Posted by Yutaka Kobayashi, August 5, 2025
Ethernet to Wi-Fi Bridge to Go -Powering Your Mobile Devices
In today's interconnected world, an increasing number of devices require network connectivity. For many applications, particularly with mobile equipment like medical devices, Wi-Fi is the preferred solution. Silex Technology's Wi-Fi bridges offer a robust and flexible way to add wireless capabilities to your Ethernet-only devices.
One common challenge with mobile devices is power. Many traditional Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridges rely on AC adapters, which can limit portability. Silex Wi-Fi bridges, however, offer the flexibility to be powered directly from the USB ports of your target device. This eliminates the need for an external AC adapter, making your setup more streamlined and mobile.
Understanding USB Power Supply
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a ubiquitous standard for both data transfer and power delivery. When powering a device via USB, it's important to understand the different power specifications. Typically, a standard USB 2.0 port can supply up to 500mA (0.5A) at 5V, while a USB 3.0 port can provide up to 900mA (0.9A) at 5V. Some USB ports, particularly those designed for charging, can supply even more current.
And have you heard of ‘Sleep-and-charge’ USB ports? These ports can power electronics devices, even when its host device is turned off.
The standards evolves further and the latest USB Power Delivery (USB-PD rev. 2.) standard defines the power supply up to 240 W at 48V.
On top of these standards, there are proprietary technology for powering and charing devices, and for a user, it is not always easy to identify which standard is supported by her device, which cable is compatible with which power delivery standards.
Explore Silex Wi-Fi Bridges
While Silex Wi-Fi bridges are designed for broad compatibility, it's always recommended to test the bridge with your specific client devices to ensure optimal performance and seamless integration. This is naturally crucial for mission critical applications.
Silex Technology offers a range of Ethernet to Wi-Fi bridges to suit different needs. In this post, we highlight the 2 models suitable for medical facilities to workplace:
- BR-500AC: A high-performance dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi bridge.
- BR-330AC-LP: A low-power 802.11ac Wi-Fi bridge.
These Wi-Fi bridges are designed to be compatible with various USB power outputs, ensuring reliable operation when connected to a device's USB port.
Wi-Fi bridge and power cable |
Power supply requirement |
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AC Adapter: 0..5A / 12V± 5%) USB Cable: 1.2A / 5V (5V ± 5%) |
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0.85A / 5V (5V ± 5%) |
Special Offer: Free 4-Week Test Period (Europe)
For customers considering the introduction of more than 20 units of Silex bridges, Silex Technology Europe offers a free 4-week test period. This allows you to thoroughly evaluate the performance and compatibility of our bridges within your specific environment before making a decision.
To take advantage of this offer or for any inquiries, please contact sales@silexeurope.com