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Use a Bridge to Expand Your Local Network

Pair two local area networks to work as a single network

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 25, 2021 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless A network bridge joins two separate computer networks. The network bridge enables communication between the two networks and provides a way for them to work as a single network. Bridges extend local area networks to 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.

How Network Bridges Work

Bridge devices inspect incoming network traffic and determine whether to forward or discard the traffic according to its intended destination. An Ethernet bridge, for example, inspects each incoming Ethernet frame including the source and destination MAC addresses — and sometimes the frame size — when it processes individual forwarding decisions. Bridge devices operate at the data-link layer of the OSI model. Gorivero/CC-BY-SA-3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Types of Network Bridges

Bridge devices support Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi to Ethernet, and Bluetooth to Wi-Fi connections. Each is designed for a specific kind of networking. Wireless bridges support Wi-Fi wireless access points. Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridges allow connections to Ethernet clients and interface them to a local Wi-Fi network, which is useful for older network devices that lack Wi-Fi capability. A Bluetooth to Wi-Fi bridge supports connections with Bluetooth mobile devices in homes and offices.

Wireless Bridging

Bridging is popular on Wi-Fi computer networks. On a Wi-Fi network, wireless bridging requires that access points communicate with each other in a special mode that supports the traffic that flows between them. Jummie/Getty Images Two access points that support wireless bridging mode work as a pair. Each continues to support its local network of connected clients while communicating with the other to handle bridging traffic. 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 and network repeaters share 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 network can reach a long physical distance.

Bridges vs Switches and Routers

In wired computer networks, bridges serve a similar function as network switches. Conventionally, wired bridges support one incoming and one outgoing network connection, which is accessible through a hardware port, whereas switches usually offer four or more hardware ports. Switches are sometimes called multiport bridges for this reason. Bridges lack the intelligence of network routers. Bridges do not understand the concept of remote networks and cannot redirect messages to different locations dynamically but instead support only one outside interface. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Ethernet Cables, How They Work and How to Choose the Right One Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network Wi-Fi Wireless Bridging Explained Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network How to Mirror Android to TV (Connect Your Phone Wirelessly) How to Share Internet Access How to Change the Channel on a Wi-Fi Extender The Differences Between Routers, Switches, and Hubs A Short Guide on Networking Fundamentals What Is a LAN (Local Area Network)? What Is a Switch? Computer Networking How to Use an IP Address to Find a MAC Address Understanding Infrastructure Mode in Wireless Networking Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies