A WGB is a wireless bridge that allows devices without a wireless interface to connect to a Wi-Fi network via the Ethernet port of a Cisco AP.
It eliminates the need for additional cabling and is ideal for connecting devices in hard-to-reach or mobile locations (e.g., forklifts, cranes).
WGBs can receive signals from multiple APs and support roaming, maintaining connectivity while moving.
Cisco Aironet 2800 (corporate environments, 802.11ac Wave 2)
Cisco Aironet 1560 (outdoor/industrial environments)
Omni antennas are recommended for mobile or wide-area deployments; directional antennas are recommended for point-to-point scenarios.
The AP configured as a WGB acts as a wireless client and bridges the connection via Ethernet to wired devices (which can include a switch).
The WGB receives an IP address from the client network, not from the AP management network.
The WGB AP appears on the WLC as a “client” (WLC > Monitor > Clients), not as a traditional AP.
bash
Username: Cisco
Password: Cisco
AP0000.0000.0000> enable
Password: Cisco
bash
ap-type workgroup-bridge
# Confirm the reboot when prompted
bash
configure ap hostname LABWGB01
configure ap management add username JONDO password 1XYZ!a secret 1XYZ!a
config ssh enable
bash
configure ap address ipv4 static 192.168.37.5 255.255.255.0 192.168.37.254 192.168.98.5 192.168.98.6 configure-networks.com
# or
configure ap address ipv4 dhcp
configure ntp server 192.168.57.30
bash
configure ssid-profile LABWLAN01 ssid LABWLAN01 authentication psk <password> key-management wpa2
# Remember to map the SSID to the radio
bash
configure dot11radio 1 mode wgb ssid-profile LABWLAN01
configure dot11radio 1 enable
Show interfaces and IPs
bash
show ip interface brief
Show running configuration
bash
show run
Show configured and connected SSIDs
bash
show wgb ssid
Show radio status
bash
show controllers dot11Radio 1
Show WGB associations
bash
show wgb dot11 associations
The WGB AP is not listed on the WLC as an AP, but as a wireless client.
It can be powered via PoE or Power Injector.
To reset the configuration, use the appropriate CLI reset commands.
Software upgrades are performed via TFTP/SFTP (USB is not supported).
The WGB supports debug commands for advanced troubleshooting.