Introduction
How to configure the Cisco Access Point (AP) as a Workgroup Bridge
Resolution
As a Workgroup Bridge, a device associates to an Access Point (AP) or bridge as a client. The Workgroup Bridge provides a wireless LAN connection for devices connected to its Ethernet port.
You can configure 1100 series access points as workgroup bridges. In workgroup bridge mode, the unit associates to another access point as a client and provides a network connection for the devices connected to its Ethernet port. For example, if you need to provide wireless connectivity for a group of network printers, you can connect the printers to a hub, connect the hub to the access point Ethernet port, and configure the access point as a workgroup bridge. The workgroup bridge associates to an access point on your network.
Caution
An access point in workgroup bridge mode can introduce a bridge loop if you connect its Ethernet port to your wired LAN. To avoid a bridge loop on your network, disconnect the workgroup bridge from your wired LAN before or soon after you configure it as a workgroup bridge.
Note
An access point in workgroup bridge mode can associate only to a Cisco Aironet access point or bridge. Figure shows an access point in workgroup bridge mode.
Access Point in Workgroup Bridge Mode
For more information on workgroup bridges, refer to the Understanding Workgroup Bridge Mode section of Configuring Repeater and Standby Access Points and Workgroup Bridge Mode.
For more information on the Workgroup Bridge configuration, refer to Access Point as a Workgroup Bridge Configuration Example.
The AP to which a Workgroup Bridge associates can treat the Workgroup Bridge as an infrastructure device or as a simple client device. By default, APs and bridges treat Workgroup Bridges as client devices.
For more information, refer to the Treating Workgroup Bridges as Infrastructure Devices or as Client Devices section of Configuring Repeater and Standby Access Points and Workgroup Bridge Mode.
For more information on how to configure the AP as Workgroup Bridge, refer to the ConfiguringWorkgroup Bridge Mode section of Configuring Repeater and Standby Access Points and Workgroup Bridge Mode.
For more information on how to configure the AP or bridge as a Workgroup Bridge, refer to the Configuring the Access Point/Bridge as a Workgroup Bridge section of Special Configurations. For other special configurations on the AP, refer to the appropriate section of Special Configurations.
An AP in Workgroup Bridge mode can introduce a bridge loop if you connect its Ethernet port to your wired LAN. To avoid a bridge loop on the network, disconnect the Workgroup Bridge from the wired LAN before or soon after it is configured as a Workgroup Bridge.
Note: An AP in Workgroup Bridge mode can associate only to an AP or a bridge. Workgroup Bridge mode is available only on 1100 and 1200 series APs. On the 1130 AP, Workgroup Bridge mode is available with Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(7)JA. It is not available on the 350 series APs.
Problem Type
Configure / Configuration issues
Products
Workgroup bridges
Access point