Client Bridge Mode

Surprisingly, client bridge mode connects non-wireless networking devices to a wired network wirelessly, acting like an external wireless adapter. A wireless client bridge connects two wired networks through a Wi-Fi connection.

In addition, while wireless clients can typically receive one IP address at a time from a DHCP server, the wireless bridge acting as a client can receive multiple IPv4 addresses from the devices connected to it. You can deploy a bridge anywhere a WLAN signal is available – saving the cost of installing Ethernet cables for wired access.

WDS Bridge Mode

In wireless distribution system (WDS) mode, your Wi-Fi coverage expands to a larger area without having to run wires to each of your access points. It allows a wireless network to expand using multiple wireless bridges without the need for a wire to link them as is traditionally required.

Two or more WDS bridges provide a wireless backbone between wired networks. The notable advantage of WDS over other solutions is that it preserves the MAC addresses of bridge packets across links between wireless bridges. All wireless bridges in a WDS network must use the same encryption algorithm, encryption keys and radio channel.