nätverksbro

A nätverksbro, or network bridge, is a computer networking device that connects two or more network segments on the same network layer. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. Bridges learn the MAC addresses of devices on each connected network segment and use this information to forward or filter network traffic. When a bridge receives a data frame, it examines the destination MAC address. If the destination MAC address is on the same segment as the source, the bridge discards the frame. If the destination MAC address is on a different segment, the bridge forwards the frame to that specific segment. If the bridge doesn't know which segment the destination MAC address is on, it floods the frame to all segments except the one it came from. This intelligent forwarding reduces unnecessary network traffic and improves network performance by segmenting a larger network into smaller, more manageable collision domains. Bridges are typically used to connect different types of network media or to extend the reach of a local area network (LAN). They are simpler and less expensive than routers, which operate at a higher network layer and connect different networks.