Bridges extendlocal area networksto cover a larger physical area than the LAN can reach.
Bridges are similar to but more intelligent than simple repeaters, which also extend signal range.
Bridge devices operate at the data-link layer of theOSI model.
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Each is designed for a specific kind of networking.
Wireless Bridging
Bridging is popular onWi-Ficomputer networks.
Two access points that support wireless bridging mode work as a pair.
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Bridging mode is activated on an access point through an administrative setting or a physical switch on the unit.
Not all access points support wireless bridging mode.
Consult the manufacturer’s documentation to determine whether a model supports this feature.
Bridges vs. Repeaters
Bridges andnetwork repeatersshare a similar physical appearance.
Sometimes, a single unit performs both functions.
Unlike bridges, however, repeaters do not perform any traffic filtering and do not join two networks together.
Instead, repeaters pass along the traffic they receive.
Repeaters serve primarily to regenerate traffic signals so that a single web link can reach a long physical distance.
Bridges vs. Switches and Routers
In wired computer networks, bridges serve a similar function asnetwork switches.
Switches are sometimes called multiport bridges for this reason.
Bridges lack the intelligence of web link routers.
