BHARATI VIDYAPEETH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

KHARGHAR

REPORT ON: BRIDGE NETWORK

Academic Year: 2022-23

Course: Data Communication & Computer Networking
Institute Code: 0027
Semester: 4

Under the Guidance of

Prof. Sujata Gawade

Submitted by: Arya Khandagale (8816)

Omkar Chavan (8842)

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Introduction :-

In computer networking, a bridge is a device that connects

two or more network segments together. A bridge network is a
type of network configuration that uses bridges to connect
multiple network segments, allowing communication between
devices on different networks.
A bridge network operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of
the OSI model, and its primary function is to forward network
traffic between different network segments based on the
destination MAC (Media Access Control) address. When a
device sends data to another device on a different network
segment, the bridge network will forward the data to the
appropriate network segment based on the destination MAC
address.
Bridge networks can be used to extend the range of a network,
connect different types of networks together, or to segment a
larger network into smaller, more manageable segments. They
are commonly used in enterprise networks, where multiple
departments or floors of a building may have their own
network segments.
One of the benefits of using a bridge network is that it allows
for more efficient use of network bandwidth, as devices on
different segments can communicate directly with each other
without the need for data to be routed through a central router.
This can improve network performance and reduce latency.
Overall, bridge networks are an important tool in modern
computer networking, allowing for efficient and flexible
communication between different network segments.
Working :-

A bridge network operates by examining the MAC addresses

of data packets as they pass through the network. When a
packet arrives at the bridge, it checks the destination MAC
address to determine which network segment the packet
should be forwarded to.
The bridge maintains a table of MAC addresses, known as a
MAC address table, which it uses to track the location of
devices on the network. When a device sends a packet, the
bridge adds the MAC address of the device to the MAC
address table, along with the network segment it is connected
to.If the destination MAC address is already in the MAC
address table and is on a different network segment than the
source device, the bridge will forward the packet to the
appropriate network segment. If the destination MAC address
is not in the table, the bridge will broadcast the packet to all
network segments except the one it was received on, in order
to find the destination device.
Once the destination device is found, its MAC address is
added to the table and subsequent packets to that device can
be forwarded directly.
Bridge networks can also be used to segment a larger network
into smaller, more manageable segments. This can improve
network performance by reducing the number of devices on
each segment and limiting the amount of traffic that needs to
be forwarded by the bridge.
Types of Bridge Network :-

1. Local Area Network (LAN) Bridge: This is the most

common type of bridge network and is used to connect two or
more LAN segments together. It operates at the data link layer
and forwards data based on MAC addresses.
2. Wireless Bridge: A wireless bridge connects two or more
wireless networks together, allowing devices on each network
to communicate with each other. It uses wireless signals to
transmit data between networks.
3. Virtual LAN (VLAN) Bridge: A VLAN bridge is used to
connect two or more VLANs together, allowing devices on
different VLANs to communicate with each other. It operates
at the data link layer and uses VLAN tags to identify which
VLAN a packet belongs to.
4. Remote Bridge: A remote bridge connects two LAN
segments that are geographically separated from each other
5. Transparent Bridge: A transparent bridge is a type of
bridge network that operates without requiring any
configuration from the user. It automatically forwards data
between different network segments based on MAC
addresses, without any user intervention.
6. Source Route Bridge: A source route bridge is used to
connect two or more networks that use different protocols or
have different addressing schemes.
Bridge Network :-
Advantages :-

1. Improved network performance: By forwarding packets

only to the appropriate network segment, bridge networks
reduce unnecessary traffic on the network and improve overall
network performance.
2. Increased network flexibility: Bridge networks can be used
to connect different types of networks together, allowing for
greater network flexibility and the ability to support a wider
range of devices.
3. Reduced network congestion: By limiting the amount of
broadcast traffic on the network, bridge networks reduce
network congestion and improve the efficiency of data
transmission.
4. Improved network security: Bridge networks can be used to
segment a larger network into smaller, more manageable
segments, which can improve network security by limiting the
potential impact of security breaches or network attacks.
5. Easy to set up and configure: Bridge networks are generally
easy to set up and configure, and do not require a lot of
additional hardware or software.
6. Cost-effective: Bridge networks are often a cost-effective
solution for connecting different network segments together,
as they do not require expensive routing equipment.
Disadvantages:-

1. Limited scalability: Bridge networks may become less

efficient as the number of connected network segments grows.
This can limit their scalability in larger networks.
2. Broadcast storms: If a device on the network generates a
large amount of broadcast traffic, it can create a broadcast
storm that can flood the entire network with unnecessary
traffic.
3. Single point of failure: A bridge network can be a single
point of failure for the entire network. If the bridge fails, all
devices on the network may lose connectivity.
4. Limited support for routing: Bridge networks only forward
data based on MAC addresses, and do not support the
advanced routing capabilities of more sophisticated
networking technologies, such as routers.
5. VLAN configuration complexity: VLAN bridges can be
more complex to configure and manage, especially in larger
networks with multiple VLANs.
6. Higher latency: Bridge networks may introduce additional
latency into the network, as packets must be processed by the
bridge before they can be forwarded to their destination.

Thank You…