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? What is Bridging

Bridging is the process of connecting separate network segments at Layer 2 of the OSI model, using a bridge device to filter traffic, forward data based on MAC addresses, and reduce collisions. Bridges were historically used to segment large networks and improve performance, but have largely been replaced by switches in modern networking. Different types of bridges include transparent, translational, and source routing bridges, each serving specific functions in network connectivity.

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2 views

? What is Bridging

Bridging is the process of connecting separate network segments at Layer 2 of the OSI model, using a bridge device to filter traffic, forward data based on MAC addresses, and reduce collisions. Bridges were historically used to segment large networks and improve performance, but have largely been replaced by switches in modern networking. Different types of bridges include transparent, translational, and source routing bridges, each serving specific functions in network connectivity.

Uploaded by

devil289wl
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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🔗 What is Bridging?

Bridging is the process of connecting two or more separate network segments to work as a
single network. It happens at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model.

A bridge is a network device that helps to:

 Filter traffic

 Forward data based on MAC addresses

 Reduce collisions

 Expand the network

Think of a bridge like a traffic director between two streets — it controls which cars (data
packets) go where.

🖧 Why Use a Bridge?

Before switches became common, bridges were used to:

 Divide large networks into smaller segments

 Reduce unnecessary traffic

 Increase overall network performance

🔍 How Does a Bridge Work?

1. Listens to the traffic on all ports.

2. Learns MAC addresses of devices connected to each segment.

3. Stores them in a MAC address table.

4. When it gets a data frame:

o It checks the destination MAC address.

o If it knows which port the destination is on, it forwards the frame to that port
only.

o If not, it broadcasts the frame to all ports (except the one it came from).
🧱 Types of Bridges

Type Description

Learns MAC addresses automatically, doesn't modify frames. Most


Transparent Bridge
common.

Connects networks using different Layer 2 protocols (e.g., Ethernet to Wi-


Translational Bridge
Fi).

Source Routing Uses information in the frame itself to decide the route (used in Token
Bridge Ring networks).

Bridge vs Switch vs Router

Device Layer Works With Key Feature

Bridge Layer 2 MAC Addresses Connects network segments

Switch Layer 2 MAC Addresses Smarter, faster, multi-port bridge

Router Layer 3 IP Addresses Connects different networks/subnets

Note: Modern switches have mostly replaced bridges, but the concept of bridging is still used in
software (like in virtual networking, Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridging, etc.)

Real-Life Example

Imagine a school with two buildings:

 Building A has PCs on one Ethernet network.

 Building B has more PCs on another network.

A bridge connects them so:

 Devices in both buildings can communicate.

 The bridge filters and forwards only necessary traffic.

 Reduces unnecessary load on each side.

🧠 Summary
Feature Bridging

Layer Layer 2 (Data Link)

Device Bridge

Uses Connecting network segments

Works with MAC addresses

Traffic Filters & forwards based on MAC table

Modern form Often replaced by switches

Let me know if you want to see a diagram, understand virtual bridging in cloud networks, or
compare it with network switching!

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