What is a bridge, what do they do?
A wireless bridge is, in effect, a virtual cable used as a connectivity solution. It provides an internet link from point A to point B, at distances that could be from just a few metres to potentially kilometres long. Bridges use wireless radio signals, usually in the 5GHz to 60GHz range, to transmit data and achieve data transfer rates up to and exceeding 1 Gigabit per second. One of the bridges is the "Master" transmitting the data and the other is the "Slave", receiving the data.
How is a wireless bridge useful?Wireless bridges are useful pieces of equipment to anyone deploying a network that spans a large geographical area. They can be used to link skyscrapers together, agricultural buildings, industrial areas, CCTV camera, or provide connectivity to remote areas. However, they need a clear line of sight between the two mounted points.
What kind of performance does a wireless bridge give?
Typical wireless bridges that operate in the 5GHz band provide about ~300-500 megabits per second of throughput. This is already faster than the majority of residential homes that may only achieve 100 megabits per second on average throughout the UK.
What should you bear in mind if you are considering a wireless bridge?
The main issue to take into consideration when considering a wireless bridge as a solution to a connection, is line of sight. Wireless bridges, especially ones that operate at 60GHz, are very susceptible to losing connection if a physical object, especially one that is metal, comes in between both base stations, breaking line of sight and therefore blocking the signal.
What types of wireless bridges are there?
Wireless bridges come in multiple different types that operate in different bands of frequencies. These can operate in different bands of frequency, but most will operate at 5GHz or 60GHz.
The most straightforward type of wireless bridge is a Point-To-Point (PtP) bridge, whereby you have one base station at point A, and one at point B, both aimed at each other.
Another type of wireless bridge is a Point-To-Multipoint (PtMP) bridge, whereby you have a central base station that broadcasts a wide signal, and multiple receiver base stations that transmit a signal back.
How do I know which type of wireless bridge I need?
A site survey will identify what your specific needs are, whether or not you need multiple wireless connections or just one, what speed you require in that link, etc.
For example, if you need to link two buildings together, then you would want a PtP system. The next question is what sort of work are you doing in the remote site? Basic office work won’t usually require a gigabit link, as you’re not streaming high amounts of data, but if for example you’re doing video calls or other high-bandwidth activities then the speed requirement may go up to 500Mbps or more.
Do I need a licence from Ofcom for a wireless bridge?
Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator and they authorise and manage the use of the radio spectrum in the UK. They regulate keeping the airwaves clear of interference and unlicensed devices. This means that for using some radio bands, the end-user has to purchase a licence if their devices transmit within that frequency.
There's no need to worry if your bridge operates in the 2.4GHz frequency or 5GHz frequency bands, these bands are free to use and you won't need to buy a licence. However for outdoor point-to-point bridge solutions that use the 60GHz frequency band, you may have to purchase a licence from Ofcom.
For more details about licence fees, the application process and licence terms and conditions, please visit Ofcom's website here.
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