What is the function of a bridge in a computer?
Many devices are used to establish a computer network, one of which is a bridge. Since a computer network deals with a lot of devices connected together, it becomes important to maintain the strength of the network.
Moreover, It is also important to make sure that the network works smoothly without any collisions or other problems. That is why a bridge is used in a computer network. So, Let’s understand the workings of a bridge in a computer network along with its uses, types, and disadvantages.
Let’s get started without having any further ado!
What is a bridge?
A bridge in a computer network is a physical device. It is used to segment a large network into smaller networks, like a large LAN into multiple smaller LANs.
Moreover, It is installed at the second layer of a computer network. To be more specific, it is used at the data link layer of the Open Systems Interconnection or OSI. There are many uses for a bridge in a computer network, such as segmentation, filtering networks, collision isolation, and many more.
What are the Types of Bridges?
- Simple Bridge
The basic type of bridge is where a fixed table is set manually. It’s good for small networks with not too many devices.
- Learning Bridge
This bridge is smarter. It builds its forwarding table automatically as data moves through the Network. It uses a method called flooding to figure out where devices are.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Bridge
For bigger networks, STP bridges help avoid confusion by making sure there is only one main the path between any two devices. It stops extra paths to prevent problems.
- Source Route Bridge
Imagine a predetermined road for data in the Network. Source Route Bridges follow this planned path using a special note in the data. It’s like having a map for the data to follow.
- Transparent Bridge
This one is like a ninja bridge; it works silently and doesn’t change anything in the Network. It forwards data based on where it needs to go without making any noise or altering the data.
What are the uses of bridges in a computer network?
- Segmentation
One of the main uses of a bridge is to Segment a large network into smaller subnetworks. You can create various LANs from a larger LAN with the help of a Bridge. It helps to enhance the network stability by dividing the load on the primary LAN network. Thus, the overall performance of the Network improves immediately.
- Filtration
Bridge can also filter various data links based on any of its properties. For example, you can get the data links filtered based on the MAC address. So, it will limit the access of the Network to the unwanted data links. It helps to make network management easier and also helps to avoid unnecessary traffic.
- Collision Isolation
A bridge in a computer network allows collision domains for every segment created with the help of a bridge. It enhances the capacity of collision isolation. In simple terms, if a collision occurs on a Network, then it will affect the whole Network. But suppose you have segmented the Network into multiple smaller networks. In that case, the collision will only affect the particular segment and not the whole Network.
What are the disadvantages of a bridge?
- Limited Coverage
Bridges are effective within a LAN. But you can’t use the bridge for larger distances. That’s why broadband companies use routers to provide internet connections at your home.
- Broadcast Traffic
In some cases, bridges can propagate broadcast traffic throughout the Network, which may lead to congestion. This is because when a broadcast message is sent, a bridge might forward it to all connected segments.
- Manual Configuration
Simple bridges require manual configuration of the forwarding table. This is a disadvantage, as frequent changes can be required as the Network grows.
- Limited Scalability
In larger networks, the scalability of bridges becomes an issue. As the number of network segments increases, managing and configuring bridges for optimal performance becomes challenging.
- No Filtering of Higher-Layer Protocols
Since bridges operate at the data link layer (Layer 2), they can’t filter traffic based on higher-layer protocols such as IP addresses. Filtering based on network-layer information is a capability offered by routers.
- Security Concerns
While bridges can be transparent to the Network, this transparency may pose security concerns. Transparent bridges forward packets based on MAC addresses, and this simplicity can be exploited in certain security attacks.
- Limited Intelligence
Simple bridges lack the learning capabilities of more advanced bridge types. They do not adapt to changes in the Network automatically, which can be a limitation in dynamic environments.
- Potential for Loops
Without proper configuration or safeguards, bridges may inadvertently create network loops. It can lead to broadcast storms and degrade network performance.
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Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a bridge plays an important role in establishing a computer network. There are many things that are made possible with the help of bridges. But, a bridge is now an outdated technology as tech resolutions like switches are taking its place. A switch is considered more advanced if compared to a bridge.
Hope this guide helped you gain valuable information about bridge in computer network.
