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Wireless Bridges

A wireless bridge links two networks by radio, carrying Ethernet between buildings, to a gatehouse or to remote cameras where running cable or fibre is impractical. This collection holds outdoor 5 GHz bridges and CPEs from Ruijie, Hikvision, AMG Systems and Ubiquiti, a 2.4 GHz pre-paired kit, the Ubiquiti airMAX GigaBeam 60 GHz long-range link, and omnidirectional and sector antennas for point-to-multipoint base stations.

Choosing Wireless Bridges

Choose a wireless bridge by the distance and number of sites to link, the throughput the link must carry, and how the radios will be powered and mounted.

Point-to-point or point-to-multipoint

A point-to-point (PtP) link joins two sites with a pair of directional radios, such as the pre-paired Ruijie RG-EST350G kit. Point-to-multipoint (PtMP) uses a base station with a wide antenna serving several CPEs: the RG-AirMetro460F supports up to 32 CPEs per base, and the RG-ANT16S-120 sector antenna covers 120° for AirMetro base stations.

Band and throughput

Most bridges here are 5 GHz 802.11ac radios. The Ubiquiti GBE-LR works at 60 GHz for low-interference links above 1 Gbps, with an integrated 5 GHz backup radio.

Distance and alignment

Antenna gain sets reach: the RG-AirMetro460F uses a 23 dBi antenna for PtP links up to 15 km line of sight, while the Hikvision DS-3WF02-5AC/D kit is rated up to 5 km. Plan a clear line of sight between the two ends, and use the alignment tools built into the Ruijie and Ubiquiti management apps.

ModelBandAntennaRole
Ubiquiti GBE-LR60 GHz38 dBi dishPtP backhaul
Ruijie RG-AirMetro460G5 GHz23 dBiPtP or PtMP CPE
Ubiquiti NBE-5AC-GEN25 GHz19 dBiPtP, pairs of units
Ruijie RG-EST100-E2.4 GHz8 dBiPre-paired CCTV kit
Ruijie RG-ANT20S-905 GHz20 dBi, 90°Sector antenna

Power and mounting

Many bridges run from PoE: the RG-AirMetro460G comes with a 24 V passive PoE injector and mounting kit, and the RG-EST330F-P accepts 12 V DC, passive 24 V PoE or 802.3af/at and has two PoE-out ports to power remote devices. Enclosures are rated for outdoor use, such as IP65 on the AirMetro460F and IP66 on the AMG8870F-06.

Brands we stock in Wireless Bridges

AMG Systems, D-Link, Hikvision, LigoWave, Ruijie and Ubiquiti.

Ruijie supplies the most bridges and antennas.

Related categories

Extend Wi-Fi indoors with wireless access points, add a gateway from Wi-Fi routers, power bridges and cameras from PoE switches, or browse Wi-Fi and wireless hardware and our Help & Support guides.

Frequently asked questions

What does a wireless bridge do?

A wireless bridge joins two wired networks by radio, so Ethernet reaches another building, a gatehouse or a camera position without trenching cable. The Hikvision DS-3WF02-5AC/D kit, for example, links two points on 5 GHz at 867 Mbps, and the Ruijie RG-EST350G is for CCTV backhaul and building-to-building links.

What is the difference between PtP and PtMP?

Point-to-point (PtP) links two sites with a matched pair of radios, while point-to-multipoint (PtMP) connects several remote CPEs to one base station. The Ruijie RG-AirMetro460F supports up to 32 CPEs per base. A wide antenna serves them, such as the RG-ANT13-360 omni, which covers 360° for AirMetro base stations.

How far can a wireless bridge reach?

Several kilometres with a clear line of sight, depending on the model. The Ruijie RG-AirMetro460F and RG-AirMetro460G are rated for PtP links up to 15 km, the Ubiquiti NBE-5AC-GEN2 for up to 15 kilometers, and the Hikvision DS-3WF02-5AC/D kit for up to 5 km. For short CCTV links, the Ruijie RG-EST100-E is a 2.4 GHz pre-paired kit.

Does a wireless bridge need line of sight?

Yes, plan for a clear line of sight between the two ends. The GBE-LR is intended for line-of-sight PtP links, and RG-EST330F-P throughput depends on link planning, including the Fresnel zone and line of sight. Trees, buildings and hills between the antennas reduce throughput or stop the link.

When is a 60 GHz bridge the right choice?

Choose 60 GHz for a high-capacity link with little interference. The Ubiquiti airMAX GigaBeam GBE-LR has a 38 dBi 60 GHz dish for aggregate throughput above 1 Gbps, plus an integrated 5 GHz backup radio that keeps the link up if the 60 GHz path fails, and a 2.4 GHz management radio for setup.

Do I buy one unit or a pair?

A PtP link needs two radios, one at either end. Ruijie supplies the RG-EST100-E and RG-EST350G as pre-paired kits, and Hikvision the DS-3WF02-5AC/D as a kit. Two NanoBeam NBE-5AC-GEN2 units are required, and the GBE-LR should be installed in pairs.

How is a wireless bridge powered?

Usually over PoE. The Ruijie RG-AirMetro460F and RG-AirMetro460G include a 24 V passive PoE injector, and the Ubiquiti GBE-LR a 24 V, 0.5 A passive Gigabit PoE adapter. The Ruijie RG-EST330F-P accepts 12 V DC, passive 24 V PoE or 802.3af/at, and the RG-EST100-E port 1 supplies 12 V passive PoE to a remote camera.

Can a wireless bridge carry CCTV?

Yes; video backhaul is a common use. The AMG Skywave III AMG8870F-06 has a typical compressed video throughput of up to about 500 Mbps, the Ruijie RG-EST100-E kit is built for short-range CCTV links and powers a remote camera from port 1, and the Hikvision DS-3WF02C-5AC/O(V3) suits video security among other uses.

Which base station antenna should I use?

Match the antenna to where the CPEs are. An omni such as the Ruijie RG-ANT13-360 or Ubiquiti AMO-5G13 covers 360° at 13 dBi, while sector antennas cover a narrower arc with more gain: the RG-ANT16S-120 gives 16 dBi over 120°, and the RG-ANT20S-90 20 dBi over 90°.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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