Introduction
Differences between a Cisco Aironet Access Point and a Cisco Aironet Wireless Bridge
Core Issue
Need assistance figuring out the difference between the Cisco Aironet Access Point (AP) and a Cisco Aironet Wireless Bridge.
Resolution
Ethernet bridges connect wired LANs, connecting one LAN segment to another LAN segment, in the same building or even across town.
Access Points do not connect wired segments; they allow wireless clients access to wired LANs. Note that the 350 Series Bridges can be modified to serve as access points.
Follow these steps to set up the bridge as a rugged access point:
Step 1 
Use the Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet Multifunction Bridges and the information in this manual to set up a bridge as a root unit on the wired LAN.
Step 2 On the Express Setup page in the bridge's management system, select Root Access Point from the Role in radio network pull-down menu.
Step 3 Also on the Express Setup page, enter an SSID that client devices can use to associate to the rugged access point. You might want to use the same SSID used by other access points on the same LAN segment as the rugged access point.
Step 4 Use the Security Setup page to enter and enable a WEP key that client devices can use to associate to the rugged access point. As with the SSID, you might want to use the same security settings used by other access points on the same LAN segment.
Step 5 Use an antenna, such as an omni-directional antenna or a patch antenna, that covers the area containing the client devices that will associate with the rugged access point.
Problem Type
Technical product specification / features
Products
Access point
Bridge