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Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide for Cisco Aironet Access Points
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Chapter1 Overview
Network Configuration Examples
Figure1-4 Access Points as Root and Non-root Bridges with Clients
When wirless bridges are used in a point-to-multipoint configuration the throughput is reduced
depending on the number of non-root bridges that associate with the root bridge. The maximum
throughput is about 25 Mbps in a point to point link. The addition of three bridges to form a
point-to-multipoint network reduces the throughput to about 12.5 Mbps.
Workgroup Bridge
You can configure access points 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 multiple radios, either radio can function in workgroup bridge mode. When you
configure one radio interface as a workgroup bridge, the other radio interface is automatically disabled.
Figure 1-5 shows an access point configured as a workgroup bridge. Consult the “Understanding
Workgroup Bridge Mode” section on page19-13 and the “Configuring Workgroup Bridge Mode”
section on page 19-16 for information on configuring your access point as a workgroup bridge.
Figure1-5 Access Point as a Workgroup Bridge
Root bridge Non-root bridge
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Access point Workgroup bridge
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