dkuchta5 wrote

Note that in your first diagram, which I've seen in the manual, it shows "User Network" and has wifi symbols indicating a local connection to wifi devices.  This is what I was finding confusing.  According to that diagram, and the documentation, the device IS designed to support a local wifi network.

Yes, Pharos supports MASTER mode in addition to STA mode in Bridge, Repeater, AP Router and AP Client Router operation modes.

But it's not a »local wireless network«, it's still a directional long-range wireless network, albeit the CPE is in MASTER (AP) mode. Setting this mode doesn't change the antenna. What's more, a CPE in AP mode is not necessarily »repeating« what the CPE receives wirelessly in STA mode from another AP.

Also keep in mind that CPEs are not the only Pharos products. There are WBS, too, and they have all kinds of antennas, omnidirectional, directional, sector, dish etc.

There are situations where directional AP mode could make sense, e.g. to get around a corner, albeit a more common trick in directional RF deployments is the use of a metallic structure or a building to have them reflecting the wireless signal into a desired direction.

But it is still a directional signal in case of CPEs, not a local (omnidirectional) WLAN suited for feeding standard clients.

You can't beat physics with software.