Bridge mode connects computers through wireless access points (WAPs) to create a network. There are two types of modes: point-to-point and point-to-multipoint. Bandwidth is high, but internet applications may run slower. Security may be an issue in point-to-multipoint mode.
Bridge mode is when two or more computers open up to each other, start talking and sharing files, and create a network. To enter bridge mode, wireless access points (WAPs) must be able to communicate with WAPs from other computers. There are two types of modes: point-to-point and point-to-multipoint; the former allows one computer to talk to another, while the latter allows one computer to talk to many. Once connected, your computer may still be able to support wireless clients from outside the network, some may not be able to support clients, and some will only accept a bridge from WAPs made by the same manufacturer. In bridging mode, bandwidth is high, so computers tend to run slower.
In wireless networks, bridging is a process by which two or more computers are able to start communicating because their WAPs are connecting. When the network is created, this allows computers to share documents and files directly and intimately connects the computers in a wireless network. Most users will purchase programs to make this connection, as the task of manually creating a bridge is difficult.
When computers are set up in bridge mode, two different versions are available. The smallest network uses point-to-point connections, which means that one computer connects to another computer, forming a network of two computers. In point-to-multipoint, one computer can network with many other computers, usually without limitation in number, allowing access to more computers and files. Point-to-multipoint may be less secure, because it connects to many computers and increases the chances of an attack, but security is usually not an issue, especially if the user knows other computer users.
If someone nearby is trying to use the wireless internet, they can usually connect to a computer or router to get a signal. When bridge mode is used, some bridges may still allow the person to receive a signal, while others will block any external computers from using the wireless signal. Other bridge modes will only allow connection to WAPs from the same manufacturer.
A disadvantage of using bridge mode is that bandwidth costs are high. The computers share the bandwidth of the bridge device, and because it is constantly linking the computers, it uses a lot of bandwidth. This means that Internet applications can run very slowly during a bridging session and the effects will likely depend on how many computers are connected and what each computer is doing.
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