How to Build a Wireless Ethernet Bridge

You use wireless routers to build a wireless ethernet bridge.

A wireless ethernet bridge connects two networks together. The bridge is built by configuring two wireless routers to function in bridge mode, which means that they will only communicate wirelessly with each other. A wired device on one of the routers can use the wireless bridge to communicate to a wired device on the other router.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Wireless Routers
• 1 Ethernet Cable
• Computer

Instructions

1. Connect the ethernet cable from the computer to one of the four open LAN ports on the back of one of the routers.

2. Open a web browser in the computer and type in the address for the router interface. The address is printed in the router's user guide or is sometimes printed on the router itself. The format for the address is often 192.168.X.X. If a window pops up asking for login information, most routers have a default user name of "admin" and a default password of "password." Refer to the user guide for specific login information.

3. Write down the LAN/WAN Mac Address. Depending on the router, this information may be in different locations, such "Status" or "Basic Settings." Refer to the user guide or browse through the different tabs to find the LAN/WAN Mac address.

4. Click on the wireless bridge menu in the router interface. Again, this may be in different locations with different routers. Some routers may have a wireless bridge tab, while others may have it under "Wireless" or "Advanced" settings. Refer to the user guide or browse the menus to locate the wireless bridging menu.

5. Check the box that enables wireless bridging.

6. Click on the box that specifies which access points can connect to the network. This setting limits what devices can connect to the router while it is in bridging mode. Enter the LAN/WAN MAC address you recorded earlier to limit the access point to devices using that LAN/WAN MAC address.

7. Save the settings and exit the router interface.

8. Unplug the ethernet cable from the first router and connect it to an open LAN port on the second router.

9. Repeat the steps above to configure the second router. After configuration, the wireless ethernet bridge should be complete.

References

• Setting up a wireless bridge