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networing

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by ola-05

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what is te difference between bridge and switch?

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by iamgap

I thought I new till I double checked. This is what I found @ http://www.tek-tips.com with a google search.

Switches and Bridges are pretty similar, both operate at the Data Link layer (just above Physical) and both can filter data so that only the appropriate segment or host receives a transmission. Both filter packets based on the physical address (AKA MAC - Media Access Control - address) of the sender/receiver although newer switches sometimes include the capabilities of a router and can forward data based on IP address (operating at the Network Layer) and are referred to as IP Switches. Often the desired results could be achieved using either a switch or a bridge but *in general* bridges are used to extend the distance capabilities of the network while minimizing overall traffic, and switches are used to primarily for their filtering capabilities to create multiple, smaller virtual LAN's out of one large LAN for easier management/administration (V-Lan's).

Bridges as my understanding goes is that it wold connect unlike topologies together. Well that is now possible in todays HUBS/SWITHES etc

by hugh

Bridges aren't really used that much today. They basicly connect two networks together. Say you have Network A on one side of the street, and network B on the other. The bridge will connect them. A switch however is a really beautiful thing. They can connect butt loads of computers, you can use VLan's with them, and since they are one the datalink layer they have ALOT less collisons than a hub. A switch can perform about the same function as a bridge. THat is about the best way I can explain it with out getting to "techy". Although iamgap put it quite well. If you want to know more grab a Cisco CCNA book and bone up... Switching and Routing is in the Year Two book.

by deadly ernest

In simple terms a straight bridge (almost impossible to find today) connects two networks or sub networks; the most common modern bridge configuration is to have one computer with two Network Interface Cards, one for each network. They usually work by knowing the IP address ranges for each of the connecting networks.

Today you will usually see Brouters (a combined brifge and router) instead of a bridge.

Switches allow you to connect a number of computers and usually keep track of which computer is on which port by the MAC addresses and they 'switch' the connection down the correct port; no chance of a collision unless two computers are trying to get to the same destination at the exact same millisecond or an incoming transmission is happening at the exact same time as an outgoing.

Most modern switches are now including ssome router capabilities, shortly it nwell get to the point where the choices are solely hub or switch/router, and what connection speed groupings.

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