A bridge in networking is a device that connects multiple network segments or LANs (Local Area Networks) together at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It operates by examining the MAC addresses of incoming data packets and selectively forwarding them to the appropriate segment based on their destination MAC address. Bridges help to reduce network traffic and improve overall performance by segmenting larger networks into smaller, more manageable parts.
There are several types of bridges based on their functionalities and where they are deployed:
- Transparent Bridge: This is the most common type of bridge, which operates invisibly to connected devices. It uses a forwarding table to make decisions about where to send data packets based on MAC addresses.
- Source-Route Bridge: This type of bridge is less common and uses routing information embedded within the data packet itself to determine the path it should take through the network.
A bridge in computing acts as a connection point between two or more networks, allowing them to communicate and share resources. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, where it examines the MAC addresses of incoming data packets and forwards them to the appropriate network segment based on the destination MAC address.
In networking terminologies, a bridge is also referred to as a network bridge or a switching hub. It serves as a device that connects multiple network segments together, enabling communication between them while maintaining separate collision domains. This helps in reducing network congestion and improving overall network performance by limiting the spread of broadcast traffic.
A bridge network type refers to a specific configuration in computer networking where two or more network segments are interconnected using a bridge. This configuration helps to segment larger networks into smaller, more manageable parts and allows for more efficient data transmission between network segments. Bridge networks are particularly useful in environments where network traffic needs to be controlled and managed effectively to optimize performance and reliability.
