What is Bridges?
Bridges Definition: Layer 2 devices that filter traffic between segments based on Media Access Control (MAC) addresses.
Understanding Bridges
Layer 2 devices that filter traffic between segments based on Media Access Control addresses. Network bridges connect and filter traffic between two network segments at the data link layer of the OSI model. Unlike hubs, bridges examine the destination MAC address of incoming frames and forward them only to the appropriate network segment, reducing unnecessary traffic. Modern networks typically use switches rather than bridges, though the bridging concept remains important. Organizations implement bridges or their modern equivalent, switches to segment networks, reduce broadcast domains, and control traffic flow. For example, a company might use bridges to connect different departmental network segments while filtering traffic between them based on MAC addresses. Related terms: Switches, Network segmentation, Data link layer, MAC address, Broadcast domain, Network topology.