Network bridge

From Free net encyclopedia

A network bridge connects multiple network segments (network domains) along the data link layer. It is sometimes a network switch, and it works by using bridging. Traffic from one network is forwarded through it to another network. The bridge simply does what its name entails, by connecting two sides from adjacent networks.

A repeater is a similar device that connects network segments at the physical layer. An Ethernet hub is a type of repeater.

In Ethernets, the term "bridge" formally means a device that behaves according to the IEEE 802.1D standard - this is most often referred to as a network switch in marketing literature..

1 Advantages of Network bridge
2 Disadvantages of a Network bridge
3 Bridging VS Routing
4 Specific uses of the term "bridge"
5 How to setup a network bridge with a PC
6 See also
7 External links

[edit]

Advantages of Network bridge

Self configuring
Primitive bridges are very cheap

[edit]

Disadvantages of a Network bridge

Does not limit the scope of broadcasts
Does not scale to extremely large networks

[edit]

Bridging VS Routing

This is mainly a discussion people have when designing a network. You can choose to put multiple segments into one bridged network, or to divide it into different networks interconnected by routers. If a host moves between segments in a routed network, it has to get a new IP address, and thereby break all existing TCP connections; if it moves in a bridged network, it doesn't have to reconfigure anything. Bridging is also a cheaper option when you need to separate broadcast domains as bridges are significantly cheaper than routers.

[edit]

Specific uses of the term "bridge"

A description of the Network Bridge in Windows XP is given here - it allows a Windows XP system to function as a bridge between the various networking devices connecting to it.

[edit]

How to setup a network bridge with a PC

Make sure you are running Windows XP with a connection to two separate networks.
Click "Start" on the task bar
Choose "My Network Places"
Select both networks you wish to connect by holding "Ctrl" on the keyboard
Right click on one of the two icons while they are still selected
Choose "Bridge Connections" or the closest thing to it.
Wait as it bridges your connection for you (This will take a few minutes.)
Your two connections should now be bridged.

Documentation on Linux bridging can be found in the Linux networking wiki in here. Linux bridging allows filtering and routing.

[edit]