Uses of Bridge in Computer Network

  • Bridges are used to increase the network capacity as they can integrate multiple LANs together. 
  • On receiving a data frame, databases use the bridge to decide whether to accept or reject the data. 
  • In the OSI model, it can be used to transmit the data to multiple nodes of the network.
  • Used to broadcast the data even if the MAC address or destination address is unavailable.
  • It forwards data packets despite faulty nodes. 
  • The data packet can be forwarded or discarded by the bridge when the MAC address is available. 

What is Bridge in Computer Network – Types, Uses, Functions & Differences

The bridge is a networking device in a computer network that is used to connect multiple LANs to a larger LAN. In computer networks, we have multiple networking devices such as bridges, hubs, routers, switches, etc, each device has its own specification and is used for a particular purpose. The bridge is a networking device that connects the larger LAN networks with the group of smaller LAN networks. 

In this article, we are going to discuss everything about the bridge including what exactly a bridge is, and the type of bridges we have in computer networks including transparent bridges, source routing bridges, and translational bridges, which will be followed by advantages and disadvantages of the bridge in networking. then how the bridge is different from the gateway and last we will look into the applications and functions of the bridge in the network. 

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Bridge in Computer Network:

A bridge in a computer network is a device used to connect multiple LANs together with a larger Local Area Network (LAN). The mechanism of network aggregation is known as bridging. The bridge is a physical or hardware device but operates at the OSI model’s data link layer and is also known as a layer of two switches....

Types of Bridges:

There are three types of bridges in computer networks, which are as follows:...

Advantages:

Bridges can be used as a network extension like they can connect two network topologies together.  It has a separate collision domain, which results in increased bandwidth.  It can create a buffer when different MAC protocols are there for different segments.  Highly reliable and maintainable. The network can be divided into multiple LAN segments.  Simple installation, no requirement of any extra hardware or software except the bridge itself.  Protocol transparency is higher as compared to other protocols....

Disadvantages:

Expensive as compared to hubs and repeaters. Slow in speed.  Poor performance as additional processing is required to view the MAC address of the device on the network.  As the traffic received is in bulk or is broadcasted traffic, individual filtering of data is not possible.  During the broadcasting of data, the network has high broadcast traffic and broadcast storms can be formed....

Uses of Bridge in Computer Network:

Bridges are used to increase the network capacity as they can integrate multiple LANs together.  On receiving a data frame, databases use the bridge to decide whether to accept or reject the data.  In the OSI model, it can be used to transmit the data to multiple nodes of the network. Used to broadcast the data even if the MAC address or destination address is unavailable. It forwards data packets despite faulty nodes.  The data packet can be forwarded or discarded by the bridge when the MAC address is available....

Functions of Bridges in the Network

The bridge is used to divide LANs into multiple segments. To control the traffic in the network. It can interconnect two LANs with a similar protocols.  It can filter the data based on destination/MAC address....