Difference between how a router and a bridge function

Could you differentiate how the router and bridge function in detail for me please? I always get confused with...

Step 2 of 2:

You forgot to provide an Email Address.

This email address doesn’t appear to be valid.

This email address is already registered. Please login.

You have exceeded the maximum character limit.

Please provide a Corporate E-mail Address.
- I agree to TechTarget’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.
- I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.

the two. Any answers will be greatly appreciated. A bridge is a device that connects and passes packets between two network segments that use the same communications protocol. Bridges operate at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI reference model. A bridge will filter, forward or flood an incoming frame based on the MAC address of that frame.

A router is an intelligent connecting device that can send packets to the correct LAN segment to take them to their destination. Routers link LAN segments at the network layer of the OSI Reference Model for computer to computer communications. The networks connected by routers can use similar or different networking protocols. The most popular interior routing protocol is OSPF and the most popular exterior routing protocol is BGP.

Related Resources

Check the network before moving to the cloud –SearchSecurity.com
IT Handbook: Network Considerations for VDI –SearchDataCenter.com
Mobile banking strategies - maximise your revenues –ComputerWeekly.com
Emerging PaaS security tactics –SearchSecurity.com

Dig Deeper on Network Infrastructure

Bridge vs. switch comparison: What's the difference? A network bridge connects two local area networks. A network switch, on the other hand, connects multiple clients to a network. Learn more about these two network components.

bridge A bridge is a class of network device that’s designed to connect networks at OSI Level 2, which is the data link layer of a local-area network (LAN).

What's the difference between a router, switch and hub? Although a router, switch and hub all help direct network traffic, the devices transmit packets in different ways. Discover the differences among these network devices.

The OSI model layers explained: Get to know the network Do you know what each layer of the OSI model represents? Infosec expert Adam Gordon helps you get up to speed in preparation for Domain 4 of the CISSP exam.

Layer 3 switches explained Layer 3 switches are important in enterprise networks -- particularly in designs with many subnets and virtual LANs. What is a Layer 3 switch, what can it do for you, and how does it differ from a regular switch or router?

Review the Open Systems Interconnection model for troubleshooting Learn how to review the OSI model as part of next step in troubleshooting any IP connectivity issue to ensure it is a Layer 3 (network) issue.

Have a question for an expert?

Please add a title for your question

Get answers from a TechTarget expert on whatever's puzzling you.

Meet all of our Networking experts

View all Networking questions and answers

Please create a username to comment.

Microsoft Teams reaches 20 million users, threatening Slack

The advantages of video calling drive business competition

Microsoft, Cisco usher in new era of video conferencing interoperability

Deploy kiosk devices with the Managed Home Screen Android app

New Outlook features appeal to users on the go

Smartphone market trends elicit longer refresh cycles

Understand top public cloud repatriation use cases

Microsoft quantum development turns toward hardware

Top 5 options for Linux certifications

Cohesity, Pivot3 update channel partner programs, MDF funds

Businesses move key applications off public cloud to save costs

Silver Peak cautions against sitting on the fence over SD-WAN

Related Resources

Dig Deeper on Network Infrastructure

Related Q&A from Mark Dargin

Have a question for an expert?

Start the conversation

0 comments

Register

Login

Forgot your password?

Your password has been sent to:

Please create a username to comment.