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Networking Intermediate

What is Network Bridge?

A device or software that connects two or more network segments at the data link layer, forwarding traffic based on MAC addresses.

Network bridges operate at Layer 2 (Data Link) of the OSI model, forwarding Ethernet frames between segments based on MAC address tables. They learn which devices are on which port by examining source MAC addresses of incoming frames. Bridges extend network reach while filtering traffic — frames destined for the same segment are not forwarded. In virtualization, software bridges (Linux bridge, Open vSwitch) connect virtual machines to physical networks. Docker uses bridge networks by default for container communication. Bridges differ from routers (Layer 3, IP-based forwarding) and switches (modern multi-port bridges with hardware acceleration).

Related Terms

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A technology that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, securing internet traffic.
Network Monitoring
The practice of continuously observing network infrastructure to detect failures, performance degradation, and security threats.
OSI Model
The seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection model that standardizes network communication functions from physical transmission to application protocols.
DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
A protocol that encrypts DNS queries by sending them over HTTPS, preventing eavesdropping and manipulation of DNS traffic.
IP Address
A unique numerical label assigned to each device on a computer network for identification and communication.
VLAN (Virtual LAN)
A logical grouping of network devices that creates separate broadcast domains on the same physical network infrastructure.
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