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How to Setup a Long Distance WiFi Bridge


Bridge Illustration

Equipment used in Illustration

WiFi Bridge (2)
Point-to-Point WiFi Antenna (2)
Low Loss Coax Cable (2)
Connector Fitting (2)
Router (any)
Modem (any)
Ethernet Cable (any)

Booster Kit
(Works with equipment used in illustration above)

WiFi Signal Booster
Connector Fitting

FCC Max Power Limitations
(When using a directional point to point application)

Amp power

Directional Antenna

Total watts

30dBm or 1W

+ 6dBi

= 3.98

29dBm or 800mW

+ 9dBi

= 6.35

28dBm or 630mW

+ 12dBi

= 10.14

27dBm or 500mW

+ 15dBi

= 15.81

26dBm or 398mW

+ 18dBi

= 25.23

25dBm or 316mW

+ 21dBi

= 40.28

24dBm or 250mW

+ 24dBi

= 62.79

23dBm or 200mW

+ 27dBi

= 100.2

A WiFi Bridge can link your network to another network so that resources like Internet can be shared. Bridging devices work together in pairs so you will need two units. One unit is placed at each network. When a WiFi connection is established between both bridging units then the two networks become one.

A WiFi bridge is different from a WiFi router because it is able to connect two networks using WiFi. A normal WiFi router must connect to other networks using an Ethernet cable.


It is best to initially setup both bridging units in the same room before relocating them to their final location. Run the setup CD on a nearby computer and follow the instructions. Once both bridges are communicating with each other then you can continue by placing each item in its final location.

Most WiFi bridging devices come pre-installed with a small antenna that can be upgraded to a larger antenna for extended long range WiFi. When using a bridge it is best to mount your antenna outdoors where line of sight can be achieved without obstructions. In this case you may need to extend low-loss coaxial cable between the antenna jack on the bridge and the outdoor antenna.

Boosting Power

If all your equipment is setup and aligned properly and you are still not getting connected then you may need to boost the power. This requires another piece of equipment called a WiFi Signal Booster. This WiFi Signal Booster has two coaxial connectors so it can be placed in-line with the antenna. Connect the "Input" jack on the signal booster to the antenna jack on the bridge. Next connect the "Antenna" jack on the signal booster to the coaxial cable that leads to your outdoor antenna. If you're using the linked signal booster above with the equipment used in this illustration, then you will also need a special connector fitting along with a special pigtail. For even more power add a WiFi signal booster to both bridges.

FCC Power Output Rules

Unfortunately there are power restrictions (laws) when using WiFi that if exceeded could land you in jail. The FCC limits your total power output using a sliding scale. The scale starts at 30dBm of amplification power while using a 6dBi directional antenna. Then for every 1dBm you drop in amplification power you can increase the power of your directional antenna by 3dBi.


Other Solutions

There is now an easier and more affective way to create a WiFi Bridge by getting the Extended Long Range WiFi Bridge System from C. Crane.

Also check out the new CC Vector WiFi Repeater Systems. It latches on to any distant WiFi hotspot and repeats the signal in your home, boat, or RV. Works great for boosting the WiFi signal on a Android or Apple cell phone or tablet.


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C. Crane Company, Inc.
172 Main Street
Fortuna, CA 95540
(800) 522-8863