A router and bridge are both networking devices, but they serve different purposes. A router is used to connect two or more networks together, while a bridge is used to connect two or more segments of the same network. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between routers and bridges, and when you might want to use each one. We’ll also discuss some of the features that make routers and bridges unique. So if you’re looking for a better understanding of these devices, read on!
What is Router?
The router is a computer networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. The router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks. When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the network address information in the packet header to determine the ultimate destination of the packet. Then, using the information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet to the next network on its journey. The router generally also has features such as NAT, Firewall, VPN, etc. The router works at Layer 3(Network layer) of the OSI Model while the switch works at Layer 2(Data Link Layer). The router uses protocols such as BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, RIP, etc for routing while Switch uses protocols such as STP, RSTP, etc for switching. The router is mainly used for making connections between two different networks while the switch is mainly used for making connections between devices in the same network. The router uses WAN ports(Eg: Serial port) for making connections with different networks while the switch uses LAN ports(Eg: Ethernet port) for making connections with devices in the same network. The router performs both Static and Dynamic routing while Switch performs only Static Routing.
What is Bridge?
A Bridge is a network device that connects two or more local area networks (LAN) together. A Bridge filters traffic so that only relevant data is forwarded to the correct LAN segment. This improves the performance of the overall network by reducing congestion and collisions. Bridges can also be used to connect different types of networks, such as Ethernet and Token Ring. In a Bridge network, each LAN is connected to a port on the Bridge. The Bridge then forwards packets between the LANs based on their MAC addresses. Bridge networks can be implemented using hardware or software. Hardware Bridges are typically used for smaller networks, while software Bridges are typically used for larger networks.
Difference between Router and Bridge
Router and Bridge are two types of computer networking devices that perform very different functions. A router is a device that connects two or more networks and forwards data packets between them. A bridge, on the other hand, is a device that connects two or more network segments within the same network. The router uses network layer protocols to forward data packets while the bridge uses media access control addresses to filter traffic between network segments. The router is used to connect dissimilar networks while a bridge is used to connect similar networks. The router provides better security than the bridge as it can filter traffic based on network layer protocol while Bridge can only filter traffic based on MAC addresses. The router can route traffic based on the destination IP address while the bridge cannot route traffic based on the IP address. The router is more expensive than a bridge.
Conclusion
Although the terms router and bridge are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two. A router forwards packets of data to their intended destination, while a bridge connects separate networks together. When choosing which type of networking device will best suit your needs, it’s important to understand the function of each and how they can be used in conjunction with one another.
