原文：http://www.speedguide.net/faq_in_q.php?qid=297
Most wireless routers can operate as an access point (AP) for clients. Some add other wireless modes that can be used to extend the range, introduce multiple
router/access points to the network, or bridge network segments together. Below is a summary of the different modes and their meaning:
AP mode – this is the default, most common mode for all wireless routers, also called Infrastructure mode. Your
router acts as an central connection point, which wireless clients can connect to.
Client mode – The radio interface is used to connect the internet-facing side of the
router (i.e., the
WAN) as a client to a remote accesspoint.
NAT or routing are performed between WAN and
LAN, like in "normal"
gateway or router mode. Use this mode, e.g., if your internet connection is provided by a remote accesspoint, and you want to connect a subnet of your own to it.
Client Bridged mode – The radio interface is used to connect the
LAN side of the
router to a remote accesspoint. The LAN and the remote AP will be in the same subnet (This is called a "bridge" between two network segments). The
WAN side of the
router is unused and can be disabled. Use this mode, e.g., to make the
router act as a "WLAN adapter" for a device connected to one of its
LAN
ethernet ports.
Repeater - In general, a repeater simply regenerates a network signal in order to extend the range of the existing network infrastructure. A
WLAN repeater does not physically connect by wire to any part of the network. Instead, it receives radio signals (802.11 frames) from an access point, end user device,
or another repeater and retransmits the frames. This makes it possible for a repeater located in between an access point and distant user to act as a relay for frames traveling back and forth between the user and the access point.
Repeater bridge - A wireless bridge connects two
LAN segments with a wireless link. The two segments are in the same subnet and look like two
ethernet switches connected by a cable to all computers on the subnet. Since the computers are on the same subnet, broadcasts reach all machines.
DHCP clients in one segment can get their addresses from a
DHCP server in the other segment.
Ad-Hoc mode – This is for peer to peer wireless connections. Clients running in
Ad-Hoc mode can connect to each other as required without involving central access points.