In the field of IIoT, wireless bridge, as a key wireless transmission device, plays an important role in connecting different network nodes and extending the wireless coverage. Whether you are a newcomer to the industry or a professional who wants to optimize your existing network layout, it is crucial to understand the selection guide for wireless bridges. This article will use easy-to-understand language to take you deeper into the wireless bridge and provide practical selection recommendations.

1. Basic concept of wireless bridge

A wireless bridge is a wireless network device used to connect two or more wired or wireless networks to enable wireless transmission of data. It can establish wireless connections between different buildings, floors or rooms, thereby extending network coverage and improving network flexibility and scalability.

2. Operating Principle and Types of Wireless Network Bridges

Wireless bridges transmit data between different network nodes through wireless signals, usually operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands and supporting multiple wireless standards, such as 802.11b/g/n/ac. According to different application scenarios, wireless bridges are mainly divided into the following types:

Point-to-point wireless bridge: used to connect two fixed network nodes, such as the network connection between two buildings. It usually has a high-gain antenna, which can achieve wireless transmission over a long distance.
Point-to-multipoint wireless bridge: used to connect a central node and multiple remote nodes, such as the network connection between an office building and multiple branch offices.
Wireless relay bridge: used to extend the coverage of wireless networks by relaying wireless signals to extend the coverage of wireless networks to farther places.

3. Selection factors of wireless bridge

When choosing a wireless bridge, you need to consider the following key factors:

Operating frequency:

2.4GHz:
It has good compatibility and diffraction ability, but poor anti-interference performance.
5.8GHz:

stronger anti-interference ability, longer transmission distance, but poor diffraction ability.

Transmission rate: 

Select the appropriate transmission rate according to actual needs, such as 150Mbps, 300Mbps, 450Mbps, etc. High transmission rate can meet the needs of high-definition video transmission or large data transmission.

Antenna: 

The antenna is an important accessory of the wireless bridge, used to send and receive wireless signals. The larger the gain of the antenna, the better the performance of the wireless bridge.

Power supply mode: 

Wireless bridges that support PoE power supply are more suitable for outdoor use, eliminating the need for additional power wiring, reducing wiring costs and construction difficulty.

Security: 

Ensure that the wireless bridge supports advanced encryption protocols such as WPA2 or WPA3 to protect the security of the wireless network and prevent data leakage.
Waterproof and heat resistance: For outdoor wireless bridges, waterproof, dustproof, heat resistance and anti-condensation performance are crucial to ensure stable operation of the equipment.

Stability: 

The stability of the wireless bridge directly affects the reliability and performance of the network. Choose a wireless bridge with high-quality hardware such as chips, motherboards, and memory to ensure long-term stable operation.

Transmission distance: 

Choose the appropriate transmission distance according to actual needs. For scenarios where nodes need to be connected over long distances, a wireless bridge with a high-gain antenna should be selected to ensure stable signal transmission.

4. Application Scenarios of Wireless Bridge

Wireless bridges are widely used in industrial IoT applications, including but not limited to:

Industrial monitoring: 

Connecting monitoring cameras, sensors, and other devices to achieve remote monitoring and data transmission, improving the efficiency and safety of industrial production.

Office network connection: 

Connect wired and wireless networks on different floors or rooms to improve network flexibility and scalability.

Public place coverage: 

Provide stable wireless network coverage in public places such as shopping malls, airports, and stations to enhance user experience.

5. Selection Suggestions and Summary

When choosing a wireless bridge, it is recommended to follow the following steps:

Define your requirements: 

Define your network requirements, including coverage, transmission rate, security, and other requirements.

Market research: 

Understand the mainstream wireless bridge brands and models in the market, as well as their characteristics and advantages.

Performance test: 

Before purchasing, it is recommended to conduct a performance test as much as possible to verify whether the actual performance of the wireless bridge meets expectations.

After-sales service: 

Choose brands and suppliers with good after-sales service to ensure timely resolution of problems encountered during use.
Wireless bridges play an important role in industrial IoT. By understanding the basic concepts, working principles, selection factors, and application scenarios of wireless bridges, you can more easily find the solution that best suits you. We hope that this article can provide useful reference and help for your selection path.