A bridge is a network device that connects two or more network segments and filters traffic to reduce collisions and improve performance.
Bridge: A Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) device that connects and filters traffic between two LAN segments based on MAC addresses.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Ports | Typically 2 or more Ethernet ports |
| Layer | Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) |
| Speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps depending on model |
| MAC Table Size | Number of MAC addresses it can store |
| Bridge Types | Transparent, Translational, Source Routing |
| Form Factor | Desktop or embedded in managed switches |
A bridge is a simple, intelligent device used to connect and manage traffic between different LAN segments. Though largely replaced by switches in modern networks, it is still useful in certain small-scale or legacy environments.