Overview

This chapter describes the Cisco Aironet 340 Series Workgroup Bridge, also referred to as a bridge, and covers the following topics:

Workgroup Bridges are small, stand-alone units that provide wireless infrastructure connections for Ethernet-enabled devices. A device connected to a bridge communicates with a network infrastructure through Cisco Aironet Access Points.

The bridge connects to a hub through a standard Ethernet port using a 10BaseT/RJ-45 (twisted pair) connector, and up to eight client devices can be connected to the hub. You can use an Internet browser or Telnet to configure the bridge.

The bridge communicates with Cisco Aironet Access Points, but does not communicate with wireless networking devices manufactured by other companies.

Note If you use the bridge to provide a wireless connection for only one device, you can connect the bridge directly to the device's Ethernet port using a crossover cable. See Appendix C for a pinout diagram of a crossover cable.

Back Panel and Indicator Lights

The bridge's back panel contains the configuration reset button, the Ethernet port, and the connection for the power adapter, as shown in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1: Back Panel of the Workgroup Bridge

The three indicator lights on top of the bridge report Ethernet activity, operational status, and radio activity. The indicators are labeled in Figure 1-2.

Figure 1-2: Indicator Lights on the Workgroup Bridge

The Ethernet indicator signals Ethernet traffic on the wired LAN. This indicator blinks green when a packet is received or transmitted over the Ethernet infrastructure. The indicator blinks red when the Ethernet cable is not connected.
The status indicator signals operational status. Blinking green indicates that the bridge is operating normally but is not communicating with an Access Point. Steady green indicates that the bridge is communicating with an Access Point.
The radio indicator blinks green to indicate radio traffic activity. The light is normally off, but it will blink green whenever a packet is received or transmitted over the bridge's radio.

Network Configuration Using the Bridge

The bridge provides wireless LAN connections for up to eight clients and communicates with a Cisco Aironet Access Point as shown in Figure 1-3.

Figure 1-3: Bridge in a Wireless LAN

Bridge Specifications

Table 1-1 lists specifications for the bridge.

Table 1-1: Bridge Specifications

Category Specification

Physical

Size

6.30 in. (16 cm) wide x 4.72 in. (12 cm) deep x 1.45 in. (3.7 cm) high

Status indicators

Three indicators on the top panel: radio traffic, Ethernet traffic, and status.

Connectors

On the back panel: A barrel power connector (plug-in AC adapter) for a regulated 5V input and an RJ-45 jack for Ethernet connections.

Power supply

Power pack. The power pack is either 120VAC/60Hz or 90-264VAC/47-63Hz, whichever is appropriate for country of use.

Operating temperature range

32^oF to 122^oF (0^oC to 50^oC)

Weight

Less than 1 lb (0.45 kg)

Radio

Power output

30 mW

Frequency

2.400 to 2.497 GHz (Depending on the regulatory domain in which the bridge is installed)

Range

Indoor:

75 ft at 11 Mbit/s; 200 ft at 1 Mbit/s

Outdoor:

300 ft at 11 Mbit/s; 1000 ft at 1 Mbit/s

Modulation

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

Data rates

1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbit/s

Antenna

Single captured 2 dBi gain antenna or a diversity system with two reverse-TNC connectors (antennas for this model are sold separately).

Compliance

Operates license-free under FCC Part 15 and complies as a Class B computing device. Complies with DOC regulations. Complies with ETS 300.328, FTZ 2100 and MPT 1349 standards (and others).

Category	Specification
Physical
Size	6.30 in. (16 cm) wide x 4.72 in. (12 cm) deep x 1.45 in. (3.7 cm) high
Status indicators	Three indicators on the top panel: radio traffic, Ethernet traffic, and status.
Connectors	On the back panel: A barrel power connector (plug-in AC adapter) for a regulated 5V input and an RJ-45 jack for Ethernet connections.
Power supply	Power pack. The power pack is either 120VAC/60Hz or 90-264VAC/47-63Hz, whichever is appropriate for country of use.
Operating temperature range	32^oF to 122^oF (0^oC to 50^oC)
Weight	Less than 1 lb (0.45 kg)
Radio
Power output	30 mW
Frequency	2.400 to 2.497 GHz (Depending on the regulatory domain in which the bridge is installed)
Range	Indoor: 75 ft at 11 Mbit/s; 200 ft at 1 Mbit/s Outdoor: 300 ft at 11 Mbit/s; 1000 ft at 1 Mbit/s
Modulation	Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
Data rates	1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbit/s
Antenna	Single captured 2 dBi gain antenna or a diversity system with two reverse-TNC connectors (antennas for this model are sold separately).
Compliance	Operates license-free under FCC Part 15 and complies as a Class B computing device. Complies with DOC regulations. Complies with ETS 300.328, FTZ 2100 and MPT 1349 standards (and others).

Table of Contents

Overview

Overview

Summary of Key Features

Back Panel and Indicator Lights

Network Configuration Using the Bridge

Bridge Specifications