Installing a Bridge Network Between Two Buildings
Extending the LAN and internet to a second building using the TP-Link CPE211 Wireless Bridge Access Point
When you run a small business with a studio, lab, office, and often a separate workshop or outbuilding, keeping everything on the same network becomes essential.
At Philip M Russell Ltd, we need fast, stable LAN access for:
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studio camera control
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remote access to servers
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teaching from multiple rooms
Running fibre between buildings is ideal — but not always practical.
A wireless bridge provides an excellent alternative.
We recently installed a TP-Link CPE211 to link our main studio building with the workshop, and the results were smooth, fast and stable.
Here’s how it works and why it’s useful.
What a Wireless Bridge Actually Does
A wireless bridge is effectively a cable replacement that:
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links two separate buildings over long distances
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creates one unified network
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extends internet access
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keeps all devices on the same IP range
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avoids running long physical Ethernet cables or trenching conduit
The TP-Link CPE211 is designed for point-to-point links with high gain antennas, making it far more stable than a standard Wi-Fi extender.
Why the TP-Link CPE211?
The CPE211 provides:
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long-range directional Wi-Fi transmission
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up to 300 Mbps
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stable outdoor-rated hardware
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easy alignment tools
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weatherproof casing
It’s ideal for bridging 10–200 metres between buildings with line-of-sight.
Installation Workflow
1. Mounting the Units
One CPE211 is mounted on the main building, aligned directly toward the other building.
The second unit is mounted on the other building in line of sight with the master box.
Initially, we temporarily hung the transmitter and receiver up to find the best position. Once this was completed, we could install the permanent brackets.
Both are angled carefully using the built-in alignment indicators.
2. Power via PoE
Each device uses Power-over-Ethernet injectors.
This means only one cable runs to each device — the Ethernet cable itself.
3. Point-to-Point Mode
The bridge is set up with:
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one unit as Access Point
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one unit as Client
Both are locked to each other using secure WPA2-PSK bridging.
4. Assigning IPs
Both units are given fixed IP addresses inside the main LAN so they stay discoverable and easy to manage.
5. Testing the Link
We tested:
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ping times (excellent)
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throughput (stable)
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access to the NAS
Everything behaved exactly as if the other building was connected by a physical cable.
Practical Benefits for Our Workflow
Fast Video Transfer
Large files from workshop devices, 3D printers and the Xtool S1 laser engraver can be moved to the main editing suite instantly.
Camera & Device Control
We can now stream from cameras, access the other buildings computers remotely, and integrate new devices on the same network.
Stable Internet for Teaching
If we’re filming in the other building or running a live lesson, a stable connection makes everything smoother.
Business Continuity
Both buildings act as a single connected system — useful for backups, server mirroring, and accessing shared drives.
Tips for a Clean Installation
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Ensure clear line-of-sight between units
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Mount devices high enough to avoid foliage
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Keep firmware updated
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Add gentle strain relief to cables to prevent wind damage
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Lock the direction screws tightly so alignment stays fixed
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Weatherproof wall penetrations
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Label all PoE injectors and power cables for easy maintenance
A well-installed bridge should run for years with no maintenance.
The Takeaway
If you need fast, reliable connectivity between two buildings without running cables, a TP-Link CPE211 wireless bridge is one of the best solutions available.
It brings the second building fully into your network — perfect for studios, workshops, classrooms or outbuildings.
Simple installation, strong performance, and a huge improvement in day-to-day workflow.
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