AP Client

This mode sets the AP/Bridge so that it will work with a normal Access Point, Wireless router, or AP/Bridge set to normal Access Point mode. The unit that is set to AP Client mode will connect to the AP using the normal AP Infrastructure mode, instead of a special bridge mode. Figure 3 shows a setup using this mode, which at first glance may look exactly like Figure 1!

Figure 3: Bridge using AP Client

If you look closely, however, you'll see that in this mode, the top (local) "bridge" device is just a normal Access Point, which also supports wireless clients. The bottom (remote) end uses an AP/Bridge set to AP Client mode, which can't support wireless clients.

Tip: Implementations of "AP Client" mode tend to be vendor specific and not guaranteed to work when you mix equipment from different vendors. If you plan to use "AP Client" mode to build your bridge, I recommend you use two of the same device.

If you've followed us so far, hang on, because things are going to get a little more confusing as we next take a look at the newest class of device.