Last Updated : 04 Sep, 2024
Switches and bridges are devices used to connect multiple devices within a network. Both devices are the network connectivity devices used to connect different segments of a network. Switches and bridges works at different layers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and operates to manage data traffic efficiently, reduce network congestion, and improve overall performance. In this article we will see difference between switch and bridge.
What is Switch?
A switch is basically a hardware or a device which is responsible for channeling the data that is coming into the various input ports to a particular output port which will further take the data to the desired destination. It is thus mainly used for the transfer of the data packets among various network devices such as routers, servers etc.It is actually a data link layer device (layer 2 device) which ensures that the data packets being forwarded are error free and accurate. The switch makes the use of the MAC address in order to forward the data to the data link layer. Since the switch inputs the data from multiple ports thus it is also called multiport bridge.
What is Bridge?
A bridge is basically a device which is responsible for dividing a single network into various network segments. Thus the process of dividing a single network into various multiple network segments is called as network bridging. Every network segment thus represents a separate collision domain where each domain has a different bandwidth. The performance of the network can be improved by using a bridge as the number of collisions occurring on the network get reduced. The bridge takes the decision that the incoming network traffic has to be forwarded or filtered. Bridge is also responsible for maintaining the MAC (media access control) address table.
Difference between Switch and Bridge
| Switch | Bridge |
|---|
| A device which is responsible for channeling the data that is coming into the various input ports to a particular output port which will further take the data to the desired destination. | A device which is responsible for dividing a single network into various network segments. |
| A switch can have a lot of ports. | A bridge can have 2 or 4 ports only. |
| The switch performs the packet forwarding by using hardwares such as ASICS hence, it is hardware based. | The bridge performs the packet forwarding by using softwares so it is software based. |
| The switching method in case of a switch can thus be store, forward, fragment free or cut through. | The switching method in case of a bridge is store and forward. |
| The task of error checking is performed by a switch. | A bridge cannot perform the error checking. |
| A switch has buffers. | A bridge may not have a buffer. |
Conclusion
Both switches and bridges serve the fundamental purpose of connecting devices within networks, they differ significantly in terms of performance, capabilities, and suitable applications. Bridges are simpler devices suitable for connecting smaller network segments, offering basic data forwarding and collision management. Switches, on the other hand, provide high-speed, efficient connectivity with advanced features that support complex and high-demand network environments. Choosing between a switch and a bridge depends on the specific requirements of the network, including scale, performance needs, and desired management capabilities. These differences ensures the selection of the appropriate device to optimize network performance and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions on Switch and Bridge – FAQ’s
Can a switch replace a bridge in a network?
The working of bridge is used to link two network segments, whereas switches can be used in those segments to link multiple devices and handle data traffic effectively.
How do Layer 2 switches separate from Layer 3 switches?
A Layer 2 implements on the Data Link Layer and transmits data based on MAC addresses. And second switch that is a Layer 3 switch operates at both the Data Link Layer and the Network Layer, enabling it to route traffic between different IP subnets, effectively combining the functionality of a switch and a router.
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FAQs
A switch can have a lot of ports. A bridge can have 2 or 4 ports only. The switch performs the packet forwarding by using hardwares such as ASICS hence, it is hardware based. The bridge performs the packet forwarding by using softwares so it is software based.
What is the difference between a bridge and a switch? ›
A network bridge connects two local area networks. A network switch, on the other hand, connects multiple clients to a network. Learn more about these two network components. Network bridges and switches are distinctly different, serving separate functions.
Which characteristic of a bridge distinguish it from a switch? ›
Which characteristics of a bridge distinguish it from a switch? Switches connect host systems together, Bridges connect network segments. Bridges can connect dissimilar types of media.
What is the difference between a switch and a transparent bridge? ›
As opposed to switches, transparent bridges were software-based devices and did not perform the switching using specialized circuitry independent of CPU like switches do. Usually, transparent bridges were simple computers with multiple network cards, running specialized software that performed bridging functions.
What is the difference between bridge and router? ›
Routers and bridges differ in several ways. First, routers can connect different networks, while bridges can only connect segments of the same network. Second, routers use logical addresses, while bridges use physical addresses. Third, routers can handle different network protocols, while bridges can only handle one.
What is the main difference between a standard switch and a bridge Quizlet? ›
The main difference between a switch and a bridge is that the switch typically connects multiple stations individually, thereby segmenting a LAN into multiple collision domains.
What is the difference between a bridge and a switch in PCI Express? ›
PCI Express switches provide the switching capacity for the entire PCI Express network. PCI Express bridges provide con- nectivity between PCI Express and a different interconnect protocol.
What is the only hardware feature which makes the difference between a switch and a bridge? ›
Difference between Switch and Bridge
| Switch | Bridge |
|---|
| A switch can have a lot of ports. | A bridge can have 2 or 4 ports only. |
| The switch performs the packet forwarding by using hardwares such as ASICS hence, it is hardware based. | The bridge performs the packet forwarding by using softwares so it is software based. |
4 more rowsSep 5, 2024
In a sense, bridges can be viewed as "lower-level routers" (routers operate at the network layer and forward based on network addresses such as IP addresses). What is a switch? Switches are the primary networking devices used for connecting devices in a network.
Is bridge mode like a switch? ›
A bridge is a simpler device as compared to a network switch, and while there is some overlap in their functionality, they serve different purposes.
Why and When to Use Switch? Switches are more efficient than hubs, as they are better suited for connecting individual devices rather than connecting networks. It is designed to be an address-based connection, as they use the source and destination address for data transmission.
Do switches have higher port densities than bridges? ›
Although the basic functionality of a switch is similar to that of a bridge, switches work at much higher speeds and have more functionality as compared to bridges. They will have higher port densities; typical access layer LAN switches include 28 to 48 ports.
How do switches and bridges learn? ›
Bridges and switches learn addresses by copying the MAC address of the source device and placing it into the MAC address table. The port number that the frame entered is also recorded in the table and associated with the source MAC address.
Can bridge connect two different networks? ›
Bridging is distinct from routing. Routing allows multiple networks to communicate independently and yet remain separate, whereas bridging connects two separate networks as if they were a single network. In the OSI model, bridging is performed in the data link layer (layer 2).
When to use bridge? ›
Uses of Bridge in Computer Network
Used to broadcast the data even if the MAC address or destination address is unavailable. It forwards data packets despite faulty nodes. The data packet can be forwarded or discarded by the bridge when the MAC address is available.
Can a bridge be connected to a router? ›
Here's how to do it. Place the wireless bridge within range of your wireless router's signal, and also within a cable's length of your wired devices. If your router supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, or WPS, setup is easy. Simply press the WPS buttons on your bridge and router to link them wirelessly.
Is bridge mode same as switch? ›
The working of bridge is used to link two network segments, whereas switches can be used in those segments to link multiple devices and handle data traffic effectively.
What is the main purpose of bridge? ›
A bridge is a structure built to span a physical obstacle (such as a body of water, valley, road, or railway) without blocking the path underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, which is usually something that is otherwise difficult or impossible to cross.
Why use a switch instead of a router? ›
In practice, what this means is that routers are necessary for an Internet connection, while switches are only used for interconnecting devices. Homes and small offices need routers for Internet access, but most do not need a network switch, unless they require a large amount of Ethernet* ports.
