Westward Sales Blog

WiFi networks make up integral communication infrastructure for countless businesses in many
industries. As organizations grow, WiFi must expand to accommodate more users and clients. When
designing and maintaining networks, several choices may be deployed. A common choice pits a WiFi
bridge against a WiFi repeater.

Which is right for any given scenario?

The answer is found in understanding the technical differences between the two. While many WiFi
networking devices offer both functions, which is best for forward-thinking and efficiently solving
networking challenges? 

It starts with a concise breakdown of each type of technology.

What Is a WiFi Bridge?

A WiFi bridge is a device designed to connect two different network segments. It operates in the data
link layer of the OSI model.  Functionally, bridges operate via point-to-point connections between
different networks or network segments. They block or forward data using the MAC addresses of
connected devices.

Bridges utilize different configurations, which include the following:

• Client mode: The bridge connects a wired device and a wireless network using NAT forwarding rules.
• Client bridge mode: The bridge connects two separate access points wirelessly. The bridge effectively works like a cable between the two WiFi networking devices.
• Wireless distribution system (WDS): WDS functions like a client bridge but can be manually configured at the access points to increase security and functionality.

Modern bridges offer several advanced features that enhance freedom in network designs. For example,
the ARY-7235-AC-PD allows for easy bridging between network segments, allowing for rapid expansions in outdoor spaces.

What Is a WiFi Repeater? 

A WiFi repeater specializes in extending network ranges. Operating in the physical layer of the OSI
model, this device receives data from a wireless transmitter and rebroadcasts it one for one.

Repeaters sit near the end of the transmission range of a router or access point and extend the overall
broadcast distance of the wireless network. Multiple repeaters daisy chain to each other for dramatic
improvement in WiFi coverage.

Of important note, repeaters utilize half-duplex signaling. They only transmit data in a single direction at
a time. As a result, each time a network is extended with another repeater in a daisy chain, the risk of
packet loss and packet queuing increases, slowing transmissions and degrading network performance.

Repeaters come in many designs, allowing network administrators to choose specifications that provide
the range they need without overpaying for unnecessary technology. One example of a WiFi repeater is
the ARS-7235-PD-AC. It uses dual radios to expand the range of 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi signals.

How the Differences Impact Network Design

Repeaters and bridges offer options to augment the effective ranges of WiFi networks. There are
differences in how they accomplish these goals, which impact network design. In most cases, this boils
down to creating new segments versus extending the range of existing segments.

Bridging Network Segments

Often, expanding network range pairs with increasing capacity and adding new functions. In such cases,
creating a new network segment often makes sense. For example, a hospital might add a new specialist
to its roster (say, a new dermatologist). The dermatologist’s office could be covered by increasing
existing networks, but it probably operates better to create a dedicated network segment

A new segment strengthens security, as a breach in another segment won’t put a dermatology patient’s
data at risk. Similarly, network performance issues in older parts of the hospital won’t always directly
impact the new segment. Yet, the dermatology office needs to be able to communicate with the rest of
the hospital — necessitating its design as a segment rather than a fully isolated, individual network.

In this instance, bridges allow the new segment to connect with the rest of the hospital, enjoying the
benefits discussed. The hospital effectively broadens the total physical range of its WiFi coverage in a
way that provides the best performance and security for the situation at hand.

Extending Single Networks

In more straightforward cases, repeaters provide an excellent solution for boosting wireless distance.
Instead of a hospital setting, consider a large office. Network segmentation might not be necessary in
this case, as only one provider operates in the space. 

Instead, a repeater helps extend the range of this individual network to fill coverage gaps within the
office building or warehouse. This solution provides better WiFi access without creating unnecessary
design complications.

WiFi repeaters are particularly helpful in settings that block WiFi signals or involve significant
interference. They effectively enhance network performance by rebroadcasting around thick walls or
other sources of signal degradation.

WiFi Bridge vs WiFi Repeater in Practice

These examples highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each type of WiFi networking device, but in
practice, WiFi bridges and repeaters do not compete. Instead, they can work together to create the best
possible WiFi coverage over an area.

When adding a network segment is logical, connect it with a WiFi bridge. When one simply needs more
range from a single segment, use a WiFi repeater. It can be that straightforward.

Can a WiFi Bridge Function as a WiFi Repeater?

At the fundamental level, a WiFi bridge is not a repeater. It operates on different principles, exemplified
by the fact that it resides on a different OSI networking layer. Nevertheless, multi-role WiFi networking
devices are common, and many provide software selectable access point, bridge, and repeater
functions. 

While a single device can fulfill any of its multiple roles, it cannot do so simultaneously. For any all-in-
one WiFi networking devices, modes can be switched as needed. The ARX-7235-AC-PD-T is a good
example. This single radio serves as a WiFi access point, client, bridge, or repeater with features that
allow it to switch from one role to another quickly and easily. Many industrial-grade WiFi bridge and
repeater functions are embedded in flexible, full-featured access points.

Expanding Networks with Westward Sales

Whether you need to improve the range with a WiFi repeater or connect segments with a WiFi bridge,
Westward Sales is here to help. Speak with one of our experts to rapidly explore your options. We’ll help
you find efficient, cost-effective solutions that improve your networks.