- By bridging these LANs together, the overall network capacity increases, accommodating more devices and users while promoting collaboration and resource sharing.
- With network bridges, data transfer speeds can be optimized, leading to improved network performance. Additionally, in the event of a network node failure, bridges can continue to forward data packets, ensuring uninterrupted communication between other network segments.
A bridge is a network device in computer networks that is used to connect multiple LANs to one larger LAN. A bridge is a physical or hardware device but operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and is also known as a layer two switch. Basically, bridges in computer networks are used to divide a network connection into multiple parts and now each part has separate bandwidth and separate collision domains. Bridges are used here to improve network performance.
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What is network bridge?
Network bridges are devices facilitating communication between multiple LANs, extending their connectivity beyond individual networks. They analyze incoming traffic from devices such as computers, phones, printers, and routers, determining whether to forward or discard it.The main purpose of a bridge is to allow more devices to access the network without what are called “collision domains.” A collision domain is when two or more devices on the same network try to transmit data at the same time, causing problems.
Types of network bridge
1.Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridges: Ethernet to Wi-Fi bridges let ethernet devices access a wireless network, and are especially useful for older devices that don’t have Wi-Fi connectivity.
2.Wi-Fi to Bluetooth bridges: Bluetooth to Wi-Fi bridges are used to connect mobile devices using Bluetooth at home or at the office.
3.Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi bridges: A Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi bridge can be used to set up wireless access points like the one in your local coffee shop.
Advantages of network bridges
Enhanced connectivity: By connecting multiple LANs, bridges enable seamless communication between devices located on different network segments, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.
Fault tolerance: In the event of a network node failure, bridges can continue to forward data packets, ensuring uninterrupted communication between other network segments.
Compatibility: Bridges are compatible with various networking technologies and protocols, making them versatile solutions for integrating different types of LANs and network devices.
Uses of bridges in computer networks
1.Bringing together multiple LANs to expand network capacity.
2.When receiving a data frame, the bridge makes a decision to determine whether to accept or reject the data.
3.In the OSI model, it is used to transmit data to multiple nodes in a network.
4. It is also used to broadcast data even if the MAC address or destination address is not available.
5.It forwards packets even if a node fails.
6.When the MAC address is available, the bridge can choose to forward or discard the packet.
