"Bridge"?

[nightcat]

What does the term "bridge" mean in networking?

I heard it used refering to wireless router.

[slarty]

It's effectively what a switch does.

A "bridge" transfers packets from one network to another, making them look like they are on the same network (to other machines). They can be implemented in hardware (i.e. a switch) or software.

In any case, a wireless router is usually really a bridge not a router.

I say it's not a router, because it doesn't actually modify or route the packets, just moves them around.

The difference is a bit of a fine line anyway, with most vendors now selling kit which can do a bit of both.

In the "old" days when switched ethernet was really expensive, a "bridge" was essentially a really small switch (with say 2-4 ports) which could be used to extend the usefulness of segments by restricting traffic (whereas a hub or amplifier won't).

Like on coax, when the maximum cable length was reached you can't go any further without a bridge.

But it's kind of pretty obsolescent the term, with switched twisted pair everywhere.

Slarty

[hypronix]

I think he meant it in the sense of a bridged PCI-to-PCMCIA wireless card [something I have]. But slarty did pretty much explain it, it just acts a pipe for data. In the case of PCI-to-PCMCIA bridging is done [AFAIK] to simulate the presence of a PCMCIA card [in this example] that's in fact sitting on a PCI slot. When it comes to network bridges it's been explained above.

[phishphreek]

nightcat: I don't mean to be rude... because I was once in your position. I didn't know much about computers... and I still do not!

But... at least I try to SEARCH before posting a question that could be answered by yourself in less than 1 minute. I'm not talking about searching AO... I'm talking about using a search engine... the answer to most of the questions you've had could be answered all on your own.

And.. before you ask what a search engine is....

http://webopedia.com/TERM/s/search_engine.html

AO is not your mommy... AO's not going to spoon feed you everything you want to know.

[nightcat]

Originally posted here by phishphreek80
nightcat: I don't mean to be rude... because I was once in your position. I didn't know much about computers... and I still do not!

But... at least I try to SEARCH before posting a question that could be answered by yourself in less than 1 minute. I'm not talking about searching AO... I'm talking about using a search engine... the answer to most of the questions you've had could be answered all on your own.

And.. before you ask what a search engine is....

http://webopedia.com/TERM/s/search_engine.html

AO is not your mommy... AO's not going to spoon feed you everything you want to know.

I do understand what you are saying, but I am not in a situation where I get to choose. I do search for answers when I can. If you noticed I don't have that many posts on the forum. Guess "Why?" .

If I will manage to land a nicer job then I've got now, I will be more helpful here, and WILL ask even less questions.

Thanks for your help. I realy didn't know what "Search Engine" was

[nightcat]

To everyone else:

Firstly thatnks for the explanation.

And another question. What does this mean when the wireless router has a "bridging" capability? Does this mean that it can be used to extend wireless networks?

I came up with this two questions as I was searching for the way to conect two wireless routers without hardwirering them.