHz page then builds on it with a purpose built product.

Compare the two pages as you go. Write down for each method its speed, its range and its main limit, and check that your list matches the tables on the pages.