Station modes:

• station: Basic station mode. Find and connect to an acceptable AP.

• station-wds: Same as station, but creates a WDS link with AP, using a proprietary extension. The AP configuration must allow WDS links to this device. 

• station-pseudobridge: same as the station, but it also performs the MAC address translation of all traffic. Allows bridging the interface.

• station-pseudobridge-clone: Same as station-pseudobridge, but uses the station-bridge-clone-mac address to connect to the AP.

• station-bridge: MikroTik proprietary station mode, can only be used if the AP is MikroTik

AP Modes:

• ap-bridge: Basic access point mode.

• bridge: same as ap-bridge, but limited to one associated client.

• wds-slave: same as ap-bridge, but search for AP with the same ssid and establish WDS link by repeating the same SSID name

More information

In RouterOS by MikroTik, wireless modes determine how a wireless device behaves on the network, whether acting as an access point, a client, or in more specialized modes for specific configurations. We detail some of the most common wireless modes and Its uses:

1. ap bridge

• Use: This mode allows the device to function as a standard wireless access point, capable of connecting multiple wireless clients. It is the most common way to create Wi-Fi networks in homes and offices.
• Features: Provides wireless connectivity to client devices and can participate in a bridge to forward packets between Ethernet and wireless interfaces.

2. station bridge

• Use: Used when you want to connect a wireless MikroTik device to an existing wireless access point in bridge mode. It is ideal for situations where you need to extend a network without the need for cables, such as connecting two buildings.
• Features: Acts as a client connecting to an access point, but maintains bridging capability, allowing multiple Ethernet devices to connect through a single MikroTik wireless device.

3. station

• Use: This mode is used to connect the MikroTik device to another access point as a simple client. It is useful for devices that only need wireless access to the network without providing connections to other devices.
• Features: Works well for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections where bridging is not required.

4. bridge

• Use: Although not a wireless mode per se, bridge mode is crucial in wireless contexts to create networks that include both wireless and wired interfaces. It is used to combine multiple network interfaces into a single entity at the Layer 2 level.
• Features: Allows forwarding of traffic between LAN and wireless interfaces, creating a single and cohesive network.

5. wds-slave (WDS Slave)

• Use: In combination with WDS (Wireless Distribution System), this mode allows the creation of wireless networks that are capable of transparent bridging, maintaining the original MAC of the clients throughout the network.
• Features: Used in advanced configurations to extend networks while maintaining network characteristics as if all devices were on the same network segment.

6. lv2 (lv2)

• Use: Nv2 is a MikroTik protocol designed to improve performance and stability in congested or high interference wireless environments.
• Features: Delivers improved spectrum efficiency and reduced latency, ideal for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links in densely populated areas.

Selecting Wireless Mode

Choosing the right wireless mode depends on your specific network needs, your environment configuration, and the goal you want to achieve (such as expanding an existing network, connecting remote devices, or improving wireless coverage). It is important to understand the capabilities and limitations of each mode to optimize the performance and reliability of your wireless network.