MikroTik Wireless Bridges Explained

Key Concepts

Understanding MikroTik Wireless Bridges involves grasping several key concepts:

• Wireless Bridge Mode
• Point-to-Point (PTP) Bridge
• Point-to-Multipoint (PTMP) Bridge
• Channel Utilization in Bridge Mode

Wireless Bridge Mode

Wireless Bridge Mode allows MikroTik devices to connect two or more wired networks wirelessly. This mode is particularly useful in scenarios where running physical cables is impractical or costly. By using wireless bridges, you can extend the reach of a wired network seamlessly.

Example: Imagine a river separating two villages. Instead of building a costly bridge, villagers use boats (wireless bridges) to transport goods and people between the villages, maintaining connectivity without the need for a physical structure.

Point-to-Point (PTP) Bridge

A Point-to-Point (PTP) Bridge is a configuration where two MikroTik devices are set up to communicate directly with each other over a wireless link. This setup is ideal for connecting two distant locations, such as buildings or campuses, that need high-speed, reliable connectivity.

Example: Think of PTP as a direct telephone line between two people. The conversation (data transfer) is clear and uninterrupted, as there are no intermediaries, ensuring a strong and reliable connection.

Point-to-Multipoint (PTMP) Bridge

A Point-to-Multipoint (PTMP) Bridge involves one central MikroTik device (root bridge) communicating with multiple remote devices (leaf bridges). This configuration is useful for providing wireless connectivity to multiple locations from a single central point, such as a main office connecting to several branch offices.

Example: Consider PTMP as a star network where a central satellite (root bridge) communicates with multiple ground stations (leaf bridges). Each station receives signals from the satellite, ensuring connectivity across a wide area.

Channel Utilization in Bridge Mode

Channel utilization in bridge mode refers to the efficient use of wireless channels to avoid interference and maximize performance. MikroTik's advanced channel management tools allow administrators to monitor and adjust channel usage dynamically, ensuring optimal performance in bridge mode.

Example: Think of channel utilization as managing lanes on a highway. By carefully monitoring and adjusting the flow of traffic (data) in each lane (channel), congestion (interference) is minimized, and overall traffic flow (network performance) is improved.