Wireless bridges and CPE (customer premises equipment) units link two networks, or connect a building to a distant access point, over a radio link instead of a cable. They suit farms, estates, schools, small businesses and homes that need to reach an outbuilding, a remote camera or a wireless internet provider's signal.
No products are listed in this category at the moment, so the guidance below covers what to check before you buy.
How to choose a wireless bridge or CPE
Link type. A point-to-point bridge uses two matched units to join two sites. A CPE is normally the receiving unit at the customer's end of a link to an access point or a provider's tower. Check that the unit supports the mode you need, such as access point, station or bridge.
Frequency band. Most outdoor units work in the 5 GHz band, which is less crowded than 2.4 GHz and carries more data. 2.4 GHz travels further through trees and walls but suffers more interference. Some short-range links use 60 GHz, which gives very high speeds but needs a clear, direct line of sight.
Distance and line of sight. Quoted ranges are measured in ideal conditions. Trees, buildings and hills reduce them, so allow a safety margin. A higher antenna gain narrows the beam and extends the reach, but it also makes alignment more critical.
Throughput. Real-world speed is well below the headline figure on the box, often by half or more. Work out the speed you need at the far end, for example for several IP cameras or a shared office connection, and choose a unit rated comfortably above it.
Power and weather protection. Most outdoor units are powered over Ethernet (PoE), so check which PoE standard or voltage the unit needs and whether an injector is included. Look for an IP rating such as IP65 or higher for units that will be mounted outside, and a Gigabit Ethernet port if the link is faster than 100 Mbps.
What to expect from the manufacturers
- Wireless ISP radio specialists: these makers focus on long-range outdoor units with sector, dish or integrated antennas, and they usually offer alignment tools in the web interface.
- Mainstream networking brands: their bridges and CPE units usually fit easily into an existing router and access point setup, with simple web or app management.
- Business and enterprise vendors: these tend to offer central management for many links, which matters if you run several sites.
No specific brands are listed for this category at the moment.
Frequently asked questions about wireless bridges and CPE
What is the difference between a wireless bridge and a CPE?
A wireless bridge connects two networks over a radio link, usually as a matched pair. A CPE is the unit at the user's end that receives a signal from an access point or a provider's base station. Many devices can work in either role, depending on their mode settings.
How far can a wireless bridge reach?
Reach depends on the band, the antenna and the terrain. Many 5 GHz outdoor units can cover several kilometres with a clear line of sight, while obstacles shorten that distance considerably. Always check the manufacturer's tested range and leave a margin.
Do I need line of sight?
For longer links, yes. Radio waves at 5 GHz and above are blocked or weakened by buildings, hills and dense foliage. For short links of a few tens of metres, a partial obstruction may be acceptable, especially on 2.4 GHz.
Can I use a wireless bridge instead of running a cable?
Yes, a wireless bridge is a practical alternative when trenching or cabling to another building is too costly or not possible. A cable is still more stable and faster for a short, simple run. A bridge makes sense for longer distances, across roads or open ground, or where cable routes are blocked.
