Network Bridge: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advertisement
This page explores the advantages and disadvantages of network bridges. It details the benefits and drawbacks of using bridges in a network, along with a basic explanation of what a network bridge is.
What is a Network Bridge?
A network bridge is a networking device that uses a bridge table (also known as a forwarding database) to transmit frames across different network segments. Unlike a hub, which simply broadcasts traffic, a bridge selectively broadcasts traffic from one network segment to another and manages that traffic intelligently. It operates at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model.
Figure 1: Network bridge connecting two different LAN segments.
Benefits or Advantages of Network Bridges
Here are the main benefits of using network bridges:
- Extension of Physical Network: Bridges allow you to extend the physical reach of your network.
- Reduced Network Traffic: By segmenting the network, bridges help reduce overall network traffic.
- Separate Collision Domains: Bridges create separate collision domains, isolating traffic and preventing collisions from propagating across the entire network.
- Increased Bandwidth: Because bridges create separate collision domains, individual nodes have more available bandwidth since fewer nodes share a collision domain.
- Reduced Collisions: By isolating traffic, bridges inherently reduce the number of collisions on the network.
- Interconnection of Different Architectures: Some bridges can connect networks with different architectures and media types, providing interoperability.
Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Network Bridges
While bridges offer numerous advantages, they also have some drawbacks:
- Slower Than Repeaters: Due to the filtering process, bridges are generally slower than repeaters. Repeaters simply amplify the signal; bridges analyze the traffic before forwarding it.
- Broadcasts Not Filtered: Bridges do not filter broadcast traffic. Broadcasts are still forwarded across all connected segments.
- More Expensive Than Repeaters: Bridges are typically more expensive than repeaters due to their increased complexity and functionality.